Ah, Thanksgiving! It’s that magical time of year when kitchens fill with the sweet and spicy aromas of holiday baking. One of my absolute favorite Thanksgiving desserts is, without a doubt, a classic apple pie. There’s just something so comforting about warm, tender apples enveloped in a flaky crust, especially when it’s shared with loved ones around the table. I mean, who can resist the charm of a homemade apple dessert? Trust me, this Thanksgiving desserts apple recipe is not just any pie; it’s a heartwarming tradition that brings everyone together and makes your taste buds dance with joy. So, let’s dive into the deliciousness and create something memorable!
Ingredients
- 4 cups sliced apples (I love using a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for that perfect balance of tart and sweet!)
- 1 cup sugar (this will help sweeten those apples nicely)
- 2 tablespoons flour (for thickening the filling just right)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (because what’s an apple dessert without a sprinkle of warmth?)
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (adds a touch of cozy spice)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to brighten up the flavors)
- 1 pie crust (store-bought is fine, but if you’re feeling adventurous, homemade is always a fun option!)
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Desserts Apple
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating! Set it to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your pie bakes evenly and the crust becomes perfectly golden. While the oven heats up, you can start working on that delicious apple filling!
Prepare the Apple Filling
In a large bowl, toss together your sliced apples with the sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Make sure every slice is coated evenly—this is where the magic happens! The sugar will draw out the juices from the apples, and the flour will help thicken it all up as it bakes. I love giving it a little taste at this stage; it’s like a sneak peek of the pie to come!
Assemble the Pie
Now, grab that lovely pie crust and carefully pour your apple mixture right into it. Spread the apples out evenly so they cook uniformly. If you’re using a store-bought crust, this part is a breeze! Just make sure to gently press down on the filling a bit to settle it in. Oh, and feel free to dot a little butter on top of the filling for added richness!
Bake the Pie
It’s time to bake! Slide the pie into the preheated oven and let it work its magic for about 45 minutes. Keep an eye on it – you’ll know it’s done when the apples are tender and the crust turns a beautiful golden brown. That aroma wafting through your kitchen? That’s the smell of Thanksgiving happiness!
Cool and Serve
Once it’s out of the oven, let your pie cool for at least 15-20 minutes. This cooling time is crucial because it allows the filling to set up a bit more. And trust me, it makes for easier slicing! Serve it warm, and for that extra touch of indulgence, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. It’s the perfect match for your sweet, spiced apple pie, and I can guarantee it’ll be a hit at your Thanksgiving table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
- Deliciously balanced flavors with sweet and tart apples that everyone will love.
- A classic dessert that’s a staple at any Thanksgiving gathering.
- The warm, inviting aroma will fill your kitchen and make everyone’s mouth water.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with ice cream or whipped cream.
- Customizable—feel free to add your favorite spices or even a crumb topping!
- Brings back nostalgic memories of family gatherings and holiday traditions.
Tips for Success
- Mix Your Apples: For the best flavor, use a combination of tart and sweet apples. I love pairing Granny Smith with Honeycrisp! The tartness balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Prep Your Crust: If you’re making a homemade crust, make sure it’s chilled before rolling it out. This helps keep it flaky and prevents it from getting soggy.
- Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice isn’t just for flavor; it helps prevent the apples from browning and adds a nice brightness to the filling!
- Let It Cool: Allow your pie to cool for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing. This helps the filling set and makes for cleaner slices—no one wants a soupy pie!
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on your pie during baking. The crust should be golden, and the apples should be tender. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil.
- Top It Off: For an extra special touch, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top of the crust before baking. It gives a lovely sweetness and adds to that golden finish!
- Pair with Ice Cream: Don’t forget the ice cream! A scoop of vanilla on a warm slice of pie is simply heavenly and an absolute must for Thanksgiving!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the numbers behind this delicious apple pie! Here’s the estimated nutritional information per slice (based on typical values, of course):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sugar: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
Keep in mind, these are just estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But hey, isn’t it nice to know you’re indulging in a dessert that’s not just delicious but also has some nutritional value? Enjoy every bite guilt-free during your Thanksgiving feast!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen apples for this pie?
Absolutely! If you can’t get fresh apples, frozen ones work just fine. Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before mixing them with the other ingredients. This will help keep your pie from getting too soggy!
What type of apples are best for apple pie?
I recommend using a mix of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor. Granny Smith apples are wonderfully tart, while Honeycrisp adds that perfect sweetness. You can even throw in a few Fuji or Gala apples for extra depth!
Can I make the pie crust ahead of time?
Yes, you totally can! If you’re making a homemade crust, prepare it a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge. Just make sure to cover it well to prevent it from drying out. This way, you’ll save time on Thanksgiving Day!
How do I prevent my pie crust from getting soggy?
To avoid a soggy bottom, make sure your pie crust is pre-baked slightly before adding the filling, especially if you’re using a wet filling like apples. You can also sprinkle a little flour or cornstarch on the crust before adding the apples to absorb excess moisture.
What can I do with leftover apple pie?
If you have any slices left (which is rare but can happen!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just reheat a slice in the microwave or oven when you’re ready for another delicious bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this delightful apple pie, and now you have some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Storing it properly is key to keeping that deliciousness intact. Here’s how I like to do it:
- Storing Leftovers: Once your pie has cooled completely, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. You can also place it in an airtight container if you have one large enough. It’ll stay good in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just remember, the longer it sits, the more the crust might soften, but it’ll still taste amazing!
- Freezing: If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the pie! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It’s best to freeze it before slicing, but if you’ve already cut into it, just make sure each slice is wrapped well. It should keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just let it thaw in the fridge overnight.
Now, onto the reheating! You’ll want to bring back that warm, cozy vibe of freshly baked pie:
- Oven Reheating: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie (or slices) on a baking sheet to catch any drips and heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. This method helps revive that lovely flaky crust!
- Microwave Reheating: If you’re in a hurry, you can pop a slice in the microwave. Heat it for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, depending on your microwave’s power. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t get too hot—it’s best warm, not sizzling!
And voilà! You’ve got your apple pie back to that delightful state, ready to be enjoyed again. Pair it with a fresh scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you’re in for a treat!
Imprimer
Thanksgiving Desserts Apple: 5 Reasons to Love This Pie
- Temps Total: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Rendement: 8 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A delicious apple dessert perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingrédients
- 4 cups sliced apples
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 pie crust
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix sliced apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
- Pour the apple mixture into the pie crust.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until apples are tender and crust is golden.
- Cool before serving.
Notes
- Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for better flavor.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream for a treat.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 45 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sucre: 20g
- De Sodium: 150mg
- La graisse: 10g
- Graisses Saturées: 5g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 3g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 35g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 1g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 15mg
Mots-clés: thanksgiving, desserts, apple
