This Maple Apple Pie is a warm and cozy delight! It features tender apples mixed with sweet maple syrup, all wrapped up in a buttery crust. Perfect for fall gatherings!
Baking this pie fills the kitchen with a sweet smell, making it hard to resist sneaking a slice before dinner. You know you’ve thought about it! 🍏🥧
I love serving it warm with a scoop of ice cream on top. It’s a simple treat that always brings smiles to the table. Trust me, you’ll be making this one often!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices for their balance of tartness and sweetness. For a different flavor, try using Fuji or Braeburn apples, which are also delicious in pies.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup provides rich sweetness and depth. If you don’t have it, you can use light corn syrup or agave syrup, but it will change the flavor a bit. I always recommend real maple for the best taste!
Granulated Sugar: This helps balance the tartness of the apples. If on a dietary restriction, you can use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute. Just remember that it may alter the texture slightly.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness. You can swap it for margarine or a plant-based butter if needed. I prefer unsalted to control how much salt goes in.
How Do I Make Sure My Pie Crust Is Perfect?
Getting the crust right can be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll succeed! If using store-bought crusts, they’re convenient and turn out well. Homemade is better if you have the time, though.
- Keep your butter cold; this helps create a flaky texture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to mix it into the flour.
- Don’t overwork the dough. Mix until just combined for the best texture.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling it out. This helps it hold together and makes it easier to shape.
Once you’ve mastered the crust, you can have fun with designs or even shapes for special occasions! Enjoy making your Maple Apple Pie!
How to Make Maple Apple Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 2 ½ pounds (about 6 medium) apples (such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
For the Crust:
- 1 package (14 oz) refrigerated pie crusts or homemade pie dough for a 2-crust pie
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse sugar, for sprinkling (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes to prep, and then you’ll bake it for about 1 hour to 1 hour and 5 minutes. Plus, let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before slicing. In total, plan for around 3 hours from start to enjoying your delicious pie!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures it’s hot enough to give your pie a great golden crust.
2. Prepare the Apples:
In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice. This will help keep them from browning and adds a bit of zing to the flavor.
3. Make the Filling:
Add the maple syrup, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla to the apples. Stir gently until all the apple slices are well coated with the sweet mixture.
4. Prepare the Pie Crust:
Roll out one pie crust and fit it snugly in a 9-inch pie dish, making sure to leave about a ½-inch overhang. This crust will hold all the delicious apple filling!
5. Fill the Crust:
Pour the prepared apple mixture into the crust, making sure to spread it evenly. Dot the top of the apples with small pieces of butter for extra flavor.
6. Add the Top Crust:
Roll out the second pie crust. You can cut it into strips to create a pretty lattice on top, or simply lay the whole crust over the filling. If you use a whole crust, be sure to cut a few slits so the steam can escape. Trim the excess dough and crimp the edges to seal it.
7. Brush and Sprinkle:
Brush the top crust with the beaten egg. If you want to make it extra sparkly and sweet, sprinkle some coarse sugar on top!
8. Bake the Pie:
Place the pie on the lower rack of your preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes at 425°F (220°C). Then, reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for another 35-45 minutes. Look for a beautiful, golden-brown crust and bubbly filling.
9. Protecting the Edges:
If you notice the edges of the crust browning too quickly, you can cover them with foil or a pie shield for the last part of baking.
10. Cool Time:
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. This helps the filling set up nicely, making it easier to slice!
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Your warm, sweet, and aromatic Maple Apple Pie is ready to be served! It’s fantastic on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are excellent choices for a balance of tartness and sweetness, you can also use Fuji, Braeburn, or any firm apples that hold their shape well during baking.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your pie crust is also gluten-free. Many brands offer delicious pre-made options!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover pie in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it, where it will stay fresh for about 5 days. You can also freeze slices for up to 3 months; just thaw before serving.
Can I Use Maple Flavored Syrup Instead of Pure Maple Syrup?
While you can use maple-flavored syrup, it doesn’t have the same rich flavor as pure maple syrup. For the best taste, I recommend sticking with pure maple syrup for this recipe!