Fall is synonymous with the comforting aroma of apple pie baking in the oven. While grand visions of fall activities might not always materialize, the simple pleasure of a homemade apple pie, especially one inspired by the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, is always within reach. This Flat Apple Pie recipe, adapted from one of her beloved cookbooks, brings the taste of fall right into your kitchen, no matter the season.
This recipe stands out for its rustic charm and ease. Unlike traditional deep-dish pies, the flat apple pie is simpler to assemble and bake, making it perfect for busy bakers and those new to pie-making. The combination of a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth crust and a tangy-sweet apple filling infused with cinnamon creates a classic fall flavor that’s irresistible. It’s a comforting dessert that truly captures the essence of autumn, and thanks to the Pioneer Woman’s approachable style, it’s easy for anyone to recreate this delicious treat at home.
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman’s Flat Apple Pie
This recipe makes two flat pies, perfect for sharing or enjoying one now and freezing one for later. You’ll need ingredients for both the apple filling and the pie crust.
For the Apple 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
For the Perfect Pie Crust (Makes 2-3 crusts):
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups vegetable shortening
- 1 large egg
- 5 tablespoons cold water
- 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
Step-by-Step Instructions for Flat Apple Pie
Follow these simple steps to bake your own delicious Pioneer Woman-inspired flat apple pies.
1. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the sliced Granny Smith apples, all-purpose flour, lemon juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt. Mix everything together gently to ensure the apples are evenly coated. Set the bowl aside while you prepare the pie crust.
2. Make the Perfect Pie Crust:
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Incorporate Shortening: Add the vegetable shortening to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter (or your fingers), work the shortening into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs or small pebbles. This process usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg with a fork. Add the beaten egg, cold water, and distilled white vinegar to the flour and shortening mixture.
- Combine Dough: Stir the mixture until it just comes together to form a dough. Be careful not to overmix.
- Divide and Chill Dough: Divide the dough in half. Place each half in a plastic bag, flatten slightly with a rolling pin, seal the bags, and freeze until ready to use. Freezing the dough makes it easier to roll out later.
3. Assemble and Bake the Flat Apple Pies:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll Out Pie Crusts: Remove one pie crust from the freezer and let it thaw slightly for about 20 minutes. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pie crust into a large circle. Place the rolled crust onto a large baking sheet. Repeat with the second pie crust.
- Add Apple Filling: Divide the apple mixture evenly between the two pie crusts, spreading it in the center of each crust.
- Fold Crust Edges: Fold the edges of each pie crust over the apple mixture, leaving the center of the pie exposed. There’s no need for perfect folds – a rustic look is part of the charm of a flat pie.
- Dot with Butter: Dot the tops of the apple pies with chunks of butter.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 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.
- Cool and Serve: Let the pies cool slightly before slicing into wedges. A pizza cutter works great for easy slicing!
Tips and Variations for Your Apple Pie
- Serving Suggestions: Enjoy your flat apple pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or cinnamon ice cream for a classic pairing.
- Caramel Drizzle: For extra sweetness, drizzle jarred caramel topping over the warm pies after baking.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or apple pie spice to the apple filling for an even warmer flavor profile.
- Apple Varieties: While Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness, you can experiment with other apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a slightly sweeter pie.
Enjoy Fall Flavors Anytime
The Pioneer Woman’s Flat Apple Pie recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s an invitation to embrace the comforting flavors of fall any time of the year. Easy to make and wonderfully delicious, this rustic apple pie is sure to become a family favorite. So, bake up a taste of fall and enjoy the simple pleasures of homemade goodness!
