If you adore classic desserts with a twist, this German Apple Pie Recipe is exactly what you need to add to your baking repertoire. Bursting with tart, tender apples and enveloped in a luscious, creamy custard baked right inside a flaky deep-dish crust, this pie offers a comforting harmony of flavors and textures that feel like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re serving it for a family gathering or an indulgent weekend treat, there’s something irresistibly special about this old-fashioned apple pie that elevates every slice into a memorable delight. Trust me, once you try this German Apple Pie Recipe, it will become your new favorite dessert to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the key to unlocking the beauty of this German Apple Pie Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role — from the sturdy, buttery pie crust that holds everything together to the crisp apples and fragrant spices that bring the filling to life.
- Unbaked 9-inch deep-dish pie crust: Use a sturdy crust that can hold the juicy filling without sagging or leaking during baking.
- 6 cups thinly sliced tart apples (such as Granny Smith): Tart apples provide the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity in the pie.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds the right amount of sweetness to complement the tart apples.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the filling for a custard-like consistency.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Infuses the pie with classic warmth and spice.
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle depth and aromatic richness.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the creamy custard that sets the pie apart.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Brings a sweet, fragrant note that melds beautifully with the apples and spices.
How to Make German Apple Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Apples
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it’s warming up, toss thinly sliced tart apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl. This mixture ensures every apple slice is coated with flavor and will result in that incredible custard filling that’s both cozy and rich.
Step 2: Fill the Pie Crust
Transfer the apple mixture into your unbaked deep-dish pie crust, mounding the apples slightly in the center to create a lovely dome. This layering helps the filling cook evenly while giving you that visually inviting height when baked.
Step 3: Pour the Cream Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour this luscious custard mixture evenly over the apples, allowing it to seep through and envelop the fruit. This is what makes this German Apple Pie Recipe truly special — a creamy contrast to the tart apples inside a golden crust.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place your pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips, then bake for 60 to 70 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the filling is bubbly and the top turns a gorgeous golden brown. Keep an eye on the crust edges; if they start to brown too quickly, cover them with foil to prevent burning.
Step 5: Let It Cool
After baking, allow the pie to cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours. This resting time lets the filling set properly, ensuring each slice holds its shape beautifully when served.
How to Serve German Apple Pie Recipe
Garnishes
For a picture-perfect presentation and an extra touch of indulgence, try topping your pie slices with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy coolness wonderfully contrasts with the warm, spiced apples.
Side Dishes
This pie shines as a dessert on its own, but it’s also delightful paired with a hot cup of coffee or a smooth glass of dessert wine. For brunch, serve alongside a mild cheese plate or fresh fruit for a balanced spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your pie into wedges and serve each slice on a pretty dessert plate, drizzling caramel sauce or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a dramatic effect. You can even sprinkle toasted pecans over the custard before baking for added texture and a nutty twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover pie tightly with plastic wrap or foil and keep refrigerated. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making for an easy, delicious treat later on.
Freezing
This German Apple Pie Recipe also freezes well. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap followed by foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or serving.
Reheating
To reheat, place slices in a low oven (about 300°F) for 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through. Reheating gently preserves the creamy custard texture and crisp crust without drying out the pie.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade pie crust instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! A homemade pie crust adds a lovely personal touch and flakiness. Just make sure it’s baked in a deep-dish dish to hold all that creamy apple goodness.
What type of apples work best in this recipe?
Tart apples like Granny Smith are ideal because they hold their shape well and provide a nice balance of tartness that complements the sweet custard.
Can I make this pie gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free pie crust and substitute the all-purpose flour in the filling with a gluten-free baking flour blend to keep the texture just right.
Why does this pie have a custard-like filling?
The heavy cream combined with flour and eggs (if you choose to add them) creates a creamy custard that bakes beautifully between the apples, setting the German Apple Pie Recipe apart from traditional apple pies.
How long does it take for the pie to set after baking?
The pie needs at least 2 hours of cooling time at room temperature to let the custard filling fully set, ensuring clean slices and the perfect texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dessert that’s both classic and uniquely comforting, this German Apple Pie Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s easy to prepare, packed with rich layers of flavor, and guaranteed to wow anyone lucky enough to try a slice. So go ahead, bake this scrumptious pie and enjoy every creamy, apple-filled bite with family and friends — you won’t regret it!
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German Apple Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This traditional German Apple Pie features a deep-dish crust filled with tart apples mixed with warm spices and topped with a creamy custard-like mixture. Baked to golden perfection, it offers a harmonious blend of sweet and tangy flavors with a rich, velvety texture that is perfect for dessert or an indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Pie Base
- 1 unbaked 9-inch deep-dish pie crust
Filling
- 6 cups thinly sliced tart apples (such as Granny Smith)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
Custard Topping
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F to ensure it reaches the proper baking temperature by the time you finish the preparation.
- Prepare Apple Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced apples with granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated with the spices and flour mixture to create a flavorful filling.
- Fill Pie Crust: Transfer the apple mixture into the unbaked 9-inch deep-dish pie crust, mounding the apples slightly in the center to accommodate for shrinking during baking.
- Mix Cream and Vanilla: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and vanilla extract until well combined. This mixture will add a rich, custardy layer over the apple filling.
- Add Custard Topping: Pour the cream and vanilla mixture evenly over the apples in the crust, ensuring all parts of the filling are covered.
- Bake Pie: Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips, then bake in the preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly, and the top is a golden brown. To prevent the crust edges from over-browning, cover them with foil if they darken too quickly.
- Cool: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours. This resting period helps the filling set properly for easier slicing and enhanced flavors.
Notes
- Best served slightly warm or at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.
- Pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to complement the creamy filling.
- Use a deep-dish pie plate to prevent the filling from overflowing during baking.
