When it comes to comfort food, there’s something about a warm apple pie that instantly transports us to a place of nostalgia and coziness. But what if you could enjoy all the delightful flavors of a classic apple pie without the hassle of pie crusts, crimping edges, and worrying about the dough? Enter Mom’s Flat Apple Pie, a simple yet mouthwatering dessert that gives you the crispy, sugary goodness of fried apple pies without the fuss of deep frying.
The Inspiration Behind the Flat Apple Pie
For many of us, fried apple pies are a childhood favorite, often bought from local fairs or mom-and-pop diners, crispy on the outside with a sweet, cinnamon-spiced filling. The deep-fried treat, while utterly delicious, can feel like a guilty pleasure — too heavy, too greasy, and a bit complicated to make at home.
But Mom’s Flat Apple Pie takes the essence of those fried apple pies and transforms it into a much lighter, easier-to-make dessert. It gives you that same delightful crispy texture, but with less oil, less mess, and a much quicker preparation time.
How Does Mom’s Flat Apple Pie Compare to Fried Apple Pies?
The key to this pie’s magic lies in its construction. Instead of the usual thick, flaky crust used in traditional apple pies, the dough for a flat apple pie is much thinner and crisped up directly in the oven, mimicking the texture of fried dough. This results in a light and crispy finish, similar to what you’d expect from a fried apple pie.
- Flaky and Crispy: The dough for Mom’s Flat Apple Pie is rolled thinner than traditional pie crust, ensuring a crisp, golden texture when baked. This gives you the satisfaction of biting into something that crunches, much like the exterior of a fried apple pie.
- Sweet Cinnamon Apple Filling: Inside, the filling is just as comforting as it should be. Tender apples are spiced with cinnamon and sugar, creating a gooey, sweet center that perfectly balances the crunch of the crust. The filling isn’t too runny, so you can enjoy the taste without worrying about it spilling out.
- Baked, Not Fried: Unlike traditional fried apple pies, this version is baked. By simply brushing the dough with a bit of butter and sugar before baking, you get that golden, crispy outer layer that mimics the effect of frying, but without the need for oil or the potential mess that comes with frying. The flavor is nearly identical to fried pies, but it’s lighter and healthier, with none of the greasy aftertaste.
- No Crimping, No Fuss: Making a flat apple pie means you don’t need to worry about the complicated steps of making a pie with edges, crimping, and sealing the crust. You just roll out the dough, fill it with the apple mixture, fold it over, and bake. The result is a perfectly delicious dessert in half the time it takes to make a full pie.
Why You’ll Love Mom’s Flat Apple Pie
- Convenience: Mom’s Flat Apple Pie is so easy to make. You don’t need any special baking equipment, and it doesn’t take hours to prepare. It’s perfect for a last-minute dessert or a quick family treat.
- Healthier Option: While it’s still indulgent, the baking method eliminates the oil-heavy frying process, making this a lighter alternative to the traditional fried apple pies.
- Crispy Perfection: For those who love the crispy, golden texture of fried pies but don’t want the extra calories or mess, this flat pie hits the mark.
- Family-Friendly: The simplicity of the recipe makes it perfect for family baking sessions. Kids can help with the rolling of dough or adding the filling, making it a fun activity that everyone can get involved with.
How to Make Mom’s Flat Apple Pie
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar (for the dough)
- 1/2 cup cold butter
- 1/4 cup ice-cold water
- 4-5 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp butter (for the filling)
- Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water)
Instructions:
- Make the dough: In a bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough just comes together. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the filling: In a separate bowl, combine sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss to coat the apples evenly. Set aside.
- Assemble the pie: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll the dough out onto a floured surface into a large, thin circle. Cut into smaller rectangles or squares, depending on the size you want your pies to be. Place a spoonful of apple filling in the center of each rectangle, then fold over the dough to create a flat, sealed pie.
- Bake: Place the pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush the tops with the egg wash, and sprinkle with a little sugar. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the pies are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve and enjoy! Allow the pies to cool slightly before serving. You can even serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
Final Thoughts
Mom’s Flat Apple Pie is a game-changer for anyone who loves the taste of fried apple pies but wants a quicker, lighter alternative. It combines all the crispy, cinnamon-filled goodness of a fried pie in a simpler, baked version that’s just as satisfying — without the mess or extra calories. So next time you’re craving that nostalgic apple pie flavor, skip the frying and opt for this easy, crispy, and oh-so-delicious flat apple pie. Your taste buds will thank you!
