Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Irish Flavor: Combines traditional Irish baking techniques with classic apple pie ingredients.
- Flaky, Buttery Crust: The crust is made with a blend of all-purpose and cake flours, resulting in a tender and flaky texture.
- Spiced Apple Filling: A mix of Granny Smith apples, sugar, and spices creates a flavorful and aromatic filling.
- Family Tradition: A recipe passed down through generations, bringing a piece of Irish heritage to your home.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup cake flour
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 3 tablespoons shortening
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ⅛ teaspoon lemon juice
For the Filling:
- 5 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- ½ cup white sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ tablespoon ground nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 large egg, beaten
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
-
Prepare the Crust:
- In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cake flour, white sugar, and salt.
- Cut in the cold unsalted butter and shortening using a pastry blender or two knives until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Mix in the sour cream and lemon juice until the dough comes together; some lumps are okay.
- Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a disk. Wrap each disk in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
-
Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish.
-
Assemble the Pie:
- Roll out one disk of dough to fit the prepared 9-inch pie dish.
- Roll out the second disk for the top crust; set aside.
-
Prepare the Filling:
- Place the sliced apples into the bottom crust.
- In a small bowl, mix together the white sugar, all-purpose flour, ground nutmeg, and lemon juice. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the apples.
-
Finish the Pie:
- Brush the outer edge of the bottom crust with the beaten egg.
- Cover the pie with the top crust, trim and crimp the edges together. Brush the top crust with the remaining beaten egg and cut 4 steam vents.
-
Bake:
- Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
-
Cool and Serve:
- Allow the pie to cool for at least 1 hour before serving to let the filling set properly.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: 1 (9-inch) pie, approximately 8 servings
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Additional Time: 1 hour (for cooling)
- Total Time: Approximately 2 hours and 5 minutes
Variations
- Spice Adjustments: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or allspice to the filling for additional warmth and depth of flavor.
- Nutty Addition: Incorporate ¼ cup of finely chopped walnuts or pecans into the filling for added texture.
- Citrus Twist: Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the filling for a subtle citrus note.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Unbaked pies can be frozen for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
- Reheating: To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
While Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness and firmness, you can substitute with other tart apples like Honeycrisp or Braeburn.
Is it necessary to use both all-purpose and cake flours?
The combination of all-purpose and cake flours contributes to a tender and flaky crust. Using only all-purpose flour may result in a denser crust.
Can I make the crust ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 2 days before assembling the pie.
How can I make the crust more flavorful?
Add ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crust for an extra flavor boost.
Can I skip the sour cream in the crust?
If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute with plain yogurt or buttermilk.
How do I prevent the apples from becoming mushy?
Be sure to use firm apples like Granny Smith, and avoid overcooking the filling.
Can I make this pie without shortening?
You can substitute shortening with more butter, though the texture may differ slightly.
Conclusion
Mum’s Irish Apple Pie is a delightful, comforting dessert that brings together flaky pastry, spiced apples, and the warmth of Irish tradition. With its combination of tender crust and flavorful filling, it’s the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, a holiday celebration, or simply enjoying a slice on a cozy afternoon, this pie will surely become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Try this recipe, and enjoy a true taste of Ireland!
Mum’s Irish Apple Pie
Mum’s Irish Apple Pie is a comforting dessert featuring a flaky, buttery crust filled with spiced Granny Smith apples. A perfect blend of sweetness and warmth, this traditional Irish recipe is ideal for family gatherings or a cozy treat. Enjoy the authentic flavors of Ireland with this timeless dessert.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours and 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert, Pie
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup cake flour
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 3 tablespoons shortening
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ⅛ teaspoon lemon juice
For the Filling:
- 5 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- ½ cup white sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ tablespoon ground nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 large egg, beaten
Instructions
-
Prepare the Crust:
- In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cake flour, white sugar, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter and shortening using a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in sour cream and lemon juice until the dough comes together, then divide into two disks and refrigerate for 1 hour.
-
Preheat Oven:
- Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch pie dish.
-
Assemble the Pie:
- Roll out one disk of dough and fit it into the pie dish.
- Roll out the second disk for the top crust.
-
Prepare the Filling:
- Layer the sliced apples into the bottom crust.
- In a bowl, combine sugar, flour, nutmeg, and lemon juice, then sprinkle over the apples.
-
Finish the Pie:
- Brush the edges of the bottom crust with the beaten egg.
- Place the top crust over the apples, trim and crimp the edges, and brush with the remaining egg. Cut steam vents in the top crust.
-
Bake:
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
-
Cool and Serve:
- Let the pie cool for at least 1 hour before slicing.
Notes
- Spice Adjustments: Add cinnamon or allspice for more warmth.
- Nutty Addition: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture.
