
Holiday Special Apple Pie: A Festive Treat for Every Celebration
Looking for the perfect dessert to wow your guests this holiday season? This festive apple pie is a timeless classic that combines a buttery, flaky crust with a warm, spiced apple filling. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a cozy family dinner, this apple pie is guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients for Holiday Apple Pie
For the crust:
- 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (230g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 6-8 tablespoons ice water
For the filling:
- 6-7 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional, for a festive touch)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
For the topping:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon sugar or cinnamon sugar (optional)
How to Make Holiday Apple Pie
1. Prepare the Crust
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to combine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Divide the dough in half, shape into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
2. Make the Spiced Apple Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine apple slices with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and lemon juice. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
3. Assemble the Pie
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out one disk of dough on a lightly floured surface and fit it into a 9-inch (23cm) pie dish.
- Pour the spiced apple filling into the crust and dot the top with small pieces of butter.
- Roll out the second disk of dough and place it over the filling. Seal the edges by crimping or pressing with a fork. Cut a few decorative slits in the top crust for ventilation.
4. Add a Festive Touch
- Brush the top crust with beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar or cinnamon sugar for an extra festive look.
5. Bake and Serve
- Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours to let the filling set. Serve warm or at room temperature with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Holidays
- Warm, Spiced Flavor: The addition of nutmeg and cloves gives this pie a festive holiday twist.
- Beautiful Presentation: The golden crust and bubbling filling make it a stunning centerpiece.
- Versatile: Pairs wonderfully with holiday classics like eggnog or spiced cider.
Tips for a Perfect Holiday Pie
- Use a Lattice Crust: For an elegant look, cut the top dough into strips and create a lattice pattern.
- Chill the Dough: Keeping the dough cold ensures a flaky crust.
- Prep Ahead: Make the dough and filling a day in advance to save time on busy holidays.
FAQs About Holiday Apple Pie
1. Can I add other fruits to the filling?
Yes! Pears or cranberries make excellent additions for a festive variation.
2. How do I store leftover pie?
Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
3. Can I make this pie gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for the crust and filling.
Why Your Guests Will Love This Recipe
This holiday apple pie is the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and spiced flavors, all wrapped up in a flaky, buttery crust. It’s an unforgettable dessert that’s sure to become a family tradition.
Celebrate the season with this holiday apple pie, a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Try it out and let us know how it turns out in the comments below. Happy holidays and happy baking!