Apple pie is the ultimate comfort dessert. Combining tender apples, crunchy walnuts, and a hint of cinnamon, this recipe creates a masterpiece that’s both cozy and indulgent. Whether it’s for a family dinner, holiday table, or simply satisfying your dessert cravings, this pie will steal the show. Follow this step-by-step guide to bake an unforgettable apple pie with the perfect nutty twist.
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling
- 4 apples – washed, cored, and cubed (no need to peel)
- 100g raisins – for natural sweetness and texture
- 50g chopped walnuts – adds a delightful crunch
- Juice of 1 lemon – prevents the apples from browning
- 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar – enhances the flavor
- Ground cinnamon – for a warm, spiced aroma
- 90g stevia sweetener (or 180g normal sugar) – depending on preference
- 120ml water – to moisten the filling
- A pinch of salt – balances sweetness
For the Batter
- 260g all-purpose flour (or oat flour for a healthier option)
- 12g baking powder – to give the pie a nice rise
- 3 eggs – provides structure and richness
- 120ml oil – makes the batter moist (substitute with melted butter for a richer flavor)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence – adds depth to the pie
- A knob of butter – for greasing the baking mold
For Finishing
- Icing sugar – for dusting and a decorative touch
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
- Wash and Cut: Wash the apples thoroughly. Remove the cores and cut them into small cubes without peeling. Leaving the skin adds a rustic texture and retains nutrients.
- Toss in Lemon Juice: Place the apple cubes into a large mixing bowl and drizzle with the lemon juice. Toss to coat all the pieces evenly—this prevents browning and adds a subtle tang.
- Sweeten and Spice: Sprinkle the apples with vanilla sugar, cinnamon, and stevia (or sugar). Mix until the apples are well-coated.
- Add Nuts and Raisins: Fold in the raisins, walnuts, and a pinch of salt. The nuts and raisins add delightful texture and complement the apples perfectly.
- Rest the Filling: Allow the mixture to sit for 10 minutes. This resting time lets the apples absorb the flavors, creating a perfectly spiced filling.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
- Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs, oil, and vanilla essence until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
- Dry Ingredients: Gradually sift in the flour and baking powder. Use a spatula to mix gently, ensuring there are no lumps. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the batter dense.
- Combine the Flavors: Gently fold the apple mixture into the batter. Stir carefully to ensure the apples, walnuts, and raisins are evenly distributed. The batter will be thick and full of chunks—this is perfect!
Step 3: Prepare the Mold
- Grease the Mold: Take a rectangular glass baking mold (or any oven-safe dish) and generously grease it with butter. This ensures the pie doesn’t stick and makes serving easier.
- Pour and Spread: Pour the batter into the greased mold. Use a spoon or spatula to spread the mixture evenly, smoothing the surface so it bakes uniformly.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Ensuring the oven is fully heated guarantees even baking.
- Bake: Place the mold on the middle rack and bake for 40-45 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, the pie is ready.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes. Cooling allows the pie to set and makes slicing easier.
- Dust with Icing Sugar: Once cooled slightly, dust the pie with icing sugar for a beautiful finishing touch.
Cooking Tips
- Apple Choices: Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady. They hold their shape well when baked and balance the sweetness of the pie.
- Adding Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for extra warmth if you love spiced desserts.
- Crunchier Walnuts: Toast the walnuts lightly in a pan or oven before adding them to the filling. This enhances their flavor and makes them extra crunchy.
- Prevent Soggy Pie: Allow the apple mixture to release its juices before mixing with the batter. Drain excess liquid to avoid a soggy texture.
- Serving Options: Serve the pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for ultimate indulgence.
Substitutions and Variations
- Flour Alternative: Replace all-purpose flour with oat flour or almond flour for a gluten-free version.
- Sweetener Options: If you don’t have stevia, regular sugar, honey, or maple syrup can be used. Adjust quantities to maintain sweetness.
- Oil to Butter: Substitute the oil with melted butter for a richer, more decadent flavor.
- Fruit Variations: Swap apples for pears, peaches, or mixed berries for a fun twist on the recipe.
- Nut-Free Option: If you’re allergic to nuts, skip the walnuts or replace them with sunflower seeds for a similar crunch.
FAQs
1. Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the pie a day in advance and store it in an airtight container. Warm it slightly in the oven before serving for that fresh-baked taste.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover pie in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 4 days and reheat gently before eating.
3. Can I freeze the pie?
Absolutely. Once baked and cooled, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
4. What apples work best in this recipe?
Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith are ideal. If you prefer sweeter apples, try Fuji or Gala.
5. Can I add other nuts?
Yes! Pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts work well in this recipe if you don’t have walnuts.
Nutritional Information
This pie offers a balance of wholesome ingredients:
- Apples: Rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Walnuts: A great source of healthy fats and protein.
- Raisins: Naturally sweet and full of iron and potassium.
- Stevia: A low-calorie alternative for those reducing sugar intake.
Each serving provides a satisfying treat without being overly heavy.
Storage
- At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- In the Refrigerator: Refrigerate for up to 4 days and warm it slightly before serving.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months. Wrap well to maintain freshness and flavor.
Conclusion
This apple pie with walnuts and raisins combines comfort, flavor, and texture into a dessert that’s sure to impress. The blend of sweet apples, crunchy walnuts, and aromatic cinnamon creates a pie that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether served fresh out of the oven with ice cream or enjoyed as a next-day treat, it’s a dessert that brings joy to any occasion. Happy baking!