The Magic Italian Apple Pie Recipe: A Sweet Twist on Classic

Nestled in the heart of italian culinary traditions, this apple pie brings a delightful twist to classic desserts.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this sweet masterpiece.

Crisp autumn apples dance with delicate spices, creating a symphony of flavors.

Warm cinnamon and fragrant nutmeg whisper stories of countryside kitchens.

Flaky pastry embraces tender fruit slices in a comforting hug.

Memories of grandmother’s kitchen come flooding back with each bite.

You’ll want to savor every single crumb of this irresistible treat.

Why Italian Apple Pie Melts In Your Mouth

• Craft Culinary Masterpiece: Transform basic ingredients into an extraordinary Italian apple pie that impresses everyone at the table with minimal professional cooking skills.
• Customize with Creativity: Experiment with different apple varieties, spice combinations, or create decorative lattice patterns to make the pie uniquely yours, turning baking into a fun personal adventure.
• Simple Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual dessert nights, this recipe guarantees smiles and second helpings from both kids and adults who love classic comfort food.
• Stress-Free Baking: Requires only standard kitchen tools and basic ingredients, making it accessible for bakers of all experience levels who want to create a delicious homemade dessert without complicated techniques.

What Goes In Italian Apple Pie

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the pie crust that provides structure and texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the pie crust.
• Cold Butter: Creates flaky layers and adds rich, buttery taste to the crust.
• Ice Water: Helps bind the dough together without developing too much gluten.

• Apples: The star ingredient that provides a sweet and slightly tart base for the pie.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps caramelize the apple filling.
• Cinnamon: Brings warm, aromatic spice to complement the apples.
• Lemon Juice: Prevents apple browning and adds a bright, tangy note.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the filling and creates a smooth, glossy texture.

• Egg, Raw Sugar, Nutmeg: Create a golden, glistening crust with a touch of warmth and sweetness.

Steps To Bake Italian Apple Pie The Easy Way

Step 1: Craft the Pie Dough

In a spacious mixing bowl, sift flour and salt together, creating a fluffy base. Chop cold butter into tiny cubes and work them into the flour using your fingertips or a pastry cutter until the mixture looks like rough breadcrumbs.

Slowly add ice water, gently mixing until the dough comes together in a soft ball.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough into two equal portions.

Shape each into a flat disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for an hour to let the gluten relax and flavors develop.

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling

Peel and core the apples, slicing them into delicate, even wedges.

• Sugar
• Cinnamon
• Lemon juice
• Cornstarch

Toss thoroughly to coat the apples and prevent browning.

Step 4: Preheat and Prepare

Fire up the oven to 375°F.

Grab a 9-inch pie dish and set it nearby.

Step 5: Roll Out the Bottom Crust

On a flour-dusted surface, roll out one dough disc into a circle large enough to generously line the pie dish with a bit of overhang.

Step 6: Line the Pie Dish

Carefully transfer the rolled dough to the pie dish, pressing it gently into the corners and edges.

Step 7: Fill with Apple Goodness

Pour the seasoned apple mixture into the crust, spreading it evenly and creating a slight mound in the center.

Step 8: Create the Top Crust

Roll out the second dough disc. Top the pie either with a full crust or create a beautiful lattice pattern.

Step 9: Seal and Decorate

Trim the edges and crimp them together, creating a beautiful border that seals in all the delicious filling.

Step 10: Add the Golden Touch

Whisk an egg and brush it generously over the top crust.

Sprinkle raw sugar and a pinch of nutmeg for a stunning, crispy finish.

Step 11: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pie into the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes.

Look for a golden-brown crust and bubbling filling around the edges.

Step 12: Cool and Serve

Let the pie rest for 30 minutes before serving.

This allows the filling to set and the flavors to mingle into pure deliciousness.

Tips To Make Italian Apple Pie Perfect Every Time

• Chill the dough thoroughly to achieve a flaky, tender crust that melts in your mouth.
• Use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a balanced flavor profile.
• Prevent a soggy bottom by preheating a baking sheet and placing the pie dish directly on the hot surface.
• Protect the pie edges with aluminum foil if browning too quickly during baking.
• Let the pie rest completely before slicing to allow the filling to set and maintain a perfect texture.

Try These Variations On Italian Apple Pie

• Rustic Tuscan Apple Galette: Free-form open-faced pie with roughly folded edges, using regional Italian herbs like rosemary and thyme mixed into the apple filling.
• Mediterranean Citrus Apple Pie: Incorporate orange zest and limoncello into the apple mixture, adding a bright, zesty flavor profile typical of southern Italian cuisine.
• Almond Crunch Apple Crostata: Replace traditional top crust with crushed amaretto cookies and sliced almonds, creating a crunchy textural element reminiscent of Northern Italian desserts.
• Sicilian Spiced Apple Pie: Blend ground pistachios into the crust, add marsala wine to the apple filling, and garnish with candied orange peel for a rich, complex flavor experience.

