Some pies transcend their role as desserts to become warm embraces of flavor and nostalgia. Old-Fashioned Apple Spice Pie is one such treasure, capturing the essence of crisp autumn days with tender spiced apples nestled in a flaky, buttery crust.
Each slice brings together the comforting sweetness of baked apples, the warm aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, and the satisfying crispness of golden-brown pastry. Whether adorned with a lattice crust or a simple rustic finish, it’s a timeless dessert that feels like home.
What makes this pie truly special? The careful layering of seasonal spices and the subtle touch of oats at the base to ensure a perfectly textured crust. It’s a harmonious blend of tradition and technique that delights every palate.
Old-Fashioned Apple Spice Pie isn’t just a dessert; it’s a celebration of the season and a centerpiece for cherished gatherings. Let’s craft this classic together and create a dessert as memorable as the moments it accompanies!
Old-Fashioned Apple Spice Pie
Equipment
- 9-inch pie plate
- Baking stone or sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling Pin
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp table salt
- 1 tbsp butter melted
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 tbsp old-fashioned oats (rolled oats)
- 3½ lbs apples peeled, cored, and sliced 1/4 inch thick
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ⅛ tsp ground allspice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¾ cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Roll one dough portion to about ⅛” thick and fit it into a 9-inch pie plate, leaving excess dough hanging over the edges.
- Wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
- Roll the second portion similarly, place on parchment, cover, and chill.
- Preheat the oven to 500°F with a baking stone or sheet on the lowest rack.
- Sprinkle oats over the bottom crust to absorb moisture.
- Mix sugars, flour, salt, and spices in a bowl.
- Toss apples with melted butter and vanilla, then coat with the sugar mixture.
- Spread apple filling into the crust, mounding slightly.
- Cover with the second dough, trim, seal, flute edges, and cut vents for steam.
- Brush with egg white.
- Reduce oven to 425°F and bake for 25 minutes.
- Lower to 375°F and bake for 35–40 minutes until golden and bubbling.
- Cool for 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Oats prevent a soggy crust and enhance flavor.
- Mounding the apples creates an appealing dome shape.
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 267kcal ll Total Fat: 2g ll Carbs: 65g ll Protein: 1g
Helpful Tips For You!
- Chill the Dough: Keeping the dough chilled ensures it remains flaky during baking. Work quickly when rolling it out, and refrigerate if it starts to soften.
- Choose the Right Apples: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, for balanced flavor and texture.
- Don’t Skip the Oats: Adding oats to the base absorbs excess moisture, preventing a soggy crust and adding a subtle nuttiness.
- Use Fresh Spices: Ground spices lose their potency over time. Use fresh cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice for a vibrant, aromatic filling.