Thereβs something undeniably comforting about a classic apple pie, and when itβs nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust, the result is sheer dessert perfection. This delightful dessert has been a beloved favorite for generations, gracing countless family gatherings and holiday tables. Its charm lies in the harmonious blend of tender, cinnamon-spiced apples and the slightly sweet, crumbly graham cracker crust. The aroma of this pie baking in the oven evokes memories of home and hearth, making it the ultimate comfort food.
What Makes Apple Pie With Graham Cracker Crust Unique
What sets this apple pie apart is its unconventional graham cracker crust. While traditional pie crusts are made with flour and butter, the graham cracker crust adds a delightful twist. It brings a subtly sweet, nutty flavor to complement the tartness of the apples. This unique combination of textures and tastes creates a dessert thatβs both familiar and extraordinary.
Why People Love It So Much
People adore apple pie with a graham cracker crust for its delicious contrast of crunchy and creamy, sweet and tart. Each bite is a symphony of flavors and textures that dance on the taste buds. The warm, spiced apples nestled within the tender crust offer a cozy, comforting sensation. The golden-brown lattice topping adds an artistic touch, making it as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate. This pie is a symbol of warmth, tradition, and the joy of sharing a homemade dessert with loved ones.
How to Store and Make It at Home
To savor this treat at its best, store any leftovers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. When craving a slice, reheat it briefly in the oven to recapture that delightful, just-baked flavor. Making this pie at home is a rewarding experience. Start by preparing the graham cracker crust with crushed graham crackers and butter, then fill it with a mixture of sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and a touch of lemon juice. Top it with a lattice crust and bake until golden brown. Your home will be filled with the comforting aroma of freshly baked apple pie, and the reward will be a slice of pure homemade happiness.
Ingredients for Apple Pie With Graham Cracker Crust
β¦ β 7-8 medium apples β peeled and sliced ΒΌ-inch thin (I used Granny Smith and Gala)
β¦ β Β½ teaspoon (3 g) salt
β¦ β 4 teaspoon (20 ml) lemon juice
β¦ β 3 tablespoon (42 g) salted butter
β¦ β Β½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
β¦ β Β½ cup (110 g) light brown sugar
β¦ β 2 teaspoon (4 g) apple pie spice
β¦ β 3 tablespoon (24 g) cornstarch
β¦ β 1 Β½ teaspoon (7 ml) pure vanilla extract
β¦ β 1 graham cracker crust β store-bought or homemade
Explanation:
β Apples: Sliced thinly and combined with sugars, spices, and a hint of lemon juice, these apples create the delicious filling that makes apple pie so beloved.
β Salt: A touch of salt enhances the flavors in the pie, balancing the sweetness of the apples and sugars.
β Lemon Juice: Lemon juice adds brightness and helps prevent the apples from browning.
β Butter: Butter enriches the pie filling, providing a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
β Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the filling, creating that perfect balance with the tartness of the apples.
β Light Brown Sugar: Offers a warm, caramel-like sweetness that complements the apple pie spice.
β Apple Pie Spice: This blend of spices, including cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, infuses the filling with classic apple pie flavor.
β Cornstarch: A thickening agent that ensures your pie filling isnβt too runny.
β Pure Vanilla Extract: Adds a fragrant and aromatic note to enhance the overall flavor.
β Graham Cracker Crust: The unique crust that sets this pie apart, providing a sweet, slightly nutty contrast to the apple filling.
Crumb Topping:
β All-Purpose Flour: The base for the crumbly, streusel-like topping.
β Light Brown Sugar: Sweetens the crumb topping, making it irresistibly delicious.
β Ground Cinnamon: Infuses a warm, aromatic spice into the crumb topping.
β Butter: Helps bind the crumb topping and provides that rich, buttery flavor.
Caramel Sauce: Add a drizzle of sweet, gooey goodness to finish off your pie with a delightful touch.
Steps to make Apple Pie With Graham Cracker Crust
Step 1: Cooking the Apples
β Heat up the sliced apples along with a pinch of salt over medium heat. Stir them as they cook until they start to get a bit soft and release some of their juicy goodness.
