Irish apple pie

• Prep Time: 30 minutes

• Cook Time: 45–55 minutes

• Total Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes

• Difficulty: Intermediate (easy if using store-bought crust)

• Servings: 8 slices

•  Ingredients

For the Pastry Crust:

• 2½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tbsp sugar

• 1 cup (225g) cold unsalted butter, diced

• 6–8 tbsp ice-cold water

• 1 egg (for brushing crust, optional)

Shortcut: You can use 2 sheets of store-bought pie crust if pressed for time.

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For the Apple Filling:

• 6–7 medium cooking apples (e.g., Bramley, Granny Smith, or Honeycrisp)

• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar

• ½ tsp ground cinnamon

• ¼ tsp ground cloves or nutmeg (optional, but traditional)

• 1 tsp lemon juice

• 1 tbsp flour (to thicken juices)

• 1 tbsp butter, cut into small pieces Instructions

Step 1: Make the Pastry

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

2. Add the cold butter and use a pastry cutter or fingertips to rub it in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Add ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, just until the dough comes together.

4. Divide into two discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes.

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Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Toss in a large bowl with:

   • Sugar

   • Cinnamon

   • Cloves (if using)

   • Lemon juice

   • Flour

Let sit for 10–15 minutes to develop flavor.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Roll out one disc of dough on a floured surface and line a 9-inch pie dish.

3. Fill with the apple mixture. Dot with butter pieces.

4. Roll out the second dough disc and place over the apples.

5. Crimp or seal the edges. Cut slits in the top for steam to escape.

6. Optional: Brush the top crust with beaten egg for a golden finish and sprinkle with sugar.

Step 4: Bake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 45–55 minutes, until the crust is golden and filling is bubbling.

2. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil during baking.

3. Cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing to allow the filling to set.

 Serving Suggestions

• Warm with a drizzle of heavy cream (the Irish way!)

• With a scoop of vanilla ice cream

• Topped with custard or whipped cream

• Add a dusting of powdered sugar for a rustic finish

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 Storage & Freezing

• Fridge: Store cooled pie covered for up to 4 days

• Freezer: Wrap baked pie well and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through.

• Reheat slices in a toaster oven or microwave for a quick treat.

Nutrition Info (Per Slice – Approximate)

• Calories: 400

• Fat: 20g

• Carbohydrates: 55g

• Sugar: 25g

• Protein: 3g

Note: Values may vary based on portion size and ingredients used.