Aunt Deb'S Brown Paper Bag Apple Pie
A nostalgic apple pie baked in a brown paper bag, offering a moist, tender crust with sweet, spiced apple filling—perfect for cozy family gatherings or casual desserts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Peel and slice the apples.
- In a bowl, combine sugar, salt, cinnamon, and flour.
- Add the sliced apples to the dry mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Line the pie shell with the apple mixture.
- Place the filled pie shell inside a brown paper bag, folding the top over to seal.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the crust is golden.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best flavor, use a mix of tart and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. If you're out of margarine, unsalted butter can be used as a substitute. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of lemon juice to the apple mixture. Additionally, if you prefer a thicker filling, increase the flour to 3/4 cup.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful contrast. This pie pairs beautifully with Garlic-Sauteed Broccoli for a savory side dish, balancing the sweetness of the dessert. For a festive touch, consider drizzling caramel sauce over the top before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator, tightly covered to prevent it from drying out. It can be kept for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, ensuring the crust remains crisp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Deb'S Brown Paper Bag Apple Pie contains roughly 424 calories, with 6g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (69% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1363mg per serving (59% 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 store-bought pie filling instead of fresh apples?
While using store-bought pie filling can save time, it may not provide the same fresh taste as using fresh, sliced apples. If you choose this option, reduce the sugar in the recipe since pre-made fillings often contain added sugar.
What type of apples are best for apple pie?
The best apples for apple pie are those that hold their shape during baking. A blend of tart and sweet varieties like Granny Smith, Fuji, and Honeycrisp creates a balanced flavor and texture. Avoid using soft apples like Red Delicious, as they tend to become mushy.
Can I make this pie vegan?
Yes, you can make this pie vegan by substituting the margarine with a plant-based butter alternative. Additionally, ensure that the pie shell is made without animal products. Many store-bought options are vegan, or you can make your own using vegan ingredients.
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).