German Apple Pie Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that exudes cozy comfort and feels like a warm hug from your grandmother’s kitchen, you absolutely need to try German Apple Pie. With its mountain of tart apple slices, aromatic cinnamon and cloves, and a dreamy pour of heavy cream that bakes into a rich, tender filling, this pie is a true autumnal masterpiece all year round. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pastry enthusiast, this German Apple Pie will quickly become your go-to treat for family gatherings, holidays, or whenever the craving for something sweet and nostalgic strikes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of a delicious German Apple Pie is how it transforms simple, humble ingredients into something magical. Each element here is carefully chosen to enhance flavor, provide structure, or add that irresistible home-baked aroma.

• Prepared pie crust: The buttery, flaky base that supports the whole pie—make your own or choose a quality store-bought one for convenience.
• Lemon juice: Adds brightness and keeps those lovely apple slices from turning brown.
• Tart, green apples (such as Granny Smith): Their firm texture and tangy flavor shine after baking, balancing the sweet and creamy filling.
• Sugar: Sweetens the apples and gives a little crunch to the top when sprinkled before baking.
• All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the filling, so you get perfect slices every time.
• Ground cinnamon: Brings warming spice and that classic apple pie aroma you know and love.
• Cloves: A pinch of cloves adds depth and complexity—don’t skip this for a truly authentic flavor.
• Salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness and make the fruit flavors pop.
• Heavy cream: The secret to a custardy, luxuriously smooth filling; you’ll notice the difference in every bite.
• Pure vanilla extract: Rounds out the cream with a subtle, fragrant sweetness.

How to Make German Apple Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

Roll out your prepared pie crust and gently fit it into your pie plate. Let the crust extend about an inch above the rim, making a dramatic, rustic edge that will help hold in all those beautiful apples. Don’t worry about perfection—charm is part of homemade pies! Cover and pop the crust into the fridge, letting it chill until you’re ready to fill and bake; this helps keep it tender and holds its shape during baking.

Step 2: Chill the Crust

Leave the prepared pie crust covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to start filling. Feel free to complete this step up to a day ahead for ultimate ease—cold dough equals extra flakiness in the final pie.

Step 3: Preheat Your Oven

Before getting into the heart of this German Apple Pie recipe, preheat your oven to a toasty 450°F (232°C). This initial blast of heat gives your crust a perfect jumpstart.

Step 4: Prep the Apples

Pour the lemon juice into a big mixing bowl. Peel, core, and slice your tart, green apples into thin slices—no thicker than half an inch. Add each slice to the bowl, tossing them with the lemon juice as you go to keep them looking fresh. The fragrance of apples and citrus is heavenly at this stage!

Step 5: Toss Apples with Sugar and Spices

In a small bowl, whisk together one cup of sugar, the flour, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Pour this fragrant mix over the apple slices and toss until each piece glistens, coated in sweet-and-spicy promise.

Step 6: Fill the Pie Crust

Spoon your prepared apples into the chilled crust, gently pressing down to make room for every last slice. Pile them high—German Apple Pie is all about abundance!

Step 7: Add Cream and Vanilla

Stir the vanilla extract into your heavy cream, then drizzle this luscious mixture evenly over the apples, making sure it trickles down between the slices. This step transforms the filling into a creamy, custardy dream as it bakes.

Step 8: Sprinkle Sugar on Top

Finally, sprinkle the remaining two tablespoons of sugar over the creamy apple mountain. This creates a subtly crisp, caramelized topping you’ll adore.

Step 9: Prepare to Bake

Set your pie plate on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment to catch any bubbly drips—trust me, you’ll thank yourself when cleanup time arrives!

Step 10: Start Baking

Place the pie in the center of your preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. This high heat crisps the bottom of the crust, preventing sogginess.

Step 11: Adjust Temperature and Finish Baking

Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (176°C) and continue baking for 55 to 65 more minutes. Watch for the edges to turn golden and the filling to set—if the apples on top brown too quickly, loosely tent the pie with foil to protect them. If your kitchen smells like a bakery, you’re right on track!

Step 12: Cool and Chill

Once baked, remove the pie and let it cool completely to room temperature. Then, refrigerate for at least six hours; this settling time ensures gorgeous, clean slices and deep flavor—the wait is totally worth it. Serve chilled or at room temperature, and don’t forget a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a swirl of whipped cream!

How to Serve German Apple Pie

Garnishes

Transform slices into showstoppers by topping them with a heaping spoonful of freshly whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a homemade caramel drizzle. For a more classic touch, dust the pie lightly with powdered sugar just before serving. Each garnish heightens the cozy aromas and visual appeal of this German Apple Pie.

Side Dishes

Pair a slice with a scoop of rich vanilla ice cream for the ultimate hot-and-cold contrast, or serve alongside crème fraîche for a tangy, European spin. Fresh, tart berries make a lovely colorful plate partner, and a hot cup of coffee or herbal tea never goes amiss with German Apple Pie.

Creative Ways to Present

Get festive by slicing your German Apple Pie into wedges and serving them on rustic wooden boards for gatherings. Individual mini pies, baked in small tart pans, are perfect for picnics or parties. Or, try serving chilled slices with a wedge of sharp cheddar for a sweet-savory twist that elevates every bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once you’ve wowed your guests and there’s pie left (lucky you!), simply cover the cooled German Apple Pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in the refrigerator. It stays wonderfully fresh for up to four days, with flavors melding beautifully over time.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap individual slices or the whole pie tightly in plastic wrap and then a layer of heavy foil. Store in the freezer for up to two months. When apple season’s long gone, pulling a slice of German Apple Pie from the freezer will instantly transport you back to orchard days.

Reheating

If you love your German Apple Pie warm, reheat slices in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10–15 minutes, or until just heated through. This helps restore the pie’s original texture—avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust lose its crispness. Serve immediately with ice cream for a dreamy dessert experience.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples in German Apple Pie?

Absolutely! While tart green apples like Granny Smith are favored for their firm texture and tartness, mixing in varieties such as Honeycrisp or Braeburn creates a deeper, more nuanced apple flavor. Just be sure your apples aren’t overly juicy to prevent a watery pie.

How do I know when my German Apple Pie is fully baked?

The pie is ready when the crust is deeply golden and the filling is set but still has a slight jiggle in the center. If you gently shake the pie plate and the filling barely moves, it’s done. If the top apples look too dark before the filling sets, tent with foil to prevent burning.

Why should I chill the pie before slicing?

Chilling ensures clean slices and lets the creamy custard filling set completely. Slicing a warm German Apple Pie often results in a delicious but messy plate—so that cooling time truly pays off in presentation and texture.

Can I make the pie crust ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the pie crust up to two days in advance and keep it tightly wrapped in the fridge. Some bakers even freeze pre-shaped pie crusts, ready to go straight into the oven from the freezer for last-minute cravings.

Is German Apple Pie better served warm or cold?

That’s entirely up to your personal taste! Many love German Apple Pie chilled for its custardy texture and the way flavors meld. If you prefer yours warm, a short reheat in the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is absolutely divine.

Final Thoughts

There’s a special kind of happiness in bringing out a homemade German Apple Pie, filling your kitchen with sweet spice and comfort. This recipe promises crowd-pleasing results, a hint of old-world tradition, and plenty of opportunities to create memories over each slice. Don’t hesitate—dust off that apron and give this pie a try; you’ll be glad you did!

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