Apple Pie with Pecan

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Servings: 8 slices

Why You’ll Love This Apple Pie with Pecan Topping

Apple pie is the quintessential dessert that evokes warmth and nostalgia. This particular version is elevated by a crunchy, buttery pecan topping that adds a delightful twist. The tender, cinnamon-spiced apple filling perfectly complements the nutty, caramelized pecan crust, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that everyone will adore.

Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, holiday feast, or a simple weekend treat, this apple pie with pecan topping is sure to impress. The recipe strikes a balance between classic and innovative, making it accessible for home bakers with moderate experience.

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust (Double Crust)

• 2 ½ cups (320 g) all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tbsp granulated sugar

• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into cubes

• 6-8 tbsp ice water

For the Apple Filling

• 6 large apples (about 3 lbs) – a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp is ideal

• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar

• ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar, packed

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Pecan Topping

• 1 cup (120 g) chopped pecans

• ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour

• ½ tsp ground cinnamon

• Pinch of salt

Equipment Needed

• 9-inch pie dish

• Rolling pin

• Mixing bowls

• Pastry cutter or food processor (for crust)

• Sharp knife or apple peeler

• Whisk

• Oven

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.

2. Add the chilled butter cubes to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter pieces.

3. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork until the dough just starts to come together. Be careful not to overwork it.

4. Divide the dough into two equal parts, flatten each into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. Peel, core, and slice the apples into ¼-inch thick slices.

2. In a large bowl, combine the apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, flour, and vanilla extract. Toss gently until the apples are evenly coated. Set aside.

Step 3: Roll and Assemble the Pie

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough into a 12-inch circle to fit your 9-inch pie dish. Carefully transfer the dough to the pie dish, pressing it gently into place. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges.

3. Pour the apple filling into the crust, spreading it out evenly.

4. Roll out the second disk of dough to create the top crust. You can use a full crust with slits for steam or cut into strips to make a lattice pattern. Place over the filling.

5. Seal the edges by crimping with your fingers or a fork.

6. Brush the top crust with a little milk or beaten egg to promote browning.

Step 4: Prepare and Add the Pecan Topping

1. In a small bowl, mix the chopped pecans, brown sugar, melted butter, flour, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until well combined.

2. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top crust.

Step 5: Bake the Pie

1. Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips.

2. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 35-40 minutes.

3. The pie is done when the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil halfway through baking.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

1. Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours to let the filling set properly.

2. Serve warm or at room temperature with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Difficulty Level

This recipe falls under the medium difficulty category. It requires some basic baking skills like making pie dough, rolling it out evenly, and managing two baking temperatures. The pecan topping adds a lovely texture but is simple to prepare.

Tips for Success

• Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for a balanced flavor and texture.

• Keep all pie dough ingredients cold for a flakier crust.

• Don’t overmix the dough; handle it as little as possible.

• Let the pie cool thoroughly before slicing to avoid a runny filling.

• If pecans aren’t your favorite, try walnuts or leave the topping off for a classic apple pie.

Nutrition Information (Per Slice, approx. 1/8 of pie)

Note: Nutrition may vary depending on exact ingredients and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Pie with Pecan Topping is a timeless dessert that brings together the best of sweet, tart apples and nutty crunch. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy family dinners, or any time you want a comforting, delicious treat. The pecan topping adds that extra special touch that makes it stand out from the traditional apple pie.

Baking this pie is a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with the warm aromas of cinnamon and toasted nuts. With a little patience and care, you’ll have a pie that’s both beautiful and mouthwateringly delicious.