Classic European Apple Pie Recipe for a Perfect Dessert

Apple pie is a beloved dessert across Europe, combining tender apples with a buttery, flaky crust. This recipe captures the traditional flavours and offers a comforting treat for family and friends.

Ingredients

• 250 g all-purpose flour
• 125 g unsalted butter, cold and diced
• 50 g caster sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 2–3 tbsp cold water
• 6 medium apples (about 800 g), peeled, cored, and sliced
• 100 g brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp cornflour
• 1 egg, beaten (for glaze)

Steps

1. In a large bowl, rub the cold butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in the caster sugar.
2. Add the egg yolk and cold water a tablespoon at a time, mixing until a dough forms. Wrap in cling film and chill for 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Toss the apple slices with brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornflour in a bowl.
4. Roll out two-thirds of the dough on a floured surface and line a 23 cm pie tin with it. Fill with the apple mixture.
5. Roll out the remaining dough and place it over the apples, sealing the edges. Cut small slits on top to allow steam to escape.
6. Brush the top crust with beaten egg and bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes, until golden brown and bubbling.
7. Allow to cool slightly before serving, optionally with cream or custard.

Tips

• Use tart apples like Bramley or Granny Smith for a balanced sweet-tart flavour.
• Ensure all ingredients for the pastry are cold to achieve a flaky texture.
• If the edges brown too fast, cover them with foil halfway through baking.

Nutrition (approx)

Calories: 320 per serving | Protein: 3g | Carbohydrates: 55g | Fat: 10g