how to make apple pie with frozen apples

Daniel Parker

3 min read

·

20-01-2025

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Meta Description: Discover the secret to a perfect apple pie even when using frozen apples! This comprehensive guide provides a step-by-step recipe, tips for success, and variations to make your pie irresistible. Learn how to achieve that warm, spiced apple flavor you crave, all from the convenience of frozen fruit.

Introduction: Frozen Apples, Fantastic Pie

Making apple pie from scratch is a classic, but sometimes fresh apples aren't available or convenient. This recipe proves you can achieve that warm, comforting taste of homemade apple pie even when using frozen apples. This guide provides a step-by-step method, ensuring a delicious and easy-to-make pie, perfect for any occasion. Let's get started!

Ingredients You'll Need

This recipe uses readily available ingredients. You likely already have most of them in your pantry.

For the Crust:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, very cold and cut into cubes
• ½ cup ice water

For the Filling:

• 6 cups frozen apple slices (about 3 lbs), thawed and drained
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground allspice
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp butter, cut into small pieces

Step-by-Step Instructions: Making the Perfect Apple Pie

Making the Pie Crust:

1. Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Cut in the butter: Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Avoid overmixing.
3. Add ice water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix.
4. Chill the dough: Form the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a flakier crust.

Preparing the Apple Filling:

1. Thaw and drain: Thaw the frozen apple slices completely. Make sure to drain off any excess liquid. This prevents a soggy bottom.
2. Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the thawed and drained apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, salt, and lemon juice. Toss gently to coat.

Assembling the Pie:

1. Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie plate.
2. Add the filling: Pour the apple filling into the pie crust. Dot the top with the small pieces of butter.
3. Top crust: Roll out the second disc of dough and either place it over the filling or cut it into strips for a lattice top. Crimp the edges to seal.
4. Cut vents: Cut several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.

Baking the Pie:

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil.
3. Cool: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set.

Tips for the Best Frozen Apple Pie

• Don't skip thawing: Ensure your apples are fully thawed and drained to prevent a soggy pie.
• Use cold ingredients: Cold butter and ice water are key to a flaky crust.
• Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing develops the gluten, resulting in a tough crust.
• Blind bake (optional): For an extra-crisp bottom crust, pre-bake the crust for 15 minutes before adding the filling.

Variations and Flavor Additions

• Spiced it up: Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the filling for extra warmth.
• Nutty delight: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for added texture and flavor.
• Cranberry twist: Mix in ½ cup of dried cranberries for a tart and festive twist.
• Streusel topping: For a delightful crumble topping, combine ½ cup flour, ½ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup oats, and ¼ cup melted butter. Sprinkle over the pie before baking.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Delicious Apple Pie!

Making a delicious apple pie with frozen apples is surprisingly simple. By following these steps and tips, you can create a comforting and flavorful dessert that will impress your friends and family. Remember to enjoy the process and savor the delicious results! Let me know in the comments what your favorite apple pie variations are. Happy baking!