Indulge in the comforting flavors of homemade Apple Schnitz Pie—a classic Amish dessert featuring tender, rehydrated dried apples flavored with warming spices, all nestled within a flaky pie crust. Perfect for any occasion, this pie will fill your home with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and cloves.
Ingredients:
- **2 – 3 cups dried tart apples
- **1 ½ – 2 cups warm water
- **Scant ⅔ cup sugar
- **¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- **½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- **Pastry for 2 (8-inch) pie crusts
Instructions:
1. Rehydrate the Dried Apples:
- Place the dried tart apples in a large bowl and cover them with warm water. Let the apples soak for at least 1 hour, or until they are softened and plump. Drain any excess water from the apples.
2. Prepare the Pie Filling:
- In a saucepan, combine the rehydrated dried apples, sugar, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon. Stir well to coat the apples evenly with the sugar and spices.
- Cook the apple mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and the sugar has dissolved, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. Roll Out the Pie Crust:
- Roll out the pastry dough for 2 (8-inch) pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Line a 9-inch pie dish with one of the pie crusts, pressing it gently into the bottom and up the sides of the dish.
5. Fill the Pie Crust:
- Spoon the cooked apple mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly.
6. Add the Top Crust:
- Place the second pie crust over the filled pie, or create a lattice pattern with strips of dough if desired. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal.
7. Bake the Pie:
- Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
8. Cool and Serve:
- Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Cook’s Tips and Variations:
- Adjust Sugar: Depending on the sweetness of your dried apples and personal preference, you can adjust the amount of sugar used in the filling. Taste the filling mixture before cooking and adjust accordingly.
- Enhance Flavor: Add a splash of lemon juice or a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the filling for an extra layer of flavor.
- Texture Variation: For added texture, mix in chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts with the cooked apple filling before adding it to the pie crust.
- Glaze: Brush the top crust of the pie with a beaten egg or milk before baking for a shiny, golden finish.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the pie filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to assemble and bake the pie. This is especially helpful for busy days or when entertaining guests.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Where can I find dried tart apples for this recipe?
- Dried tart apples can usually be found in the dried fruit section of grocery stores, health food stores, or online retailers. If you can’t find them locally, you can also consider substituting with other dried tart fruits such as dried cranberries or dried sour cherries.
- Can I use fresh apples instead of dried apples?
- While dried apples are traditional for schnitz pie, you can certainly use fresh apples if you prefer. Simply peel, core, and slice the fresh apples into thin slices, then cook them with the sugar and spices until tender. Keep in mind that fresh apples will release more moisture during cooking, so you may need to adjust the cooking time and possibly add a thickener such as cornstarch or flour to the filling.
- How do I prevent the pie crust from becoming soggy?
- To prevent the bottom crust from becoming soggy, you can blind bake it before adding the filling. Simply line the pie crust with parchment paper or aluminum foil, fill it with pie weights or dried beans, and bake it in a preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until it’s just starting to set and turn golden brown. Remove the weights and continue baking for a few minutes to fully cook the crust before adding the filling.
- Can I freeze this pie?
- Yes, you can freeze this pie for future enjoyment. Once baked and cooled, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw the pie overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.
- Can I make this pie ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make the pie ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Simply assemble the pie as directed, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove the pie from the refrigerator, preheat the oven, and bake as directed in the recipe
More Delicious Ideas:
- Crumb Topping: Sprinkle a crumb topping made from flour, brown sugar, oats, and butter over the apple filling before adding the top crust for added texture and flavor.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the baked pie just before serving for an extra indulgent touch.
- Spice Variation: Experiment with different spices in the filling, such as nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom, to customize the flavor to your liking.
- Individual Servings: Instead of making one large pie, divide the filling among individual ramekins or mini pie dishes for adorable single-serve desserts.
- Serve with Ice Cream: Serve each slice of pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing that’s sure to please.
Our Apple Schnitz Pie is a delightful tribute to traditional Amish cuisine, showcasing the timeless combination of sweet-tart apples and warm spices in a flaky, buttery crust. Whether enjoyed as a comforting dessert on a chilly evening or served as a special treat for family and friends, this pie is sure to become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection. So gather your ingredients, roll out your pastry dough, and prepare to savor the simple pleasures of homemade goodness with this irresistible Apple Schnitz Pie!
