| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 50 mins – 60 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 372 | 13g | 4g | 60g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 38g | 3g | 3g | 0.34g |
If you’ve followed my culinary journey for long enough, you might already know how much I value the fusion of traditional Japanese cuisine with the comfort of simple American desserts. The perfect example of this? You’ve guessed it – the Bay Leaf and Cinnamon Spiced Apple Pie. Showcasing my enduring love for unique, seasoned flavors, this pie goes down as a delightful treat at any family gathering. Not to mention, fruit-based dishes like this apple pie are a veritable source of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
The Unforgettable Savor of Bay Leaves and Cinnamon
Much like my carefully crafted sushi rolls, the Bay Leaf and Cinnamon Spiced Apple Pie blends elements from different culinary worlds to create the perfect balance. The fusion of sweet, tart apples with a hint of tart lemon juice, and the layered undertones of cinnamon and nutmeg each bite gives an experience that feels homely, yet exotic. But the real kicker? The addition of fresh bay leaves and cinnamon sticks, which infuse the pie with an earthy, sweet depth that’s simply unforgettable.
Nurturing Health and Palate
Aside from its irresistible flavors, this recipe falls in line with nutrition-focused eating. Apples, the star ingredient of this dish, are not only a significant source of dietary fibers but they also have anti-inflammatory properties that promote better digestion. In addition, the charming mix of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg can help manage blood sugar levels and improve heart health, respectively.
If you enjoy my Bay Leaf and Cinnamon Spiced Apple Pie, I urge you to also try dishes that closely resemble this recipe like apple crisp or classic apple pie. This signature pie can also beautifully complement savory meals like grilled turkey or roast chicken.
Whether you’re rediscovering the joy of baking or simply yearning to try something fresh and healthy, it’s time you rolled up your sleeves and gave this recipe a try. After all, there’s something uniquely satisfying about filling your home with the sweet, warm aroma of a baking pie – isn’t there?
What You’ll Need
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3 fresh bay leaves
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 6 cups thinly sliced peeled apples (preferably a mix of Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, and Fuji)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 package (14.1 ounces) refrigerated pie crust (2 sheets)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar
Method
Step One
In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Stir these together until well mixed.
Step Two
Add fresh bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, and thinly sliced peeled apples to the bowl. Drizzle the lemon juice on top. Toss the apple slices in the mix until they are evenly coated with the spice blend.
Step Three
Roll out one sheet of the refrigerated pie crust and use it to line the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish. Pour the apple filling into the dish over the lined pie crust. Dot the top of the apple filling with small pieces of unsalted butter.
Step Four
Roll out the second sheet of pie crust. Lay it over the apple filling, pressing the edges of the top and bottom crusts together to seal. Trim off any excess crust. You may also wish to crimp the edges of the crust using a fork or your fingers for a more decorative finish. Make several small slits in the top of the pie crust to allow steam to escape while baking.
Step Five
In a small bowl, beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water to make an egg wash. Brush this egg wash over the top of the pie crust. Sprinkle the coarse sugar evenly over the top.
Step Six
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Place your pie in the oven and bake for 50 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling. If the edges of the crust start to darken too quickly, cover them with strips of aluminum foil.
Step Seven
Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool on a rack for at least 2 hours before serving. This will allow the filling to thicken. Serve the Bay Leaf and Cinnamon Spiced Apple Pie warm or at room temperature.
