Delicious Apple Pie with Vanilla Sauce
Classic, Cozy, and Perfectly Spiced—An Irresistible Dessert for Fall or Any Occasion!
Ingredients:
For the Apple Pie:
- 6 cups peeled, cored, and sliced apples (about 6 medium apples, Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small cubes (to dot the filling)
- 1 package (14 oz) refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade pie crust if preferred)
For the Vanilla Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 vanilla bean (split and seeds scraped) or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pie Filling:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the apple slices, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Toss the apples gently until they are well-coated with the sugar and spice mixture. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Prepare the Pie Crust:
- Roll out one of the pie crusts and place it into a 9-inch pie dish, gently pressing the crust into the edges. If you’re using a store-bought crust, just unroll it and fit it into the dish.
- Pour the apple filling into the pie crust, making sure to distribute it evenly. Dot the top of the apples with small cubes of butter.
- Roll out the second pie crust and lay it over the filled pie. Trim the excess dough, leaving about an inch of overhang. Crimp the edges of the pie crust together using your fingers or a fork to seal the pie.
- Cut a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape while baking.
3. Bake the Apple Pie:
- Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the slits. If the edges of the crust begin to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Once the pie is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes before serving. This cooling time will help the filling set.
4. Make the Vanilla Sauce:
- While the pie is cooling, prepare the vanilla sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the mixture begins to warm and the sugar dissolves.
- If using a vanilla bean, split it lengthwise and scrape the seeds into the saucepan, adding the pod as well for more flavor. If using vanilla extract, you can add it directly to the saucepan once the cream and milk are heated.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Gradually add the slurry to the simmering cream mixture, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, which should take about 2-3 more minutes.
- Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the unsalted butter until it’s fully melted and incorporated.
- If you used a vanilla bean pod, remove it from the sauce and discard it.
5. Serve the Apple Pie:
- Once the pie has cooled slightly, slice it into wedges and serve with a generous drizzle of warm vanilla sauce over the top.
- For an extra indulgent touch, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
Tips for Perfect Apple Pie with Vanilla Sauce:
- Apple Variety: Using a combination of tart and sweet apples will give the pie a perfect balance of flavors. Granny Smith apples add tartness, while Honeycrisp or Fuji apples bring sweetness and crispness.
- Pie Crust: If you prefer homemade pie crust, use a simple all-butter recipe for the best flaky texture. If you want to make things even easier, store-bought crusts work just as well!
- Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can reduce or omit the cornstarch. Alternatively, for an extra creamy consistency, add a little more cream or butter.
- Make Ahead: You can make the vanilla sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently before serving with the pie.
- Toppings: While vanilla sauce is delicious, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top of the pie crust before baking for extra flavor and a lovely golden finish.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Pie with Vanilla Sauce:
- Classic Comfort: Apple pie is the ultimate comfort food, and the addition of the creamy vanilla sauce elevates this dessert to a new level of indulgence.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s for a holiday celebration, a weekend family dinner, or a special occasion, this apple pie with vanilla sauce will wow your guests.
- Tropical Twist: The warm vanilla sauce adds a silky, rich finish that pairs perfectly with the spiced apples, making each bite melt in your mouth.
Conclusion:
This Delicious Apple Pie with Vanilla Sauce is a dessert that combines the warmth of cinnamon-spiced apples, a flaky pie crust, and the indulgent richness of vanilla sauce. Perfect for fall or any time of year, this dessert will become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, the combination of the homemade apple filling and the creamy sauce is guaranteed to satisfy every sweet tooth. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you’ll have an unforgettable dessert on your hands!Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie