Delicious Cast Iron Skillet Apple Pie with Crumb Topping Recipe

There’s something truly magical about the aroma of cinnamon wafting through your home, especially when it mingles with the sweet scent of baked apples. Imagine slicing into a beautifully golden Cast Iron Skillet Apple Pie, the crumbly topping giving way to a warm, gooey filling that hugs your taste buds like an old friend. That’s the kind of joy we’re about to create together.

This pie isn’t just any dessert; it’s a delicious hug in a crust, perfect for family gatherings, cozy evenings, or any day that ends in “y.” You’ll find that every bite is a combination of sweet, tart, and buttery goodness that will have you wondering why you didn’t make it sooner.

Ingredients for Cast Iron Skillet Apple Pie

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Cast Iron Skillet Apple Pie:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – The backbone of your pie crust; look for an all-purpose variety for the best texture.

3/4 teaspoon kosher salt – Essential to enhance the flavor of the crust.

16 tablespoons (2 sticks) unsalted butter – Cold and cut into cubes for a flaky crust; make sure it’s super cold!

4 to 8 tablespoons ice water – Helps bring the dough together without making it tough.

6 apples – A mixture of tart and sweet like Granny Smith and Fuji ensures a balanced flavor.

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – This will help thicken the apple mixture.

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Warm and aromatic, cinnamon is a must for that classic apple pie flavor.

1/2 lemon, juiced and zested – Adds a bright freshness and cuts through the sweetness.

3/4 cup packed light brown sugar – Melty and caramel-like, brown sugar gives depth to the filling.

1 pinch kosher salt – A tiny bit tightens up the sweet notes.

1 cup all-purpose flour – For the crumb topping, adding to the texture and flavor.

1/2 cup granulated sugar – Provides sweetness and crunch for the topping.

1/4 cup light brown sugar – Adds chewiness and complexity to the topping.

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon – Because you can never have too much cinnamon!

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt – To balance out the sweetness.

6 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter – Essential for creating that crumbly topping; keep it cold!

How to Make Cast Iron Skillet Apple Pie

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Cast Iron Skillet Apple Pie:

Step 1: Make the Crust
In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and work them into the flour using your fingertips or a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually stir in the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Form it into a round shape, cover in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling
While your dough chills, wash, peel, and core the apples. Cut them into 1/4-inch thick slices and place them in a large bowl. Add the flour, ground cinnamon, lemon juice, lemon zest, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Toss until the apple slices are well coated and let sit while you prepare the topping.

Step 3: Make the Topping
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Sprinkle in the chilled butter cubes and mix with your fingers or a fork until the mixture resembles coarse sand with some pea-sized pieces. Chill this mixture until you’re ready to assemble the pie.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a well-floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Transfer it to a 12-inch cast-iron skillet, pressing it gently into the edges. Trim any overhanging dough if necessary; you want a neat finish.

Step 5: Fill the Pie
Pour the apple filling into the crust, spreading it out evenly. Top with the crumb mixture, mounding it slightly in the center and gently pressing it down to pack it over the apples.

Step 6: Bake the Pie
Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until the top turns golden brown. Reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 40 to 45 minutes more, until the apples are tender when pierced with a knife. If the topping begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover the pie with aluminum foil.

After emerging from the oven, allow your pie to cool slightly, then serve warm or at room temperature. Indulge in a slice of this Cast Iron Skillet Apple Pie, and let its delightful combination of flavors and textures whisk you away to dessert paradise!

Perfecting Cast Iron Skillet Apple Pie Cooking Process

Begin by preparing your dough and chilling it while you slice the apples. Focus on making the filling while the dough rests, then assemble and bake for the best timing and flavor development.

Add Your Touch to Cast Iron Skillet Apple Pie

Feel free to customize your Cast Iron Skillet Apple Pie by using different apple varieties or adding nuts and raisins for extra texture. You can also swap out cinnamon for nutmeg or brown sugar for maple syrup to create unique flavor profiles.

Storing & Reheating Cast Iron Skillet Apple Pie

Store leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or warm the entire pie in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Having baked this delicious pie countless times, I remember the first time I served it to friends. Their delighted expressions made all the effort worthwhile—a true moment of joy that still warms my heart.

FAQs About Cast Iron Skillet Apple Pie

What is Cast Iron Skillet Apple Pie?

