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A traditional dessert made with apples and pastry

For the 1996 film, see Apple Pie (film).

Apple pie is a pie or a tart in which the principal filling ingredient is apple. It is often served with whipped cream, ice cream ("à la mode"), or cheddar cheese. Apple pie is a traditional American dessert, though its origins trace back to Europe.

History

The apple pie has a long history, with recipes dating back to the late 14th century in England. The first recorded recipe is from 1381 and includes apples, figs, raisins, pears, and a pastry shell. The dish was brought to the United States by European settlers, where it became a symbol of American prosperity and national pride.

Ingredients

The primary ingredients in apple pie are:

• Apples: Varieties such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Golden Delicious are commonly used.
• Sugar: To sweeten the filling.
• Cinnamon: A spice that complements the flavor of apples.
• Butter: Used in the crust and sometimes in the filling.
• Flour: For the crust and sometimes to thicken the filling.
• Lemon juice: To add acidity and prevent the apples from browning.

Preparation

Apple pie is typically prepared by peeling and slicing apples, then mixing them with sugar, cinnamon, and sometimes other spices. The mixture is placed in a pastry-lined pie dish, topped with another layer of pastry, and baked until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

Crust

The crust of an apple pie can be made from scratch using flour, butter, and water, or it can be purchased pre-made. The crust can be a single layer on top, a lattice, or a full double crust.

Filling

The filling is made by combining sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and sometimes nutmeg or allspice. Some recipes call for pre-cooking the filling to ensure the apples are tender.

Variations

There are many variations of apple pie, including:

• Dutch apple pie: Features a crumbly streusel topping instead of a top crust.
• French apple pie: Often includes a custard or cream filling.
• Tarte Tatin: An upside-down caramelized apple tart from France.

Cultural significance

Apple pie is often associated with American culture, symbolizing home, comfort, and tradition. The phrase "as American as apple pie" reflects its status as a quintessential American dessert.

Related pages

• Pie
• Tart
• Cobbler (food)
• Crumble

Gallery

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  A classic apple pie

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  Apple pie with a lattice crust

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  Baking an apple pie

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  Apple pie served with vanilla ice cream

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  A medieval recipe for apple pie

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  Dutch apple pie

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  Apple crumb pie

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  Tarte Tatin

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  "Motherhood and apple pie" - a symbol of American culture

Artemisia ludoviciana

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  Artemisia ludoviciana in a garden setting

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  Artemisia ludoviciana ssp. albula