| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 50 mins – 60 mins | Difficulty: Moderate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 450 | 20g | 10g | 65g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 38g | 4g | 4g | 0.6g |
A Slice of Comfort
There’s something extraordinarily comforting about a slice of homemade apple pie, especially one like the Classic Apple Pie with a Nutmeg Twist. Growing up in Texas, comfort food had a way of bringing family and friends together, and apple pie was a staple on the table during gatherings. While many folks have their traditional takes, I love adding a hint of nutmeg to give this classic dish a modern twist. This minor addition doesn’t just elevate the taste—it transforms it.
Picture this: the aroma of warm spices wafting through the kitchen, mingling with the sweetness of baked apples. It’s a scent that has always felt like home to me. Fall might be the quintessential time for apple pie, but honestly, this Classic Apple Pie with a Nutmeg Twist is perfect for any season.
Health Benefits
Besides its comforting appeal, this pie has its own set of health benefits, mainly stemming from its star ingredient: apples. Apples are rich in dietary fiber, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy digestive system. They’re also packed with essential vitamins like Vitamin C and key antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and support heart health.
By combining the tartness of Granny Smith apples with the sweetness of Honeycrisp, you get a balance of flavors that also provides a mix of different nutrients. The spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of allspice—not only enhance the taste but also come with their individual health benefits. Cinnamon is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, while nutmeg can aid digestion and improve sleep.
Perfect Pairings
When it comes to serving this delightful pie, it pairs exceptionally well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, you might try it with a drizzle of caramel sauce. For a complete meal, consider serving it after a hearty main dish like roasted chicken or a savory pot roast.
This Classic Apple Pie with a Nutmeg Twist is also reminiscent of other fruit-based desserts like peach cobbler or berry crumble. If you love the texture of baked fruit combined with a flaky crust, these dishes are worth exploring as well.
It’s fascinating how a simple tweak in spices can make a beloved recipe feel new and exciting. This pie not only holds a special place in my heart for its nostalgic value but also for its deliciously modern twist that my family and friends have come to love. I hope you and your loved ones find as much joy in this recipe as we do.
For further reading on the benefits of apples and the spices used in this recipe, check out these health benefits of apples and advantages of herbs and spices.
What You’ll Need
- 2 1/2 pounds apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 package (14 oz) refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for topping)
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a rack in the lower third of the oven.
Step Two
In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice. Add the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground allspice, and salt. Mix well until the apples are evenly coated with the sugar-spice mixture.
Step Three
Unroll one of the refrigerated pie crusts and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Press it gently into the dish’s bottom and sides. Leave any overhanging dough intact.
Step Four
Transfer the apple filling into the pie crust. Dot the filling with small pieces of unsalted butter, distributing them evenly over the apples.
Step Five
Unroll the second pie crust and place it over the apple filling. Trim any excess dough hanging off the edges. Press the edges of the top and bottom crusts together to seal, then crimp the edges decoratively.
Step Six
Brush the beaten egg over the top crust to give it a golden finish. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar for added sweetness and texture.
Step Seven
Cut a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
Step Eight
Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Step Nine
Let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the filling to set. Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!