Step 2: Adding Flavor and Sweetness
β Now, itβs time to add some extra flavor and sweetness to those apples. Toss in some lemon juice, butter, both types of sugar (granulated and brown sugar), apple pie spice, and cornstarch. Give it all a good stir and let it come to a gentle boil. Then, turn the heat down low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until things get thick, and those apples become tender. Once thatβs done, take it off the heat and let it cool down a bit.
Step 3: Making the Crumbly Topper
β Time to make the crumbly goodness thatβs going to go on top of your pie. In a big bowl, mix together some flour, brown sugar, a pinch of ground cinnamon, and softened butter. Use your fingers to squish it all together until it looks like coarse crumbs. Then, pop the bowl in the freezer for about 15 minutes while you get your oven heated up to a toasty 375Β°F (or 190Β°C).
Step 4: Pie Assembly
β Pour your apple mixture into the graham cracker crust. Make sure itβs nice and smooth on top, but donβt go overboard β no need to fill it to the brim. Now, take that chilled crumb topping you made earlier and sprinkle it evenly all over the apple filling.
Step 5: Baking Time
β Pop your pie into the preheated oven and let it bake for around 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on it β youβre looking for that crumb topping to turn golden brown and the filling to get all bubbly and tempting.
Step 6: The Waiting Game
β As tempting as it might be, let your pie cool down completely before you start slicing into it. Itβs the patience game here. Once itβs all cooled, go ahead and drizzle some caramel sauce over the top for that extra touch of yumminess.
Now, enjoy your homemade Apple Pie With Graham Cracker Crust!
Nutrition Facts
β¦ β Calories: 450 kcal
β¦ β Carbohydrates: 64 g
β¦ β Protein: 3 g
β¦ β Fat: 21 g
β¦ β Saturated Fat: 11 g
β¦ β Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g
β¦ β Monounsaturated Fat: 8 g
β¦ β Trans Fat: 1 g
β¦ β Cholesterol: 42 mg
β¦ β Sodium: 378 mg
β¦ β Potassium: 84 mg
β¦ β Fiber: 1 g
β¦ β Sugar: 39 g
β¦ β Vitamin A: 488 IU
β¦ β Vitamin C: 1 mg
β¦ β Calcium: 37 mg
β¦ β Iron: 2 mg
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Ingredients
- β¦ - 7-8 medium apples - peeled and sliced ΒΌ-inch thin I used Granny Smith and Gala
- β¦ - Β½ teaspoon 3 g salt
- β¦ - 4 teaspoon 20 ml lemon juice
- β¦ - 3 tablespoon 42 g salted butter
- β¦ - Β½ cup 100 g granulated sugar
- β¦ - Β½ cup 110 g light brown sugar
- β¦ - 2 teaspoon 4 g apple pie spice
- β¦ - 3 tablespoon 24 g cornstarch
- β¦ - 1 Β½ teaspoon 7 ml pure vanilla extract
- β¦ - 1 graham cracker crust - store-bought or homemade
Instructions
- Steps to make Apple Pie With Graham Cracker Crust π₯§π
Step 1: Cooking the Apples ππ₯
- - Heat sliced apples with a pinch of salt until soft and juicy, stirring occasionally for that perfect tenderness.
Step 2: Adding Flavor and Sweetness ππ―
- - Toss in lemon juice, butter, both sugars (granulated and brown), apple pie spice, and cornstarch. Simmer until thickened and heavenly fragrant.
Step 3: Making the Crumbly Topper π°οΈπ
- - Mix flour, brown sugar, a pinch of cinnamon, and softened butter until crumbly. Chill for 15 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C).
Step 4: Pie Assembly π₯§β¨
- - Pour the apple mixture into the graham cracker crust, ensuring a smooth top. Sprinkle the chilled crumb topping evenly.
Step 5: Baking Time ππ₯
- - Bake the pie for 30-35 minutes until the crumb topping is golden brown and the filling is irresistibly bubbly.
