| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 45 mins – 60 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 396 | 15g | 9g | 61g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 38g | 3g | 4g | 0.4g |
There’s something strange and beautiful about an old favorite, like apple pie, getting a new twist. Such is the case with my Indonesian Cinnamon Apple Pie. Drawing inspiration from the aromatic spices and unique flavors of Indonesia, this pie is a wonderful symphony of the familiar and the exotic. Ground cinnamon, a common natural flavor in both American pies and Indonesian dishes, serves as the connective link, bridging the culinary traditions of the two countries.
Tastes of Indonesia and Memories of Montana
I collect flavor inspirations from all corners of the world, but my Montana roots inevitably find their way into my recipes. This Indonesian Cinnamon Apple Pie is a testament to this. With the recipe’s focus on fresh, wholesome apples—a staple of many rural Montana households—I’ve found that it helps to connect my adventurous palate to the tastes of my childhood. Indigenous to East and Southeast Asia, cinnamon gives the traditional apple pie an Indonesian twist, making this recipe an indulgent tribute to two worlds I profoundly appreciate.
A Health Hitch: The Goodness of Apples and Cinnamon
Not merely an innovation in flavor, this pie also packs in numerous health benefits. Apples are famously healthy, supplying ample fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants that help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases (source). Meanwhile, cinnamon also brings a lot to the table. It’s known to be rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties that could promote heart health (source). A union of these elements makes this dessert a guilt-free treat, combining the goodness of natural produce and flavors.
Perfect Pairing: Accompanying Dishes
While this Indonesian Cinnamon Apple Pie can stand alone as a delightful dessert, it also beautifully complements various dishes. For example, it pairs excellently with classics like roast chicken or pork tenderloin. If you want to lean into the Indonesian theme, consider serving it after a meal of nasi goreng (Indonesian fried rice) or satay (skewered and grilled meat). Whichever way you choose to enjoy it, this pie is sure to transport you to a world of flavor delicately balanced between the familiar and the foreign.
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 cups of white sugar
- 0.5 cup of butter
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons of cold water
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 4 cups of sliced, cored and peeled apples
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons of white sugar
- Pie crust (2 pieces)
Method
Step One
For this first step, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9-inch deep dish pie plate or line it with parchment paper.
Step Two
In a large bowl, cream together the 1.5 cups of sugar and 0.5 cup of butter until light and fluffy. Beat in 2 eggs, one at a time, fully incorporating each egg before adding the next. Stir in the 2 tablespoons of cold water and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Combine the 2 cups of flour, baking powder and salt; stir into the batter just until blended. Fold in the 4 cups of apples and spread evenly into prepared pie plate.
Step Three
In a small bowl, combine the teaspoon of cinnamon and 2 tablespoons of white sugar; sprinkle over the apple mixture. Place your pie crust over top of the apples. There should be enough dough to crimp the edges.
Step Four
Finally, place your pie in the previously heated oven. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 to 60 minutes, or until the crust has browned and the apple filling is bubbling. Set aside to cool before serving. Enjoy your homemade Indonesian Cinnamon Apple Pie!
