Rustic Maple Bourbon Apple Pie

🕒 Prep: 30 min
🔥 Cook: 50 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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This Rustic Maple Bourbon Apple Pie is the perfect blend of warm spices and rich flavors, making it an ideal treat for cozy autumn gatherings. With a splash of bourbon and a hint of maple syrup, it brings a delightful twist to the classic apple pie.

Ingredients for Rustic Maple Bourbon Apple Pie

The all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar form the base of our crust, giving it structure and a hint of sweetness. Butter is the star, providing that essential flakiness and rich flavor. Granny Smith apples are chosen for their tartness and firm texture, which hold up beautifully during baking. Maple syrup and bourbon bring a warm, earthy sweetness that complements the spices perfectly. Brown sugar adds a molasses-like depth, while cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves infuse the pie with comforting aromas. A touch of lemon juice brightens the filling, and cornstarch helps thicken it to the ideal consistency.

Tips & Tricks

  • Keep your butter as cold as possible. This helps create that flaky crust we all love.
  • Don't skip the chilling steps for the dough. It makes a world of difference in how easy it is to handle.
  • For a fun twist, try using a mix of apple varieties for a more complex flavor.
  • If you're not a fan of bourbon, you can substitute it with apple cider for a family-friendly version.

Serving Suggestions

This pie pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a little extra indulgence, drizzle it with warm caramel sauce. It's perfect for a cozy evening in or as a showstopper at your next gathering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to two days in advance and keep it refrigerated. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling out.
Can I use a different type of apple?
Absolutely! While Granny Smiths are recommended for their tartness and firmness, feel free to experiment with your favorites.
Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for bourbon?
Apple cider or apple juice can be used as a substitute to maintain the flavor profile without the alcohol.

Rustic Maple Bourbon Apple Pie Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preparing your crust. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, and sugar. Add in those cubes of chilled butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is key for that flaky texture we're aiming for.

Next, gradually add ice water to the mixture. Stir just until the dough comes together. You don't want to overwork it. Divide the dough into two disks, wrap them in plastic, and let them chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This rest period helps the dough relax and makes it easier to roll out later.

While your dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and start on the filling. Toss the sliced apples in a large bowl with maple syrup, bourbon, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Let this mixture sit for about 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the cornstarch to start working its magic.

Roll out one disk of dough on a floured surface and fit it into your 9-inch pie pan. Pile the apple mixture into this crust, making sure it's evenly distributed. Roll out the second disk and lay it over the apples. Trim any excess dough, crimp the edges to seal, and cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape.

Brush the top with the beaten egg, which will give your pie a beautifully golden finish once baked. Place the pie on a baking sheet (this catches any potential drips) and bake it for about 50 minutes. You're looking for a golden brown crust and a bubbly filling.

Once baked, let the pie cool for at least two hours. This cooling time is crucial as it allows the filling to set up properly before serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • The combination of bourbon and maple syrup adds depth and complexity.
  • Granny Smith apples provide the perfect tartness to balance the sweetness.
  • It's a visually stunning centerpiece for any dessert table.
  • Homemade crust is flaky and buttery, elevating the overall taste.

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
6 tbsp ice water
6 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
1/2 cup maple syrup
2 tbsp bourbon
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar. Add the cubed butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Gradually add ice water, mixing just until the dough holds together. Divide into two disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
3. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. In a large bowl, toss the apples with maple syrup, bourbon, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Let sit for 15 minutes.
5. Roll out one disk of dough and fit into a 9-inch pie pan. Fill with the apple mixture.
6. Roll out the second dough disk and place over apples. Trim excess, crimp edges, and cut slits for steam to escape.
7. Brush the pie with beaten egg. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 50 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
8. Allow to cool for at least 2 hours before serving.

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