Gingerbread Apple Pie is the ultimate fusion of holiday flavors! With its spiced gingerbread crust, creamy custard, and tender cinnamon-infused apple filling, this pie is a showstopper that will impress everyone at your table. It's a cozy dessert that brings together the best of the season in every bite.
Ready to make your kitchen smell like a holiday dream? Let’s dive into the step-by-step process!
Gingerbread Apple Pie Recipe
Ingredients
For the Crust
- One whole recipe of gingerbread cookie dough
For the Custard
- 250 grams milk
- 1 egg
- 10 grams cornstarch
- 40 grams of granulated sugar
- 1 lemon peel (yellow part only)
- 1 cinnamon stick
For the Apple Filling
- 2 apples, peeled and sliced
- 1.5 tablespoons butter
- 20 grams granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Gingerbread Crust
1. Make the gingerbread cookie dough.
- Start by browning the butter, then mix the dry and wet ingredients separately before combining them. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
2. Place the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface into a greased pie dish.
3. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the crust for 15 minutes. Let it cool while preparing the filling.
Step 2: Make the Custard
1. Peel the lemon, ensuring only the yellow part is used.
Combine the milk, lemon peel, cinnamon stick, and sugar in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat until it starts to boil.
3. In a separate heat-resistant bowl, whisk the egg and cornstarch together until smooth.
4. Gradually pour the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture while whisking constantly. Return the mixture to the saucepan.
5. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring until the custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 4–5 minutes).
6. Strain the custard through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl to remove lumps and peels. Cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent skin from forming. Let it cool.
Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling
1. Wash, peel, and slice the apples into thin pieces.
2. In a saucepan, melt the butter and add the apples, sugar, and cinnamon.
3. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes or until the apples are soft. Let the filling cool completely.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
1. Pour the custard over the baked crust, spreading it evenly.
2. Add the cooled apple filling on top of the custard.
Step 5: Create the Lattice Top
1. Roll out the gingerbread dough and cut it into strips using a sharp knife.
2. Lay half of the strips horizontally across the pie, leaving spaces between each strip.
3. Weave the remaining strips vertically, alternating them to create a lattice pattern. Trim any excess dough and seal the edges.
4. Use a gingerbread man cookie cutter to cut a hole in the center of the pie. Bake the cut-out separately and place it on top later.
Step 6: Bake the Pie
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the assembled pie for 30 minutes, or until the top crust is golden brown.
2. Place the baked gingerbread man cookie on the hole in the center as decoration.
Tips & Tricks
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the gingerbread dough, custard, and apple filling a day in advance to save time.
- Texture Preference: If you like firmer apples, reduce the cooking time for the filling.
- Custom Decorations: Use extra dough to cut festive shapes to decorate the pie.
This Gingerbread Apple Pie is as beautiful as it is delicious. With its spiced aroma and creamy, fruity layers, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Slice, serve, and enjoy the warmth of the holidays in every bite!