Step 6: The Waiting Game β³βοΈ
- - Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing. Exercise patience! Drizzle caramel sauce for that extra deliciousness. Enjoy your homemade Apple Pie With Graham Cracker Crust! ππ΄
Notes
Nutrition Facts
⦠- Calories: 450 kcal⦠- Carbohydrates: 64 g
β¦ - Protein: 3 g
β¦ - Fat: 21 g
β¦ - Saturated Fat: 11 g
β¦ - Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g
β¦ - Monounsaturated Fat: 8 g
β¦ - Trans Fat: 1 g
β¦ - Cholesterol: 42 mg
β¦ - Sodium: 378 mg
β¦ - Potassium: 84 mg
β¦ - Fiber: 1 g
β¦ - Sugar: 39 g
β¦ - Vitamin A: 488 IU
β¦ - Vitamin C: 1 mg
β¦ - Calcium: 37 mg
β¦ - Iron: 2 mg
Steps to avoid while preparing Apple Pie With Graham Cracker Crust
1. Not Preparing the Crust Correctly: Donβt rush through the process of making or using the graham cracker crust. Ensure itβs properly prepared and pressed into the pie dish to create a sturdy base for your pie.
2. Using Overly Soft Butter: While making the crumb topping, avoid using overly soft or melted butter. It should be softened to room temperature but still retain some firmness for the right texture in the crumb topping.
3. Overfilling the Pie: Resist the temptation to overfill the pie with the apple mixture. It can cause the filling to spill over while baking and make a mess in your oven.
4. Not Allowing the Filling to Cool: After cooking the apple filling, give it some time to cool before pouring it into the graham cracker crust. Pouring hot filling into the crust can affect its texture and structure.
5. Skipping the Chilling Step: Chilling the crumb topping mixture is essential to achieve that crumbly texture. Skipping this step can lead to a less-than-ideal topping.
6. Neglecting Cooling Time: Avoid slicing the pie too soon after taking it out of the oven. Let it cool completely to allow the filling to set. Slicing it too early can result in a messy pie.
FAQ
1. Question: What makes an Apple Pie with Graham Cracker Crust unique?
Answer: Apple Pie with Graham Cracker Crust is a delightful twist on the classic dessert. The graham cracker crust adds a sweet and slightly nutty flavor that perfectly complements the tartness of the apples.
2. Question: How do I make a graham cracker crust for apple pie?
Answer: Making a graham cracker crust for apple pie is easy. Crush graham crackers, mix them with melted butter and sugar, press the mixture into a pie dish, and bake until itβs firm. It creates a delicious, crunchy base for your pie.
3. Question: Can I use store-bought graham cracker crust for apple pie?
Answer: Absolutely! If youβre short on time, a store-bought graham cracker crust works well. Just fill it with your homemade apple pie filling for a quick and tasty dessert.
4. Question: What types of apples are best for apple pie with graham cracker crust?
Answer: Granny Smith apples provide a tart contrast to the sweet graham cracker crust. Combining them with Gala apples adds complexity and flavor to your pie.
5. Question: Is graham cracker crust healthier than traditional pie crust?
Answer: While graham cracker crust contains less fat than traditional pastry crust, its sweetness may lead to a similar calorie count. Itβs all about personal preference and dietary choices.
6. Question: Can I make an apple pie with graham cracker crust ahead of time?
Answer: Yes, you can prepare your apple pie with graham cracker crust ahead of time and refrigerate it. This allows the flavors to meld, making it even more delicious.
7. Question: How do I prevent my apple pie with graham cracker crust from getting soggy?
Answer: To prevent a soggy crust, brush the graham cracker crust with a beaten egg white before adding the apple filling. This creates a barrier that keeps the moisture from the filling at bay.
8. Question: Whatβs the secret to a perfect crumb topping for apple pie?
Answer: The key to a great crumb topping is using cold butter and chilling the mixture before baking. It ensures that the topping becomes wonderfully crumbly during baking.
9. Question: Can I freeze apple pie with graham cracker crust?
Answer: Yes, you can freeze apple pie with graham cracker crust. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and it will stay delicious for up to three months.
10. Question: Whatβs the best way to serve apple pie with graham cracker crust?
Answer: Apple pie with graham cracker crust is best enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for that perfect finishing touch.