Granny smith apples are deliciously tart and exceptionally crisp, which make them an excellent choice for pie. I have reworked my traditional apple pie recipe adding complementary flavors including orange and ginger. The ginger brings a subtle and pleasant heat balancing the sweet citrus flavor from the orange. I make an all butter crust because let’s be honest it tastes the best. Remember that these are homemade do not worry if each one looks slightly different. Apple season is right around the corner. Be ready with this delicious recipe!
Butter crust:
2 ½ cups of King Arthur All Purpose Flour
1 cup salted vegan butter
1-teaspoon sugar
3-tablespoons cold water
Filling:
4 small granny smith apples
½ cup instant gf oats
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1-teaspoon orange oil
1-tablespoon chopped crystallized ginger
½ stick vegan butter
3-tablespoons brown sugar
How to:
Place the flour, sugar, and cubed butter into a large bowl. Mix together evenly. Dough will be slightly sticky. At this point add the cold water and vanilla extract and continue to mix. Form dough into ball and place in plastic wrap. Put in the refrigerator and allow to set for 2 hrs, then remove from refrigerator and let rest until pliable. While dough is chilling begin to work on the filling. Core granny smith apples and cut in even cubes. Add ½ stick of butter and diced apples to saucepan on medium heat. Add brown sugar, oats, cinnamon, and orange oil. Add minced ginger last. Mix thoroughly and allow to cool completely before filling the dough.
Remove dough from the refrigerator. Sprinkle enough flour to sparsely cover a piece of parchment paper and place dough on top. Remember that more flour can always be added. Roll dough into thin layer. Be careful not to over work the dough, which would result in a tough, non-pliable texture. Cut into circles approximately 4’” in diameter. Fill bottom circle with heaping tablespoon of filling mixture. Cover filling with top circle. Pinch the edges with a fork in complete circles. Cut 3 small (1/2 inch) slits on top of each pie to allow steam to escape. Brush on cream or half and half and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Place pies on a parchment-covered tray and bake on 350º.
