Name: German Apple Pie Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 6 medium apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced); 1 unbaked 9-inch deep-dish pie crust; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ⅛ teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

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If you’ve ever dreamed of a dessert that combines the homey goodness of apples with creamy, spiced custard, German Apple Pie is about to become your new favorite. This pie is nothing like your average apple pie: with heaps of tender apples drenched in vanilla-scented cream and wrapped in a golden crust, every slice is a comfort-filled masterpiece. Whether you’re looking for that heartwarming ending to a cozy dinner or the star of your next holiday table, German Apple Pie brings a little piece of tradition – and a whole lot of deliciousness – to every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This German Apple Pie shines with just a handful of simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays its own special part, resulting in a dessert that’s both rustic and luxurious. Here’s why they matter:

Apples (6 medium, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced): Crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp will keep their shape and bring a juicy, tangy bite to the pie.
Unbaked 9-inch deep-dish pie crust: The sturdy, buttery foundation that cradles all the luscious filling – homemade or store-bought works!
Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the apples and helps create that irresistible, lightly caramelized edge.
All-purpose flour (½ cup): Gives body to the filling and helps absorb those apple juices for a sliceable pie.
Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Brings warm spice that feels like a hug in every forkful.
Ground nutmeg (¼ teaspoon): A classic spice for apple desserts; a little nutmeg goes a long way in deepening the flavor.
Salt (⅛ teaspoon): Just a pinch to lift and balance all the sweet and spiced elements.
Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle brightness and keeps the apples from browning as you prep.
Heavy cream (1 cup): This is the secret to that creamy custard texture that sets German Apple Pie apart from all others.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Infuses every bite with a mellow, sweet aroma and rounds out the creaminess.

How to Make German Apple Pie

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pie Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), so it’s good and hot when the pie goes in. Set your unbaked deep-dish pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate, smoothing out the bottom and edges so there’s plenty of room for all the apples.

Step 2: Toss the Apples

In a large mixing bowl, combine your sliced apples with lemon juice, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Give everything a gentle toss until the apple slices are evenly coated – the flour will soak up some juices and the spices will stick to every slice beautifully.

Step 3: Fill the Pie

Arrange the spiced apple mixture in your prepared pie crust. It’s perfectly fine (even encouraged!) to mound them up a bit higher in the center. As it bakes, the apples will settle and mingle with the creamy filling.

Step 4: Make the Cream Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and vanilla extract until combined. This luscious mixture will sink into the apples as the pie bakes, creating that signature creamy texture unique to German Apple Pie.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Pour the cream mixture evenly over the apples, making sure it seeps into every nook and cranny. Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake at 400°F for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 45–50 minutes, until the top is golden and the filling is set. Patience is key: let the pie cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours before slicing, so the filling sets up properly.

How to Serve German Apple Pie

Garnishes

A dusting of powdered sugar makes this pie extra pretty, while a dollop of softly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream turns every serving into a special occasion. For a touch of crunch, try sprinkling chopped toasted nuts or a hint of cinnamon on top just before serving.

Side Dishes

German Apple Pie is wonderful alongside a simple cup of coffee or fresh herbal tea for a classic afternoon treat. If you’re serving this for dessert, a small glass of dessert wine or a few crisp butter cookies on the side is always a hit for those who love a little extra indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fresh twist, serve the pie slightly warm in individual ramekins, topped with a swirl of whipped cream and a caramel drizzle. If you’re feeling playful, cut the pie into mini squares for a buffet or brunch, or style each slice with a delicate edible flower for a touch of elegance that truly wows your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, wrap any leftover German Apple Pie tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to three days, making it perfect for snacking all week.

Freezing

You can freeze German Apple Pie whole or in slices! For best results, wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, then freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or serving at room temperature.

Reheating

To enjoy your pie warm again, pop individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or reheat the whole pie in a 300°F (150°C) oven, loosely covered with foil, until heated through. The cream filling will soften, and the aroma of apples and spices will fill your kitchen all over again.

FAQs

What kind of apples are best for German Apple Pie?

Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are both excellent choices: they’re firm, slightly tart, and hold their shape well during baking, giving the pie a wonderful texture and balanced flavor. Feel free to mix varieties to add more depth to your pie!

Can I use a store-bought pie crust?

Absolutely! Store-bought crusts save time and will still support that creamy filling and all those apples. If you have time, a homemade crust can make the pie even more special, but it’s totally optional.

What makes German Apple Pie different from regular apple pie?

The secret is in the creamy vanilla custard poured over the apples before baking. This transforms the filling into something rich and velvety, with a flavor reminiscent of an apple custard tart – an irresistible twist on the classic pie.

Can I use other spices besides cinnamon and nutmeg?

Cinnamon and nutmeg are traditional, but you can play with additions like cardamom, ginger, or even allspice for your own personalized version. Start with small amounts, since their flavors can be strong and you don’t want to overpower the apples.

How do I know when the pie is done baking?

The top will be golden, the filling will look bubbling and thick, and if you give the pie a gentle wiggle, it should look just set in the center. Be sure to cool it for at least 2 hours so the creamy filling will slice beautifully.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to fall in love with a dessert that’s as comforting as it is showstopping, whip up a German Apple Pie for your next gathering (or just because!). Every bite truly tastes like home – and I can’t wait for you to see just how delightful this pie can be. Enjoy!

German Apple Pie Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 8 slices 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the comforting flavors of this traditional German Apple Pie, featuring a creamy apple filling nestled in a flaky crust. Perfect for dessert or a sweet treat any time of day!

Ingredients

Scale

For the pie:

6 medium apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced)
1 unbaked 9-inch deep-dish pie crust
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
⅛ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the cream topping:

1 cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the pie crust in a deep-dish pie plate.
Prepare the apple filling: In a large bowl, toss apples with lemon juice, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Arrange in the pie crust.
Make the cream topping: Whisk together heavy cream and vanilla extract. Pour over the apples.
Bake: Bake for 15 minutes at 400°F (200°C), then reduce to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 45–50 minutes until set.
Cool and serve: Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before serving.