While apple pie is as American as baseball, its deep dish variant with vanilla ice cream takes this classic to new heights. You might think you know apple pie, but have you experienced the indulgence of a thick, flaky crust filled to the brim with spiced apples and topped with a creamy scoop of vanilla? This dessert isn't just a treat; it's a journey through texture and temperature contrasts. From its humble 18th-century origins to its status as a modern comfort food staple, there's more to this dish than meets the eye. Let's explore what makes this combination so irresistible.
Key Takeaways
- Deep dish apple pie features a thick layer of spiced apples in a flaky crust, paired with creamy vanilla ice cream.
- The recipe typically uses firm, tart apples like Granny Smith, mixed with sugar and cinnamon for flavor.
- Baking in a 9-inch deep dish pie plate allows for ample filling and requires about 45-50 minutes at 425°F (220°C).
- Cooling the pie for at least two hours is crucial for achieving the perfect texture and easy slicing.
- Serving warm pie with cold vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast in temperatures and enhances the overall dessert experience.
History
Originating in the United States, deep dish apple pie has become an iconic American dessert with roots tracing back to the 18th century.
You'll find that early American settlers brought apple seeds and pie-making traditions from Europe, adapting them to their new homeland. As apples thrived in the New World, they quickly became a staple crop and a popular ingredient in various dishes.
The deep dish version of apple pie emerged as a practical solution to feed larger families and make the most of abundant apple harvests.
You'll notice that this style allowed for more filling, creating a heartier, more substantial dessert. Over time, the addition of vanilla ice cream became a common accompaniment, enhancing the pie's flavor profile and temperature contrast.
Recipe
Deep dish apple pie with vanilla ice cream is a quintessential American dessert that combines the comforting warmth of spiced apples with the cool, creamy goodness of vanilla ice cream. This classic treat is perfect for autumn gatherings or as a special indulgence any time of year.
Our simplified version of this beloved dessert uses only five ingredients, making it accessible for even novice bakers. The key to success lies in selecting the right apples and allowing enough time for the pie to cool before serving with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- 6 large Granny Smith apples (about 3 lbs or 1.4 kg)
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 refrigerated pie crusts (9-inch or 23 cm each)
- 1 quart (946 ml) vanilla ice cream
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. In a large bowl, mix the apple slices with sugar and cinnamon. Line a 9-inch (23 cm) deep dish pie plate with one pie crust, allowing excess to hang over the edges. Fill with the apple mixture, mounding slightly in the center. Cover with the second crust, trim the edges, and crimp to seal. Cut a few slits in the top crust for ventilation. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Allow to cool for at least 2 hours before serving with scoops of vanilla ice cream. For best results, choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith, which hold their shape well during baking and provide a nice contrast to the sweet filling. If the edges of the crust begin to brown too quickly, cover them with strips of aluminum foil.
Let the pie cool completely before cutting to allow the filling to set properly. Serve the ice cream on the side or atop each slice of pie for a delightful combination of warm and cold textures.
Cooking Steps
To create your deep dish apple pie, you'll follow a series of simple steps that transform basic ingredients into a mouthwatering dessert.
You'll start by preparing your baking dish and mixing the apple filling ingredients, then carefully assemble the pie layers before baking until golden brown.
Once your pie has cooled, you'll be ready to serve it with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for the perfect finishing touch.
Step 1. Prepare Baking Dish
Before you start assembling your deep dish apple pie, it's essential to prepare your baking dish properly.
Begin by selecting a 9-inch deep dish pie plate, which will accommodate the generous amount of filling this recipe requires. If you don't have a deep dish plate, you can use a standard 9-inch pie plate, but you'll need to mound the filling higher in the center.
Lightly grease the inside of the pie plate with butter or cooking spray to prevent the crust from sticking. This step is crucial for easy serving later.
Next, dust the greased surface with a thin layer of flour, tapping out any excess. This will help absorb any moisture from the filling and keep your crust crisp.
If you're using a glass pie plate, consider pre-heating it in the oven for a few minutes before adding the crust. This technique helps ensure a crispy bottom crust by jump-starting the baking process.
Remember to handle the hot dish carefully when you're ready to add your crust and filling.
