Lene's Bester Apfelkuchen Lene's Best Apple Pie

Indulge in the timeless comfort of "Lene's Bester Apfelkuchen" (Lene's Best Apple Pie), a German-inspired dessert that harmonizes buttery, flaky homemade pie crust with a luscious filling of tart apples, warm spices, and a hint of citrus. Perfect for fall gatherings or year-round celebrations, this pie features a golden, glossy top crust brushed with a rich egg yolk and cream mixture and is generously spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg for that quintessential apple pie aroma. The balance of tangy Granny Smith or Braeburn apples with a touch of sweetness from brown and granulated sugar makes each bite perfectly satisfying. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally dusted with powdered sugar, and enjoy this classic dessert that's sure to impress at any table.

Nutriscore Rating: 56/100

Prep Time:40 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:100 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 300 grams All-purpose flour
• 200 grams Unsalted butter (cold, diced)
• 50 grams Granulated sugar (for dough)
• 60 milliliters Ice water
• 0.5 teaspoons Salt
• 1 kilograms Apples (preferably tart varieties like Granny Smith or Braeburn, peeled, cored, and sliced)
• 150 grams Granulated sugar (for filling)
• 50 grams Brown sugar
• 1.5 teaspoons Ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoons Ground nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons Cornstarch
• 1 piece Egg yolk (for brushing)
• 1 tablespoon Heavy cream (for brushing)
• 1 tablespoon Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold, diced butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 2

Add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.

Step 3

Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape each into a flat disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 4

Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a 9-inch pie dish and set it aside.

Step 5

In a large bowl, combine the apple slices, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated.

Step 6

On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a circle slightly larger than the pie dish. Carefully transfer it to the dish, pressing it gently against the sides and bottom.

Step 7

Fill the pie crust with the prepared apple filling, mounding it slightly in the center.

Step 8

Roll out the second disc of dough and place it over the apples. Trim any excess dough, leaving a 1-inch overhang. Tuck the edges under and crimp them using your fingers or a fork to seal.

Step 9

Cut a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape while baking.

Step 10

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and heavy cream. Brush this mixture over the top crust for a golden, glossy finish.

Step 11

Place the pie on the middle rack of the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

Step 12

Once baked, allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours to set before slicing. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1904.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4252.9

Total Fat 179.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 110.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 643.9mg	0%
Sodium 1238.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 646.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 34.7g	0%
Total Sugars 358.0g
Protein 38.8g	0%

Vitamin D 148.6IU	0%
Calcium 262.4mg	0%
Iron 16.4mg	0%
Potassium 1580.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 37.1%

Protein: 3.6%

Carbs: 59.3%