Cast Iron Skillet Apple Pie is a delectable dessert that combines a buttery, flaky crust with a luscious apple filling, all baked to perfection in a sturdy cast iron skillet. This pie showcases a harmony of sweet and tart flavors, typically using a mix of apples like Granny Smith and Fuji. The cast iron skillet not only enhances the pie’s presentation but also ensures even cooking, resulting in a golden, crispy topping and tender apple slices. It’s a perfect dish for gatherings, family dinners, and cozy evenings at home.

How do I store leftovers of Cast Iron Skillet Apple Pie?

To store leftovers of Cast Iron Skillet Apple Pie, allow the pie to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to five days. If you want to enjoy that freshly baked warmth days later, simply reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 30 seconds or warm the whole pie in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Proper storage helps maintain the pie’s texture and flavor, allowing you to indulge in this delightful dessert even after the initial serving.

Can I customize my Cast Iron Skillet Apple Pie?

Absolutely! One of the joys of making a Cast Iron Skillet Apple Pie is its versatility. You can use different apple varieties to suit your taste—think honeycrisp or braeburn for a sweeter pie, or add some spice with nutmeg in lieu of cinnamon. You can also incorporate additional ingredients like chopped nuts or raisins for extra texture. Explore flavors by replacing brown sugar with maple syrup or by adding a splash of vanilla extract for a richer taste that will elevate your pie to the next level.

What is the best apple combination for Cast Iron Skillet Apple Pie?

For the ultimate Cast Iron Skillet Apple Pie, it’s best to use a blend of both tart and sweet apples. A classic combination includes Granny Smith for their tartness and Fuji or Honeycrisp for their sweetness. This variety ensures a complex flavor profile, making the pie deliciously balanced. A mix not only enhances flavor but also provides varied textures that contribute to an irresistible bite. Experimenting with different apple types can lead to delightful new favorites, perfect for customization.

Conclusion for Cast Iron Skillet Apple Pie

In conclusion, the Cast Iron Skillet Apple Pie is a charming dessert that marries tradition with convenience, creating a showstopping dish for any occasion. The delightful mix of sweet and tart apples combined with a crisp, crumbly topping brings nostalgia and warmth to every bite. Whether it’s for a family gathering or simply a cozy night in, this pie is sure to impress. With tips for customization and storage, you’ll find this recipe not only straightforward but also a crowd-pleaser that showcases the magic of homemade cooking.

Delicious Cast Iron Skillet Apple Pie with Crumb Topping Recipe

This Cast Iron Skillet Apple Pie features a perfect blend of sweet and tart apples with a crumbly topping, creating a showstopper dessert.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1 hour hr

Cook Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Chilling Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 40 minutes mins

Servings: 8 slices

Course: Dessert Recipes

Cuisine: American

Calories: 300

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour plus more for dusting
• 0.75 teaspoon kosher salt
• 16 tablespoons unsalted butter cold and cut into about ½-inch cubes
• 4-8 tablespoons ice water
• 6 whole apples mixture of tart and sweet, like Granny Smith and Fuji
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.5 whole lemon juiced and zested
• 0.75 cups packed light brown sugar
• 1 pinch kosher salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 0.5 cups granulated sugar
• 0.25 cups light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
• 6 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter cut into ½-inch cubes

Equipment

• 12-inch cast iron skillet

Method

 

Making the Crust

1. In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the butter and work the butter into the dough until pieces are roughly the size of peas. Stir in the ice water a tablespoon or two at a time, just until the mixture forms a workable dough. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and press into a round. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 hour.

Preparing the Filling

1. Rinse, peel, and core the apples. Cut into slices about ¼ inch wide and transfer to a large bowl. Add the flour, cinnamon, lemon juice and zest, brown sugar, and salt, and mix to combine.

Making the Topping

1. In a medium bowl, mix the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the butter and work into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse sand. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Baking the Pie

1. Heat the oven to 400°F. On a well-floured surface, roll the crust to about ⅛ inch thick. Transfer to a 12-inch cast-iron skillet. Unroll and lightly press into the edges, trimming the edges so they are flush with the rim of the skillet.
2. Pour the apple filling into the crust. Top with the crumb topping, mounding in the middle and lightly packing it down over the apples.
3. Bake for about 30 minutes, until the top is golden brown. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and continue to bake for 40 to 45 minutes more, until the apples are tender when pierced with a knife. If the topping is browning too quickly, cover the pie with foil.
4. Let cool until warm or room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 2gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 1mg

Notes

This pie is perfect for holidays, gatherings, or a cozy night in. Customize the recipe by mixing different apple varieties or adding alternative spices to suit your taste.

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