Get ready to experience a mind-blowing twist on the classic apple pie that will transform your dessert game forever! This isn't just another apple pie - it's a decadent masterpiece that combines the sweet, tender warmth of traditional apple filling with an unexpected, savory cheddar cheese crumble that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Imagine biting into a perfectly golden crust with layers of cinnamon-spiced apples and a crispy, cheesy topping that delivers an irresistible combination of flavors you never knew you needed.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled
- 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 6 cups apples, sliced
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the pie crust by combining flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Cut the chilled butter into small cubes and work it into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the texture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
- Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed throughout the pie crust mixture. Gradually add cold water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together and can be formed into a ball.
- Wrap the pie crust dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the butter to firm up and the gluten to relax.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare the apple filling by peeling, coring, and slicing the apples into thin, uniform pieces.
- Toss the apple slices with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice in a large bowl, ensuring the apples are evenly coated with the sweet and tangy mixture.
- Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Carefully transfer the dough to the pie dish, trimming any excess around the edges.
- Pour the prepared apple filling into the pie crust, spreading it evenly and creating a slight mound in the center.
- For the crumble topping, mix additional flour, butter, cheddar cheese, and a sprinkle of sugar in a separate bowl until it forms a crumbly texture.
- Sprinkle the cheddar cheese crumble evenly over the top of the apple filling, covering the entire surface.
- Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling.
- Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.
- Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.
Tips
- Choose the Right Apples: Use a mix of tart and sweet varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for the best flavor balance and texture.
- Keep Your Butter Cold: For the flakiest crust, ensure your butter is straight from the refrigerator and handle the dough minimally to prevent warming.
- Cheese Matters: Use a sharp cheddar for maximum flavor in your crumble topping. Freshly grated cheese melts and integrates better than pre-shredded options.
- Prevent Soggy Bottom: Sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs or ground nuts at the bottom of the crust to absorb excess moisture from the apple filling.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the pie to cool for at least 30 minutes after baking to let the filling set and make slicing easier.
- Serve with Flair: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream can elevate this pie from delicious to absolutely spectacular!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 50mg
