This Maple Apple Pie is a warm and tasty treat that combines sweet apples with a hint of maple syrup. The flaky crust holds everything together, making it perfect for dessert!
There’s something magical about the smell of this pie baking in the oven. I can’t help but sneak bites of the filling while waiting for it to cool. It’s always a family favorite! 🍏🥧
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: A mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples gives the best flavor balance. If these aren’t available, other tart apples like Braeburn or Jonagold work well, too. Just try to avoid using only sweet apples.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup is key for flavor. If you need a substitute due to allergies or lack of availability, you can use honey or an agave syrup, but the flavor will differ slightly.
Butter: I like using cold unsalted butter for pie crust since it helps to create a flaky texture. If you prefer a dairy-free option, you can use a plant-based butter or coconut oil, but keep in mind the flavor will change a bit.
Spices: Ground cinnamon is a must for that warm flavor, and nutmeg adds an extra depth. If you don’t have allspice, just add a bit more cinnamon or leave it out. It will still taste great!
How Do You Achieve a Flaky Pie Crust?
Creating a flaky crust can be tricky, but here are some tips to ensure success:
- Keep your butter cold. This is crucial! The small bits of butter create steam during baking, leading to flakiness.
- Don’t overmix the dough. Mix until combined, but don’t knead it too much. You want some butter chunks left for flakiness.
- Chill the dough before rolling it out. This helps to relax the gluten and keeps the crust tender.
- When adding water, do so gradually. Just add enough until the dough holds together without being sticky.
Following these tips will have you on your way to making a stunning and delicious Maple Apple Pie!
How to Make Maple Apple Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pie Crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 6 to 7 cups peeled, cored, and sliced apples (Granny Smith and Honeycrisp mix recommended)
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Top:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Turbinado sugar or coarse sugar, for sprinkling on top
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes of prep time, followed by 1 hour and 10-15 minutes of baking time. Plus, you’ll want to allow about 2 hours for the pie to cool completely before serving. So, in total, set aside around 3 hours to make and enjoy your Maple Apple Pie!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Pie Crust:
Start by mixing the flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Then add the cold butter cubes. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until you see coarse crumbs with some small butter pieces. This gives your crust that delicious, flaky texture!
Add the ice water a little at a time, starting with 1/4 cup. Mix gently with a fork until the dough starts to hold together. If it’s too dry, add more water just a spoonful at a time.
Once the dough is ready, divide it into two discs, cover with plastic wrap, and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour. You can even leave it for up to 2 days if you’re planning ahead!
2. Making the Filling:
While the crust is chilling, prepare your delicious filling! In a big bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice to keep them fresh. Then mix in maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Gently stir until all the apples are coated. Set this mixture aside; it’ll be perfect once your crust is ready!
3. Assembling the Pie:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out one of your chilled dough discs on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 12 inches wide. Place it in a 9-inch pie dish, letting some dough hang over the edges. Pour your apple filling into the crust, spreading it evenly.
Roll out the second disc of dough. You can cut it into strips to create a charming lattice top or roll it out entirely to cover the filling. If you’re using strips, weave them over the filling and crimp the edges together to seal. No stress—perfection is not the goal, it’s the taste that matters!
Brush the top of your pie with the beaten egg and sprinkle some turbinado sugar over it for a lovely golden finish.
4. Baking the Pie:
Pop your pie into the oven and bake at 400°F for 20 minutes. Then lower the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and keep baking for 40-50 minutes until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling. If the edges start to brown too much, cover them with strips of foil to protect them.
5. Cooling and Serving:
Once your pie is baked to perfection, take it out and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. This allows the filling to thicken up, making it easier to slice. Serve it plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a special treat!
Enjoy your delicious, warmly spiced Maple Apple Pie with that beautiful golden lattice crust—it’s the perfect dessert to share or savor all by yourself! 🍏🥧
Can I Use Different Types of Apples for This Pie?
Absolutely! Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices for their tartness and sweetness. If you can’t find these, you can use Braeburn, Jonagold, or Fuji apples as substitutes. Just avoid overly soft or sweet apples for the best texture and flavor.
How Do I Make the Crust Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the crust and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. If freezing, wrap the dough well in plastic wrap and place it in a zip-top freezer bag. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before use.
What Should I Do If the Filling is Too Watery?
If you notice the filling is too watery, you can add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch to absorb the liquid. Mix it well with the other filling ingredients and allow the apples to sit for a bit longer to release their juices before adding to the pie crust.
How Can I Tell When the Pie is Done Baking?
The pie is done when the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the slits in the crust. If you’re unsure, a food thermometer can help; the filling should reach around 190°F (88°C) for the apples to be adequately cooked.