What Goes Best With Italian Apple Pie

• Pair with Sweet Dessert Wine: Select a chilled Moscato d'Asti or Sauternes to complement the pie's warm spices and apple sweetness, creating a luxurious flavor harmony.
• Serve with Vanilla Bean Gelato: Scoop creamy, rich vanilla gelato alongside the warm pie slice, letting the cold, smooth texture contrast beautifully with the crisp, spiced pastry.
• Match with Cinnamon-Spiced Coffee: Brew a strong espresso or cappuccino with a dash of ground cinnamon, enhancing the pie's warm notes and providing a sophisticated Italian-style finish.
• Create a Caramel Drizzle Experience: Warm homemade caramel sauce and delicately pour over the pie slice, adding depth and richness that elevates the dessert's already decadent profile.

Keep Italian Apple Pie Fresh And Delicious

• Refrigerator Storage: Wrap the cooled pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator's main compartment.
• Room Temperature Storage: Keep the pie covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, ensuring it stays in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Freezer Storage: Seal the entire pie or individual slices in freezer-safe containers or wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, preserving for up to 3 months.
• Reheating Methods: Warm refrigerated or frozen pie slices in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, restoring the crispy crust and bringing back the delightful warm flavors.

FAQs For Italian Apple Pie Lovers

• Is Italian apple pie different from American apple pie?

The Italian version often uses less sugar, focuses on the natural apple flavor, and incorporates more butter in the crust for a richer, more delicate texture.

• What type of apples work best for this recipe?

Firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal, as they maintain their shape and provide a balanced flavor during baking.

• Can I make the pie dough in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 2 days ahead and store it wrapped in the refrigerator, which actually helps develop better flavor and texture.

• How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?

Sprinkle a thin layer of ground almonds or breadcrumbs on the bottom crust before adding the apple filling to absorb excess moisture and keep the crust crisp.

Italian Apple Pie Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30-50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Grandma’s traditional Italian Apple Pie blends rustic charm with sweet nostalgia, offering a delightful journey through generations of family cooking. Warm cinnamon and tender apples nestled in a buttery crust invite you to savor a slice of culinary heritage with each comforting bite.

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Ingredients

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Pie Crust Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups (300 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (225 grams) cold unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) ice water

Filling Ingredients:

• 6 large apples
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Topping Ingredients:

• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons raw sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

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Instructions

1. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine flour and salt, creating a uniform base for the pastry dough.
2. Add chilled butter cubes to the flour mixture, working quickly with fingertips or a pastry blender until the texture resembles coarse meal.
3. Introduce ice water gradually, mixing gently until the dough coheres into a malleable ball without overworking.
4. Separate the dough into two equal portions, flatten into discs, and refrigerate for 1 hour to relax the gluten and enhance texture.
5. Prepare apples by peeling, coring, and slicing into thin, consistent wedges to promote even cooking and aesthetic appeal.
6. Combine apple slices with sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch, ensuring thorough coating to prevent oxidation and develop complex flavors.
7. Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and position a rack in the lower third of the oven.
8. On a generously floured surface, roll out one dough disc into a circular shape large enough to generously line the pie dish.
9. Carefully transfer the dough to the pie dish, pressing gently into corners and allowing slight overhang for crimping.
10. Spread the seasoned apple mixture evenly across the crust, creating a slight central mound for visual and textural interest.
11. Roll the second dough disc and cover the pie, either as a solid top crust or in an intricate lattice pattern.
12. Trim excess dough and crimp the edges decoratively to seal and create an elegant border.
13. Whisk the egg and meticulously brush the entire top crust for a rich, golden finish.
14. Dust the surface with raw sugar and a whisper of nutmeg to enhance visual and flavor complexity.
15. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the crust achieves a deep golden hue and the filling bubbles tantalizingly around the edges.
16. Rest the pie for 30 minutes, allowing the filling to set and flavors to harmonize before serving.

Notes

• Use cold butter straight from the refrigerator to achieve a flaky, tender crust that crumbles perfectly in your mouth.
• Experiment with different apple varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Golden Delicious for varied sweetness and texture levels.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular flour with almond or coconut flour, ensuring the same delectable taste and texture.
• Enhance the flavor profile by adding a splash of bourbon or vanilla extract to the apple filling for a more complex, sophisticated dessert.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg