Canadian Apple Pie, like its American counterpart, is a beloved classic that’s perfect for celebrating the bountiful apple harvest in Canada. This recipe combines sweet and tart apples with warm spices and a flaky crust, creating a delicious dessert that’s perfect with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Ingredients:
For the Pie Crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 6-8 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling:
- 6-7 cups of mixed apples (such as Granny Smith, McIntosh, and Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
For the Topping:
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- A pinch of ground cinnamon
Instructions:
For the Pie Crust:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and work it into the flour using a pastry cutter or your fingers. The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs.
2. Add Ice Water:
- Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix the dough until it just comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough. You should be able to form it into a ball.
3. Divide and Chill:
- Divide the dough in half, form each half into a disc, and wrap them in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
For the Filling:
4. Preheat and Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a baking sheet on the lowest oven rack to catch any drips.
5. Combine Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice. Toss to coat the apples evenly.
6. Roll Out Dough:
- Roll out one disc of the chilled pie crust on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Transfer the crust to the pie dish.
7. Fill the Pie:
- Pour the apple mixture into the pie crust and distribute it evenly. Dot the apples with cubed butter.
8. Top the Pie:
- Roll out the second disc of pie crust and place it over the apples. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal the pie.
9. Vent and Brush:
- Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. In a small bowl, beat the egg to make an egg wash. Brush the top crust with the egg wash.
10. Sprinkle and Bake:
- Combine a tablespoon of granulated sugar with a pinch of ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top crust.
11. Bake:
- Place the pie on the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown, and the filling is bubbling.
12. Cool and Serve:
- Allow the pie to cool before serving. Enjoy a slice of this Canadian Apple Pie on its own or with your choice of topping, such as vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Canadian Apple Pie is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of autumn. With its flaky crust, flavorful apple filling, and the warm aroma of spices, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed on a crisp fall day or as a comforting treat throughout the year, this classic pie is a Canadian favorite.