With your baking dish properly prepared, you're now ready to move on to the next step in creating your delicious deep dish apple pie.
Step 2. Mix Apple Filling Ingredients
Now that your baking dish is ready, it's time to prepare the star of the show: the apple filling.
Begin by peeling, coring, and slicing your Granny Smith apples into thin, uniform pieces. You'll need about 3 pounds of apples, which is roughly 6 large ones. Place the sliced apples in a large mixing bowl, ensuring you have enough room to toss them with the other ingredients.
Next, measure out 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Sprinkle these over the apple slices in the bowl.
Using a large spoon or your hands, gently toss the apples to coat them evenly with the sugar and cinnamon mixture. Be thorough in your mixing, as you want each apple slice to be well-seasoned. The sugar will help draw out the apples' juices, creating a syrupy consistency as the pie bakes.
Once you're satisfied with the mixing, your apple filling is ready to be transferred to the prepared pie crust. Don't worry if it seems like a lot of filling; it'll cook down during baking.
Step 3. Assemble Pie Layers
With your apple filling ready, it's time to layer your deep dish apple pie.
Begin by placing one of the refrigerated pie crusts into your 9-inch deep dish pie plate. Gently press the dough into the bottom and up the sides, allowing any excess to hang over the edges. Don't worry about trimming it just yet.
Next, pour your prepared apple filling into the crust-lined plate. You'll want to mound the filling slightly in the center, creating a small dome shape. This will help prevent the top crust from sagging as the apples cook down during baking.
Once you've added all the filling, it's time for the top crust.
Carefully drape the second pie crust over the filled pie plate. Trim both the top and bottom crusts, leaving about a half-inch overhang. Fold the edges under and crimp them together to seal the pie.
This step is crucial for preventing the filling from leaking during baking. Finally, cut a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
Your pie is now ready for the oven!
Step 4. Bake Pie Until Golden
The time has come to transform your assembled pie into a golden masterpiece. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and position a rack in the lower third. Before baking, make sure you've cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. This will help prevent your pie from becoming soggy.
Place your pie on a baking sheet to catch any potential spills, then slide it into the preheated oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes, keeping a close eye on the crust's color. You're looking for a rich, golden-brown hue. If you notice the edges browning too quickly, don't panic. Simply cover them with strips of aluminum foil to prevent burning.
As the pie bakes, you'll start to smell the enticing aroma of cinnamon and apples. Around the 40-minute mark, check for bubbling filling through the slits. This is a good indicator that your pie is nearly done.
Once the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling, remove the pie from the oven. Let it cool for at least two hours before serving to allow the filling to set properly.
Step 5. Cool and Serve Pie
After removing your golden-brown deep dish apple pie from the oven, resist the temptation to dive in immediately. The pie needs time to cool and set properly, which is crucial for achieving the perfect texture and flavor. Allow your pie to cool at room temperature for at least two hours before serving.
During this cooling period, the filling will thicken and settle, making it easier to slice and serve later. If you're in a hurry, you can speed up the process by placing the pie in the refrigerator, but be sure to let it cool on the counter for about 30 minutes first to prevent condensation from forming on the crust.
Once your pie has cooled sufficiently, it's time to serve. Cut generous slices and plate them individually.
For the classic deep dish apple pie experience, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to each serving. The contrast between the warm, spiced apples and the cold, creamy ice cream creates a delightful sensory experience. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade deep dish apple pie with vanilla ice cream!
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the comforting aroma of a freshly baked deep dish apple pie filling your home. As you savor each bite of this classic dessert, you'll appreciate the perfect balance of tart apples, sweet cinnamon, and flaky crust.
The addition of vanilla ice cream takes this treat to new heights, creating a delightful contrast of warm and cold textures.
Remember, patience is key when making this pie. Allow ample time for cooling to ensure the filling sets properly, resulting in clean, picture-perfect slices.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different apple varieties, but stick to firm, tart options for the best results. You can also customize the spices to suit your taste, adding nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth.
Whether you're serving this pie at a family gathering or enjoying it on a cozy night in, you'll find that it's always a crowd-pleaser.
With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this deep dish apple pie is a dessert you'll want to make again and again, perfecting your technique with each delicious attempt.
