Aunt Cathie'S Apple Pie
A classic apple pie with a flaky homemade crust, perfect for comforting desserts or family gatherings, showcasing warm apple flavors and a buttery, tender crust.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together the flour, salt, and shortening until crumbly.
- Add cold water gradually and mix until dough forms.
- Divide dough in half, roll out each half into circles.
- Fill with sliced apples and arrange in a pie plate.
- Place the top crust over the filling and seal edges.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flakier crust, consider chilling the shortening before mixing. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute with butter for a richer flavor. Experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for added warmth. If you prefer a sweeter filling, toss the apples with sugar and lemon juice before placing them in the crust.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Aunt Cathie's Apple Pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a comforting dessert. It pairs beautifully with Skillet Maple Apples for a delightful autumn spread. A cup of coffee or tea complements the flavors nicely, making it perfect for an afternoon treat or holiday gathering.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to three days. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This helps restore the crust's crispness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Cathie'S Apple Pie contains roughly 950 calories, with 4g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 90g fat. It is a good source of iron (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 486mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of apple for this pie?
Yes, you can use a variety of apples to suit your taste. Tart apples like Granny Smith work well, while sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp add a lovely sweetness. Mixing different types can also enhance the flavor profile of the pie.
How can I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
To prevent a soggy bottom crust, pre-bake it for 10 minutes before adding the apple filling. Additionally, you can sprinkle a thin layer of flour or cornstarch on the crust before adding the apples, which helps absorb excess moisture during baking.
Can I make the pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pie and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours. Just cover it with plastic wrap. Alternatively, you can bake it ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Reheat as needed for a freshly baked taste.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).