Fall is the perfect time for apple pie, and when it comes to classic American comfort food, Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman, knows best. Her Flat Apple Pie recipe is a delightful twist on the traditional pie, offering a rustic charm and irresistible flavor that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe simplifies the process without sacrificing any of the deliciousness, making it a go-to for both novice and experienced bakers.
What makes The Pioneer Woman’s Flat Apple Pie stand out? It’s the combination of a buttery, flaky crust and a tangy-sweet apple filling, all baked to golden perfection. Unlike a deep-dish pie, the flat pie is easier to handle and bake evenly, ensuring every bite is as good as the last. Plus, the rustic, folded-edge crust gives it a charming, homemade look that’s simply inviting.
Pioneer Woman Flat Apple Pie Recipe
This recipe makes two flat pies, perfect for sharing or enjoying one now and freezing one for later.
Ingredients for the Apple Pie Filling:
- 5 Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Juice of ½ lemon
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup firmly packed brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons (½ stick) butter, cut into small chunks
Ingredients for the Perfect Pie Crust:
- 1 recipe of Perfect Pie Crust (recipe follows, makes 2 crusts)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Apples: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the sliced Granny Smith apples, all-purpose flour, lemon juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt. Mix everything together until the apples are evenly coated. Set aside.
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Roll Out the Pie Crusts: Divide your Perfect Pie Crust dough into two portions. Roll out each portion into a large circle on a lightly floured surface. Place each circle on a large baking sheet.
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Assemble the Pies: Divide the apple mixture in half and place half on each pie crust circle, spreading it evenly and leaving a border of about 2-3 inches.
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Create the Rustic Crust: Fold the edge of each crust over the apple mixture, creating a rustic, free-form edge. Don’t worry about making it perfect; the charm of this pie is its homespun look.
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Add Butter: Dot the tops of both pies with small chunks of butter, distributing them evenly over the apple filling.
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Bake: Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly and tender. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, you can cover the edges with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time.
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Cool and Serve: Let the pies cool slightly before slicing into wedges. A pizza cutter works wonderfully for easy slicing. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel for an extra touch of sweetness.
Perfect Pie Crust Recipe (Makes 2-3 Crusts)
A great apple pie starts with a great crust. This Perfect Pie Crust recipe from The Pioneer Woman is reliable and results in a flaky, tender crust every time.
Ingredients for the Pie Crust:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups vegetable shortening
- 1 large egg
- 5 tablespoons cold water
- 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
Instructions for the Pie Crust:
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.
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Incorporate Shortening: Add the vegetable shortening to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs or tiny pebbles. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
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Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, lightly beat the egg with a fork. Add the beaten egg, cold water, and distilled white vinegar to the flour mixture.
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Mix the Dough: Stir the mixture together until it just comes together to form a dough. Be careful not to overmix.
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Divide and Chill: Divide the dough in half (or into thirds for thinner crusts). Place each portion in a plastic bag, flatten slightly with a rolling pin, seal the bag tightly, and freeze until ready to use. Freezing makes the crust easier to roll out later.
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Thaw and Roll: When you’re ready to bake, remove a dough portion from the freezer and let it thaw on the counter for about 20 minutes, or until it’s pliable enough to roll. Then, remove it from the bag and roll it out on a lightly floured surface.
Tips for the Best Pioneer Woman Apple Pie
- Apple Choice: Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness, which balances the sweetness of the pie. You can also use a mix of apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a more complex flavor.
- Make Ahead: The pie crust can be made well in advance and stored in the freezer, making pie assembly quicker on baking day.
- Serving Suggestions: Warm apple pie is fantastic on its own, but it’s even better with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- Caramel Variation: For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle jarred caramel topping over the pie after it comes out of the oven.
The Pioneer Woman’s Flat Apple Pie recipe is a comforting and easy dessert that’s perfect for fall gatherings, holiday meals, or simply a sweet treat any time of the year. Enjoy the rustic charm and delicious flavors of this delightful apple pie!
