Maple Walnut Apple Pie is a delightful twist on the classic apple pie, featuring the rich flavors of maple syrup and crunchy walnuts. Perfect for autumn gatherings, this pie brings warmth and comfort to any table.
The star of this pie is the Granny Smith apples; their tartness balances the sweetness and holds up well during baking. Granulated sugar sweetens the pie just right, while maple syrup provides a distinct, cozy flavor. Ground cinnamon and nutmeg bring warmth and enhance the apple's natural taste. A dash of salt accentuates these flavors. A splash of lemon juice prevents the apples from browning and adds a hint of brightness. Chopped walnuts contribute a delightful crunch. A tablespoon of all-purpose flour thickens the filling slightly. Unsalted butter adds richness, and a double pie crust forms the flaky, golden base and top. Finally, an egg wash gives the pie a beautiful, glossy finish.
This pie is delightful as-is but pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For an extra touch, drizzle a bit of maple syrup over each slice before serving.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). As that's heating up, grab a large bowl and throw in your sliced apples, granulated sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice. Give it a good toss until those apples are nicely coated. Now, mix in the chopped walnuts and flour thoroughly.
Roll out your first pie crust and lay it gently into a 9-inch pie dish. Spoon in the apple mixture, spreading it out evenly, and dot the top with small pieces of butter. Roll out the second crust and carefully place it over the filling. Trim any excess dough, then seal the edges by pinching them together. Make a few slits on the top crust to let steam escape during baking.
Brush the top with beaten egg to give it that bakery-style shine. Pop the pie into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 50-60 minutes. You'll know it's done when the crust turns a lovely golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Once it's out of the oven, let the pie cool for at least two hours. This waiting time is crucial as it helps the filling set properly, making for neater slices when serving.