Ambition Apple Pie
Ambition Apple Pie is more than your average pie; it's a delightful blend of tart Granny Smith apples, wrapped in a buttery, flaky crust. Perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy weekend baking project, this pie will fill your kitchen with the warm, inviting aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg.
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Ingredients for Ambition Apple Pie
The secret to a good pie crust is cold, quality butter. It makes the crust flaky and flavorful. All-purpose flour provides the structure, while a pinch of salt enhances flavor. Ice water helps bring the dough together without melting the butter.
Granny Smith apples are your go-to for this pie; their tartness balances the sweetness of the sugar. Cinnamon and nutmeg add a warm, spicy depth, while a touch of lemon juice keeps the apples fresh and bright. A bit of flour ensures the filling isn't too runny.
For a lovely golden finish, an egg yolk mixed with milk is brushed over the crust before baking.
Ambition Apple Pie Tips & Tricks
- Keep your butter as cold as possible for a flakier crust.
- Chill your dough thoroughly; it makes rolling easier and reduces shrinkage during baking.
- Mix apple varieties for a more complex flavor and texture.
Serving Ideas for Ambition Apple Pie
A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream perfectly complements the warm spices in the pie. For something different, try a slice with sharp cheddar cheese — a surprisingly delightful pairing!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of apple?
- Absolutely! Honeycrisp or Braeburn work well too, or mix a few types for depth of flavor.
- How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?
- Pre-bake the bottom crust for a few minutes before adding the filling, or sprinkle a little flour or breadcrumbs before filling to absorb excess moisture.
Ambition Apple Pie Recipe Walkthrough
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). You want it nice and hot to begin crisping that crust. In a large bowl, mix 2 1/2 cups of flour with 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Then, cut in 1 cup of chilled, diced butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in 1/2 cup of ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough just comes together. Wrap it in plastic and let it chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.
When you're ready, roll out half of the dough to fit a 9-inch pie plate. Lay it gently into the plate and trim the excess. In another bowl, toss 6 cups of sliced apples with 3/4 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, 2 tablespoons of flour, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Mix well and pour it into the crust, dotting with 1 tablespoon of butter.
Roll out the remaining dough and place it over the apples. Seal and flute the edges to make it pretty. Cut a few small slits in the top crust to let steam escape. In a small bowl, beat together an egg yolk and 1 tablespoon of milk, then brush this over the crust for a beautiful golden finish.
Bake the pie for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 35 to 45 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown. Let it cool a bit before slicing.
Why This Ambition Apple Pie Works
- Perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors.
- Buttery, flaky crust that melts in your mouth.
- Simple ingredients with big impact.
- Ideal for showcasing seasonal apples.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 1/2 cup ice water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 cups thinly sliced and peeled apples (recommended: Granny Smith)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon milk
Step-by-step Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- 2. In a large bowl, mix 2 1/2 cups flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cut in 1 cup chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in 1/2 cup ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough forms a ball. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
- 3. Roll out half of the dough to fit a 9-inch pie plate. Place the crust in the pie plate and trim the edges.
- 4. In another bowl, combine sliced apples, 3/4 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 2 tablespoons flour, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Mix well and pour into the prepared crust. Dot with 1 tablespoon butter.
- 5. Roll out the remaining dough and cover the apples. Seal and flute the edges. Cut small slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
- 6. In a small bowl, beat the egg yolk and 1 tablespoon milk; brush over the crust.
- 7. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the apples are soft and the crust is golden brown.