Recipes

Easy Italian Apple Pie (Crostata di Mele)

🍏 Easy Apple Pie Recipe

❤️ A Classic Comfort Dessert

Looking for a dessert that feels cozy but doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen? This easy apple pie is the answer! With a flaky crust and sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples, it’s the perfect treat for any day of the week — especially when paired with coffee, tea, or a scoop of creamy gelato.

🧺 Ingredients

For the Filling:

  • 5 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
  • ½ cup (100 g) sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (to thicken)
  • 1 tbsp butter (optional, for richness)

For the Crust:

You can use store-bought pie crust for ease, or make your own:

  • 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (225 g) cold butter, cubed
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 6 tbsp ice-cold water

For Finishing:

  • 1 egg (beaten, for brushing)
  • 1 tbsp sugar (for sprinkling on top)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough (Skip if Using Ready-Made)

  1. In a large bowl, mix flour and salt.
  2. Add cold butter and rub with your fingertips until crumbly.
  3. Gradually add cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
  4. Divide into two balls, flatten slightly, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

2. Make the Apple Filling

  1. Peel, core, and slice the apples thinly.
  2. In a bowl, toss apple slices with sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and flour.
  3. Let it rest for 10–15 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.

3. Assemble the Pie

  1. Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
  2. Roll out one dough ball into a circle and place it in your pie dish.
  3. Spoon in the apple mixture and dot with small pieces of butter.
  4. Roll out the second dough ball and place it over the filling.
    • Seal the edges by pressing with a fork or your fingers.
    • Cut small slits on top to allow steam to escape.
  5. Brush the top with beaten egg and sprinkle with a little sugar.

4. Bake

  • Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

5. Cool & Serve

  • Let the pie cool for at least 15–20 minutes before slicing.
  • Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla gelato, whipped cream, or caramel drizzle.

🍂 Tips for the Best Apple Pie

  • Mix sweet and tart apples for a balanced flavor.
  • Chill your dough before rolling for a flaky crust.
  • Add a pinch of nutmeg or clove for a deeper spice aroma.

✨ Enjoy

This easy apple pie brings all the flavors of fall with minimal effort — comforting, fragrant, and beautifully golden. Whether for a cozy afternoon or a special family dessert, this pie will make everyone ask for seconds! 🥧💛

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