Apple pie is an American classic — it can be found at many family, holiday, or patriotic gatherings throughout the year. It’s a dessert table staple that many of us expect and long for.
And now with fall quickly approaching, what better way to celebrate the new season with a bit of comfort food and share it with friends and family! Surprise your guests with an unexpected phrase crust. All you need are letter cutouts and a little imagination!
Homemade Apple Pie
Yields One 9" pie
Ingredients
Crust:
2 1/2 cups flour
1 stick butter
1/2 cup shortening
Pinch of salt
1/3 cup ice cold water
Filling:
7 cups chopped apples
1/3 cup flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup light brown sugar
2 tsp cinnamon
Pinch of salt
2 tbsp melted butter
1 egg
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Begin by combining all the required crust ingredients, excluding the water, into a large bowl. Use your fingers to “rub” and combine the mixture until it resembles fine bread crumbs. Add the water and mold the dough into two balls. Place one ball between two pieces of wax paper and roll it flat into a circle a bit larger than 9″ in diameter. Remove the top piece of wax paper and carefully transfer the dough into the bottom of the pie pan. Place the pan and the remaining ball of dough into the fridge to cool while you prepare the filling.
Wash and chop 7-8 medium sized apples and transfer to a large bowl. Top apples with the required filling ingredients, less the egg, and use a large spoon to mix well until combined. Pour the pie filling into the pie pan and use a spoon to level the surface.
Roll out the remaining dough ball into a circle a bit larger than 9″ in diameter. Use letter cookie cutters, or even letter refrigerator magnets like I did, to cut out your phrase. If you’re using magnets, you may need to use a knife to better shape the letters. Be sure your message is backwards, as you will be flipping this dough over the pie.
Carefully transfer the dough on top of the apple mixture. Adjust the letters as needed and create a crust design. Whisk the egg with a splash of water and brush the wash across the entire pie.
Sprinkle with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the pie to cover with foil to prevent burning and bake for an additional 15 minutes. Once baked, remove from the oven and share a slice with family and friends!