Discover the charm of a classic dessert with a twist! This Easy Brown Bag Apple Pie is not only delicious but also uniquely baked in a brown paper bag, creating a perfectly crisp and flaky crust while locking in all the juicy goodness of spiced apples. A foolproof recipe for pie lovers!
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Unique Baking Method: The brown bag technique ensures even baking and a delightful crust texture.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples to create a homemade pie that’s restaurant-worthy.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or simply treating yourself.
- Customizable: Easy to tweak the spices or crust to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Apples
- Sugar
- All-purpose flour
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Butter
- Pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- Brown paper bag
Directions
- Prepare the Filling: Peel, core, and slice the apples. Toss them with sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well-coated.
- Assemble the Pie: Roll out the pie crust and place it into a pie dish. Pour the apple mixture into the crust and dot with butter. Cover with the second crust, crimp the edges, and cut small vents in the top.
- Bake in a Bag: Place the pie inside a large brown paper bag and fold the end to seal. Place the bagged pie on a baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) for about 1 hour.
- Cool and Serve: Carefully remove the pie from the bag and let it cool before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8 slices
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Variations
- Add a Twist: Include raisins or cranberries for extra flavor.
- Different Apples: Use Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness.
- Crumble Topping: Swap the top crust for a streusel made of butter, flour, and sugar.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pie crust and substitute the flour in the filling.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Cover the pie tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm individual slices in the oven at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) for 10 minutes, or microwave for 30 seconds.
FAQs
1. What kind of apples work best for this pie?
Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tart flavor, but you can use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or a mix for variety.
2. Can I use frozen pie crusts?
Yes, frozen pie crusts are a convenient option. Just ensure they are fully thawed before using.
3. Is the brown paper bag safe for baking?
Absolutely! Use a plain, uncoated brown paper bag and avoid any with printing or coatings.
4. Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pie and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.
5. What can I use instead of a brown paper bag?
If you donโt have a brown paper bag, you can bake the pie covered with foil to mimic the effect.
6. Why does the pie need vents in the crust?
The vents allow steam to escape, preventing a soggy crust and ensuring even baking.
7. How do I avoid a soggy bottom crust?
Pre-baking the bottom crust for a few minutes or sprinkling it with a light layer of flour or breadcrumbs can help.
8. Can I freeze the pie?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pie for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding extra time as needed.
9. What if my crust browns too quickly?
Cover the edges of the pie with foil to prevent over-browning while the filling finishes cooking.
10. Can I use other fruits?
Absolutely! Pears or peaches can be used in place of apples for a seasonal variation.
Conclusion
This Easy Brown Bag Apple Pie offers a delightful baking experience with its innovative method and classic flavors. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a surefire way to impress family and friends. Try it today and enjoy a slice of homemade happiness!
Print
Easy Brown Bag Apple Pie
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic apple pie features a flaky crust filled with spiced apples and topped with a buttery crumble. Baking it in a brown paper bag keeps the apples tender and the crust perfectly golden.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons cold milk
For the Filling:
- 4 cups sliced apples (a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp works well)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or a mix of granulated and brown sugar)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Crumb Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
- In a medium bowl, combine 1 ยฝ cups flour, 1 ยฝ teaspoons sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt.
- Add ยฝ cup vegetable oil and 2 tablespoons cold milk; mix until well combined.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan. There’s no need to roll it out.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In another bowl, mix ยฝ cup sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, ยฝ teaspoon cinnamon, and ยฝ teaspoon nutmeg.
- Toss the sliced apples with this mixture until well coated. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to allow the sugar to melt onto the apples.
- Pour the apple mixture into the unbaked pie shell.
- Prepare the Crumb Topping:
- In a small bowl, combine ยฝ cup flour, ยฝ cup sugar, and ยฝ cup softened butter.
- Use your fingers or a fork to mix until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apple filling.
- Bake the Pie:
- Place the assembled pie into a large brown paper grocery bag. Fold the open end of the bag over and staple it shut to enclose the pie.
- Place the bagged pie on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 1 ยฝ hours.
- Carefully remove the pie from the oven and slit the bag open with a knife. Let the pie cool completely on a cooling rack, about 4 hours, to allow the filling to set.
Notes
- Ensure the brown paper bag does not touch the heating elements of the oven to prevent burning.
- For added flavor, consider drizzling caramel sauce over the pie before serving.
- Serving the pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream enhances the dessert experience.
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