When it comes to desserts that evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth, apple pie sits high on the list of favorites. There’s just something magical about the combination of soft, tender apples paired with the warm spices of cinnamon and the subtle hint of vanilla. This recipe, fondly known as the “Famous Apple Pie That Melts in Your Mouth,” is celebrated for its simplicity, ease of preparation, and its incredible melt-in-your-mouth texture. The best part? You likely already have most of the ingredients sitting in your pantry or refrigerator.
Let’s dive into this unforgettable recipe that will surely become your go-to for family dinners, celebrations, or whenever you’re in need of a comforting, homemade treat.
What Makes This Apple Pie So Special?
This apple pie stands out because of its simplicity. Unlike traditional apple pies that require rolling out pastry dough or assembling a pie crust, this recipe uses a batter that creates a soft, cake-like base. It’s a refreshing twist on the classic dessert, delivering the same comforting flavors without the added effort.
The diced apples are left unpeeled, which not only adds a rustic texture but also enhances the nutritional value of the dish. Meanwhile, the combination of cinnamon, lemon zest, and vanilla extract infuses the batter with layers of flavor that complement the natural sweetness of the apples.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the ingredients required to make this delightful pie:
4 Apples (500 g): Choose firm, slightly tart apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. The unpeeled apples give the pie added texture and fiber.
3 Large Eggs: Eggs provide structure and help bind the ingredients together.
180 ml Milk: Adds moisture and ensures the batter is light and fluffy.
150 g Cane Sugar: Provides a gentle sweetness that balances the tartness of the apples.
A Pinch of Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
300 g Flour: All-purpose flour works best, creating the perfect base for this pie.
80 ml Seed Oil: A neutral oil such as sunflower or canola oil is ideal. It keeps the batter moist without overpowering the flavors.
10 g Baking Powder: Ensures the pie rises beautifully and creates a tender crumb.
1/2 Teaspoon Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth, enhancing the apple flavor.
1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Provides a rich, aromatic touch.
Zest of 1 Lemon: Brightens the flavor and complements the apples beautifully.
Step-by-Step Directions
Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a round or square baking pan to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Apples
Chop the apples into small dice, leaving the skins on for texture and flavor. Set the apples aside while you prepare the batter.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and cane sugar until the mixture is smooth. Add the pinch of salt, vanilla extract, and lemon zest, ensuring all the wet ingredients are well combined.
Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense pie.
Add the Oil
Slowly pour the seed oil into the batter, mixing until it is fully incorporated. This step ensures the pie remains moist and tender.
Fold in the Apples
Gently fold in the diced apples, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. The batter will be thick, but this is what gives the pie its dense, cake-like texture.
Bake the Pie
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve
Allow the pie to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice into generous portions and serve warm or at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions
This apple pie is versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:
Classic Style: Enjoy a slice as is, accompanied by a hot cup of coffee or tea.
With Ice Cream: Add a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Drizzled with Sauce: A drizzle of caramel or butterscotch sauce takes this pie to the next level.
Topped with Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a luxurious touch.
Tips for the Perfect Apple Pie
Choosing the Apples: Use a mix of tart and sweet apple varieties for a more complex flavor profile. Avoid overly soft apples as they may become mushy during baking.
Even Dicing: Chop the apples into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and texture.
Don’t Skip the Zest: The lemon zest enhances the overall flavor and provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the pie.
Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing the batter can result in a tough texture. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Make-Ahead and Storage Options
Make Ahead: This pie can be made a day in advance and stored at room temperature. Simply cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven before serving.
Why Everyone Loves This Recipe
Simple Ingredients: There’s no need to hunt for fancy or hard-to-find ingredients. Everything you need is likely already in your pantry or fridge.
Quick Prep Time: With just 15 minutes of preparation, this recipe is ideal for busy schedules.
Universal Appeal: The warm, comforting flavors of apple and cinnamon make this a hit with both kids and adults.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the flavors or add ingredients like nuts, raisins, or dried cranberries to make it your own.
No Special Equipment: All you need is a mixing bowl and a baking pan – no pie crust or rolling pins required!
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 8 servings):
Calories: 220
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Protein: 4 g
Fat: 6 g
Fiber: 3 g
Conclusion
The “Famous Apple Pie That Melts in Your Mouth” is the epitome of a crowd-pleasing dessert. Its simplicity, rich flavor, and tender texture make it a recipe you’ll turn to time and time again. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply treat your family to a warm, homemade dessert, this pie delivers every single time.
So, why wait? Gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to bake a slice of paradise. With each bite, you’ll understand why this recipe has earned its reputation as a true classic. Enjoy!