Shells Apple Pie

Prep: 20 min Cuisine: American

Shells Apple Pie features a flaky homemade pastry filled with sweet, tender apples, perfect for cozy family gatherings or a comforting dessert with a homemade touch.

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups self-rising flour
  • 2/3 cup shortening
  • 6 to 7 tablespoons cold water

Instructions

  1. Cut shortening into the self-rising flour until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  2. Gradually add cold water, 3 tablespoons at a time, mixing until the dough is moistened and can be shaped.
  3. Divide the dough in half.
  4. Form each half into a ball, then roll each onto a floured surface to fit your pie pan.

Tips & Substitutions

For a flakier crust, make sure your shortening is very cold before cutting it into the flour. You can substitute butter for shortening if you prefer a richer flavor, but it may alter the texture slightly. If you don't have self-rising flour, you can make your own by adding 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt per cup of all-purpose flour.

Serving Suggestions

These apple pie shells are delightful when filled with your favorite spiced apple filling. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a classic dessert experience. They also pair wonderfully with a glass of Betty'S Punch for a refreshing complement to the sweetness.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover shells in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Shells Apple Pie contains roughly 1290 calories, with 7g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 121g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (18% of the Daily Value), iron (15% of the Daily Value), and protein (14% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

1290 kcal 65% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7.1g 14% DV
Total Fat 121.1g 100% DV
Carbs 48.2g 18% DV
Fiber 5.1g 18% DV
Sugar 0.1g

Electrolytes

Sodium 3.8mg
Potassium 158.3mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Calcium 126mg 10% DV
Iron 2.7mg 15% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Wheat/Gluten

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 make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it thaw in the refrigerator before rolling it out.

What type of apples work best for filling?

For the best flavor and texture, use a mix of tart and sweet apples such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. This combination provides a tasty balance and ensures your pie is not overly sweet.

Can I add spices to the dough?

Absolutely! Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the flour can enhance the flavor profile of your pie crust, making it even more delicious when paired with spiced apple filling.

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).

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