french apple pie recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
french apple pie recipe
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The Best french apple pie recipe

I’ve always been fascinated by the French apple pie recipe, and its rich history. It’s a dish that originated in the countryside of France, where apples were abundant and the local cooks would create this delicious pie to serve at family gatherings and celebrations.

The first time I made this recipe, I was blown away by the flavors and textures – it’s a true masterpiece of French patisserie. The combination of tender apples, flaky pastry, and a hint of cinnamon is simply irresistible.

My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and this recipe is always a hit with them. We make it for special occasions like holidays and birthdays, but also for everyday meals when we need a comforting treat.

One of the things I love about this recipe is that it’s relatively easy to make, even for beginners. The key technique is to use a combination of Granny Smith and Gala apples for the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.

With this recipe, you’ll be able to create a truly authentic French apple pie that will impress your family and friends alike.

French Apple Pie

French Apple Pie

4.5 from 1050 votes

A classic French apple pie with a buttery, flaky crust and a caramelized apple filling. This dessert is perfect for autumn gatherings or any occasion that calls for a comforting, elegant treat.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hour 15 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Crust

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
6-8 tbsp ice water

For the Apple Filling

6 cups peeled and sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

For the Topping

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
1 tbsp coarse sugar (for sprinkling)

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups flour, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tbsp sugar.
2Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or fork to cut it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces.
3Drizzle 6-8 tbsp ice water over the mixture, one tablespoon at a time, and stir gently with a fork until the dough just comes together.
4Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
5Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
6In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, 3/4 cup sugar, 2 tbsp flour, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, and 1 tbsp lemon juice.
7Toss well to coat the apples evenly.
8Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
9On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a 12-inch circle, about 1/8-inch thick.
10Gently transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides.
11Trim any excess dough, leaving a 1-inch overhang, and crimp the edges decoratively.
12Pour the apple filling into the crust, mounding it slightly in the center, and dot the top with the 2 tbsp of butter pieces.
13Roll out the remaining dough scraps to a 10-inch circle and cut into 1/2-inch wide strips.
14Arrange the strips in a lattice pattern over the filling, pressing the ends into the crust edge.
15Brush the lattice and crust edges with the beaten egg wash, then sprinkle the coarse sugar evenly over the top.
16Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
17Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the lattice.
18If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil after 25 minutes.
19Remove from the oven and let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing to allow the filling to set.

🔧Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Pastry cutter or fork
Plastic wrap
Rolling pin
9-inch pie dish
Small bowl
Pastry brush
Baking sheet

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 11g❤️Cholesterol: 65mg🧂Sodium: 320mg🌾Total Carbs: 52g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 28g🥩Protein: 4g

📝Notes

For a richer flavor, use a mix of tart and sweet apples. Let the pie cool completely before slicing to ensure clean pieces.

Watch Video Of How French Apple Pie Works

This French apple pie recipe is a staple in our household, and I’m sure it will be in yours too. It’s perfect for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just need a comforting treat for your family.

The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make, even for beginners. You can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

When you’re ready to serve it again, simply thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About French Apple Pie

1. What type of apples should I use for this recipe?

The best apples for this recipe are a combination of Granny Smith and Gala apples. Granny Smith adds a nice tartness, while Gala provides a sweet and crunchy texture.

2. Can I use other types of sugar instead of granulated sugar?

Yes, you can use other types of sugar like brown sugar or muscovado sugar if you prefer a richer flavor.

3. How do I prevent the pastry from becoming too brown?

To prevent the pastry from becoming too brown, you can brush it with a little bit of milk or beaten egg before baking.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can make the dough ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble and bake the pie on the same day.

5. What’s the ideal temperature for baking this pie?

Bake the pie at 375°F (190°C) for 40-50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.

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