Grandma’s Iron Skillet Apple Pie
Who doesn’t love the comforting aroma of a freshly baked apple pie? It’s a classic dessert that never fails to bring joy and warmth to our hearts. And when it comes to apple pies, Grandma’s recipe is the gold standard. With its flaky crust and luscious apple filling, her iron skillet apple pie is simply irresistible. Let’s dive into the sweet world of Grandma’s apple pie and discover what makes it so special.
The Secret Ingredient: Grandma’s Love
Grandma’s apple pie isn’t just about the ingredients; it’s about the love she pours into every step of the process. From meticulously peeling and slicing the apples to rolling out the perfect pie crust, Grandma’s hands work magic. Her love for baking and her desire to bring joy to her loved ones is what truly sets her apple pie apart.
The Perfect Crust: Flaky and Buttery
One bite of Grandma’s apple pie crust, and you’ll be transported to pie heaven. The secret to her perfectly flaky and buttery crust lies in the technique. She uses a combination of butter and shortening, cutting them into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. Then, she adds a touch of cold water, just enough to bring the dough together. The result is a crust that melts in your mouth with each bite.
The Apple Filling: Bursting with Flavor
Grandma knows that the key to a delicious apple pie lies in choosing the right apples. She prefers using a combination of tart and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. The tartness of the Granny Smith apples adds a delightful tang to the filling, while the Honeycrisp apples bring a natural sweetness. Tossed with sugar, cinnamon, and a hint of lemon juice, the apple filling becomes a burst of autumn flavors.
The Iron Skillet: A Game-Changer
What sets Grandma’s apple pie apart from the rest is her choice of baking vessel—the trusty iron skillet. The skillet not only ensures even heat distribution but also gives the pie a gorgeous golden crust. As the pie bakes, the apples gently caramelize, creating an irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen. It’s the kind of magic only an iron skillet can bring.
Sharing the Love: Grandma’s Apple Pie Tradition
Grandma’s iron skillet apple pie isn’t just a dessert; it’s a tradition. It’s a symbol of love, family, and togetherness. Every Thanksgiving and Christmas, Grandma would gather her loved ones around the table, serving them warm slices of pie topped with a dollop of homemade whipped cream. The joy on everyone’s faces is a testament to the power of a simple, homemade apple pie.
FAQs About Grandma’s Iron Skillet Apple Pie
1. Can I use a regular pie pan instead of an iron skillet?
Yes, you can use a regular pie pan if you don’t have an iron skillet. However, the iron skillet adds a unique flavor and caramelization to the pie.
2. Can I use any type of apple for the filling?
While you can use any type of apple, a combination of tart and sweet apples works best for a balanced flavor. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices.
3. Can I make the pie crust ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the pie crust a day ahead and refrigerate it until you’re ready to assemble and bake the pie.
4. How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?
To prevent a soggy crust, you can pre-bake it for a few minutes before adding the apple filling. This creates a barrier and helps maintain the crust’s crispness.
5. Can I freeze the pie?
Yes, you can freeze the pie before baking it. Just make sure to wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
6. How long does the pie stay fresh?
The apple pie can be stored at room temperature for up to two days. After that, it’s best to refrigerate it to maintain its freshness.
7. Can I add other fruits to the apple pie filling?
Absolutely! You can get creative and add fruits like cranberries or pears to the apple filling for a unique twist.
8. Can I reheat the pie?
Yes, you can reheat individual slices of pie in the oven or microwave. Just be careful not to overheat it, as it can make the crust soggy.
In conclusion, Grandma’s iron skillet apple pie is a labor of love that brings joy and warmth to any occasion. From the flaky crust to the bursting apple filling, every bite is a taste of pure bliss. So gather your loved ones, follow Grandma’s recipe, and create your own apple pie tradition. Happy baking!
Grandma's Iron Skillet Apple Pie
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup of melted butter
- 1 cup of brown sugar
- 5 Granny Smith apples , peeled, cored, quartered, and thinly sliced
- 3 refrigerated prerolled pie crusts (9 inch each)
- 1 cup of white sugar , divided
- 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon , divided
- 1/4 cup of white sugar
- 1 tablespoon of butter , cut into small chunks
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- In a 9-inch cast iron skillet, melt 1/2 cup of butter in the preheated oven.
- Remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle it with brown sugar. Return it to the oven to heat while preparing the apples.
- Remove the skillet from the oven again and place 1 refrigerated pie crust on top of the brown sugar.
- Arrange half of the sliced apples on top of the pie crust.
- Sprinkle 1/2 cup of white sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon over the apples.
- Place the second pie crust over the apples and top it with the remaining apples.
- Sprinkle 1/2 cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon over the second layer of apples.
- Top with the third pie crust and sprinkle it with 1/4 cup of sugar. Dot the crust with 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Cut 4 slits into the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown.
- Serve warm.
