Ah, Thanksgiving! It’s that magical time of year when family gathers around the table, and the aroma of delicious food fills the air. For me, nothing says “holiday spirit” quite like a warm, homemade *thanksgiving pie*. Growing up, I remember my grandmother rolling out dough in the kitchen, her laughter blending with the sounds of family chatter. That pie was always the star of the show, a comforting blend of sweet apples and a flaky crust that made my heart sing! This recipe is my twist on her classic, and I can’t wait to share it with you. Trust me, this pie will become a cherished part of your own holiday traditions. So, let’s dive in and make something truly special together!
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Pie
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water
- 4 cups fresh apples, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Pie
Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, it’s time to get our hands a little floury! Follow these steps and you’ll be on your way to a scrumptious *thanksgiving pie* that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Preparing the Pie Crust
First things first, let’s whip up that flaky crust! In a large bowl, mix together your flour, sugar, and salt. This creates a lovely base for your pie. Next, add your chilled, diced butter. I like to use my fingers to work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs—it’s a bit messy, but trust me, it’s worth it! Once your mixture is crumbly, add in the ice water, one tablespoon at a time. Keep mixing until the dough comes together. Don’t overwork it; we want it tender! When it’s ready, divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disc, wrap them in plastic, and pop them in the fridge for about 30 minutes to chill out.
Making the Apple Filling
While your crust is chilling, let’s prepare that delicious apple filling! In a large bowl, toss together the peeled and sliced apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Make sure to coat those apples well! This mixture is where the magic happens; the spices will infuse the apples, making them sweet and aromatic. Don’t skip the lemon juice—it adds a lovely brightness to the filling. Set this aside while your crust finishes chilling.
Assembling the Pie
Once your dough is cool, it’s time to roll it out! Dust your countertop with a little flour and roll out one half of the dough to fit your pie pan. Gently place it in the pan, pressing it into the edges. Pour your apple filling into the crust, spreading it evenly. Now, roll out the second half of the dough and place it over the filling. Seal the edges by crimping them with your fingers or a fork—this is where you can get creative! Don’t forget to cut slits in the top crust for ventilation. This allows steam to escape and keeps your pie from getting soggy. It’s all coming together, isn’t it?
Baking the Thanksgiving Pie
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and while it’s heating up, set your assembled pie on a baking sheet—just in case it bubbles over. Bake the pie for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown. Oh, the smell will be heavenly! Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a bit before slicing. This will help the filling set up nicely.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s bursting with the comforting flavors of sweet, spiced apples—truly a slice of autumn on your plate!
- The flaky, buttery crust pairs perfectly with the juicy filling, creating that delightful contrast in every bite.
- It’s surprisingly easy to make, even for beginners! You’ll impress your family and friends without breaking a sweat.
- This pie fills your kitchen with the warm, inviting aromas that make the holiday season so special.
- It’s a classic dessert that brings everyone together, making it a centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table.
- You can easily customize it by adding your favorite spices or even some dried cranberries for a twist!
- Leftovers (if there are any!) taste just as good the next day, making it perfect for post-holiday snacking.
Tips for Success
Now that you’re ready to bake your *thanksgiving pie*, here are some of my favorite tips to ensure it turns out absolutely perfect!
- Chill Your Ingredients: Keep your butter and water as cold as possible. This helps create that flaky, tender crust we all love. I often put my butter in the freezer for a few minutes before using it.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: When you’re combining your ingredients, remember that less is more! Overworking the dough can lead to a tough crust—nobody wants that!
- Mix Apples Wisely: For the best flavor, use a mix of sweet and tart apples. I love combining Granny Smith with Honeycrisp for a balanced taste. It adds depth and complexity to your filling!
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to play around with the spices in your filling! A pinch of allspice or a splash of vanilla extract can elevate the flavor even more.
- Presentation Matters: When it comes to serving, a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side can really make your pie shine. And don’t forget the whipped cream—always a hit!
- Let It Rest: After baking, allow your pie to cool for at least an hour before slicing. This helps the filling set up nicely and makes for cleaner slices!
- Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. A warm slice the next day is like a hug from yesterday!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create a *thanksgiving pie* that’ll wow your guests! Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve whipped up this amazing *thanksgiving pie*, and you’ve got some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Here’s how to store and reheat it so it stays just as delicious as the first slice!
First off, let your pie cool completely at room temperature before storing it. This helps prevent that dreaded soggy bottom! Once it’s cool, cover it gently with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. If you’ve got a pie carrier, that works wonders too! Your pie will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
If you want to enjoy that pie later on, why not freeze it? Just slice it up and place the individual pieces in airtight containers or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. It can stay in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a slice of holiday goodness, simply transfer it to the fridge to thaw overnight.
Now, onto reheating! For the best results, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie (or slices) on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until it’s warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, you can pop a slice in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds, but I promise it won’t have that same lovely crust! So, if you can, go for the oven method.
And there you have it! With these storage and reheating tips, you’ll be able to savor your *thanksgiving pie* long after the holiday festivities have ended. Enjoy every last bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen apples for the filling?
Absolutely! Frozen apples can work in a pinch, just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before mixing them with your sugar and spices. This will help keep your pie from becoming too soggy.
What apples are best for a Thanksgiving pie?
I love using a mix of tart and sweet apples for the best flavor! Granny Smiths for tartness and Honeycrisps for sweetness create a lovely balance. You can also try Fuji or Braeburn for a twist!
How do I prevent my crust from getting soggy?
To prevent a soggy crust, you can brush the bottom crust with a bit of melted butter or even an egg wash before adding your filling. This creates a barrier that helps keep the crust crisp!
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can! You can prepare the pie up to the baking stage, cover it well, and store it in the fridge for a day. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge!
What should I serve with my Thanksgiving pie?
Oh, the options are endless! A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream are classic choices. You can also serve it with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra special touch!
How can I tell when my pie is done?
You’ll know your pie is ready when the crust is beautifully golden brown and the filling is bubbling. A good rule of thumb is to check it after the baking time and let that delicious aroma guide you!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a slice of this delightful *thanksgiving pie*. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but this will give you a good idea of what to expect!
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 2g
This *thanksgiving pie* is not just a feast for the taste buds, but also a treat for the soul, and it won’t break the calorie bank for your holiday celebrations! Enjoy every delicious bite!
Imprimer
Thanksgiving Pie: 7 Heartwarming Secrets for Perfection
- Temps Total: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Rendement: 8 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A delicious Thanksgiving pie perfect for the holiday season.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water
- 4 cups fresh apples, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add butter and mix until crumbly.
- Stir in ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until dough forms.
- Roll out half the dough and place in a pie pan.
- In another bowl, combine apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
- Pour apple mixture into the pie crust.
- Roll out the second half of the dough to cover the pie.
- Seal the edges and cut slits in the top crust.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 30-35 minutes.
Notes
- Let the pie cool before serving.
- Serve with whipped cream or ice cream.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Temps De Préparation: 30 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 50 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sucre: 20g
- De Sodium: 150mg
- La graisse: 12g
- Graisses Saturées: 7g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 4g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 34g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 2g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 30mg
Mots-clés: thanksgiving pie, apple pie, holiday dessert
