Description
This German Apple Pie features a tender, buttery crust filled with spiced apples and a smooth custard topping. The combination of crisp apples, warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla-infused custard creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures, baked to golden perfection for a comforting and classic dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Pie Crust
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3-4 tablespoons ice water
Apple Filling
- 6 cups thinly sliced, peeled apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Custard Topping
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Ice Water: Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Form the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Transfer the dough to the pan, trim any excess edges, and refrigerate while preparing the filling to keep it cold.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and lemon juice until the apples are well coated with the spice mixture and ingredients evenly combined.
- Prepare the Custard: In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and flour until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Assemble the Pie: Arrange the seasoned apple mixture evenly in the prepared pie crust, creating an even layer.
- Add Custard Topping: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the apples, making sure it fills all gaps and covers the fruit completely.
- Bake the Pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until the custard is fully set and the crust is golden brown and crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. Serve at room temperature and enjoy this classic German dessert.
Notes
- Use tart apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Chilling the dough before rolling helps create a flaky crust.
- Letting the pie cool fully ensures the custard sets properly and slices cleanly.
- You can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream when serving for an extra indulgence.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
