The Coziest Italian Apple Pie Recipe for Homemade Bliss

Crafting a delightful italian apple pie brings pure comfort to any kitchen gathering.

Crisp autumn apples dance with warm cinnamon notes in this classic dessert.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this sweet treat across italy’s rolling countryside.

Fragrant spices and buttery pastry create a magical culinary experience that connects us to traditional recipes.

Memories of grandmothers carefully peeling apples and rolling dough come flooding back with each slice.

Flaky crust and tender fruit promise a moment of pure bliss.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this irresistible pie.

Nigella Italian Apple Pie Full Ingredient List

• Butter: A rich and creamy ingredient that provides moistness and flavor to the pie.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a golden caramelized texture.
• Flour: The main structural component that gives the pie its cake-like consistency.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the pie.

• Apples: The star ingredient that adds natural sweetness and texture to the pie.
• Lemon Zest: Brings a bright, citrusy note that complements the apple's flavor.
• Cinnamon: A warm spice that enhances the apple's natural sweetness.
• Brown Sugar: Adds depth of flavor and creates a caramel-like topping.

• Milk: Provides moisture and helps create a tender crumb.
• Baking Powder: Helps the pie rise and creates a light, fluffy texture.
• Egg Yolk: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the overall flavor of the pie.

How To Make Nigella Italian Apple Pie Easily

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 392°F (200°C), creating the perfect cozy baking environment for your delightful apple pie.

Step 2: Whip up the Butter Mixture

Grab your mixer and transform butter and sugar into a cloud-like, fluffy concoction that’s smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Create the Magical Batter

• Whole egg
• Extra egg yolk
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Fresh lemon zest
• Milk
• Pinch of salt

Mix everything until you have a silky, dreamy batter that promises deliciousness.

Step 4: Prepare the Apple Adventure

Peel and dice your apples with care. Gently fold one-third of the diced apples directly into the batter, creating little pockets of fruity surprise.

Step 5: Set the Stage

Pour the apple-studded batter into a round baking tin that’s been lovingly greased and dusted with flour, ensuring nothing sticks.

Step 6: Design Your Apple Masterpiece

Artfully arrange the remaining apple slices on top of the batter, creating a beautiful rustic pattern that will make your pie look irresistible.

Step 7: Add the Finishing Touch

Sprinkle a generous layer of brown sugar and ground cinnamon over the top, promising a caramelized, spicy-sweet finish.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide your pie into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Watch for a golden-brown color and a set texture that signals pie perfection.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Let the pie cool slightly, then slice and serve. Each bite promises a burst of comforting, homemade goodness.

Best Tips For Nigella Italian Apple Pie

• Prevent Apple Browning: Toss diced apples in lemon juice to stop oxidation and maintain fresh, bright color during preparation.
• Achieve Perfect Texture: Use room temperature butter and eggs for smoother, more even batter that blends effortlessly.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Experiment with different apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for complex taste profiles.
• Control Moisture Balance: Dust apple pieces with a bit of flour before folding into batter to prevent sinking and maintain even distribution.
• Maximize Crust Crispness: Let pie cool completely before slicing to allow structure to set and prevent soggy bottom.

Creative Twists On Nigella Italian Apple Pie

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for celiac or wheat-sensitive bakers.
• Vegan Alternative: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax egg instead of chicken eggs, and choose plant-based milk for a dairy-free option.
• Low-Sugar Edition: Substitute brown sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining delicious flavor profile.
• Nutty Enhancement: Add chopped walnuts or almonds into the batter for extra crunch and nutritional boost, creating a more textured apple pie experience.

Great Pairings With Nigella Italian Apple Pie

• Elevate Flavor Harmony: Wine Pairing for Italian Apple Pie
• Match the dessert's sweet and tangy profile with a crisp Moscato d'Asti, highlighting its delicate apple and cinnamon notes while providing a light, refreshing finish.
• Complement Texture Contrast: Cheese Selection
• Select a creamy mascarpone or ricotta on the side, offering a smooth counterpoint to the pie's buttery crust and soft apple texture, enhancing the overall dessert experience.
• Enhance Aromatic Layers: Spice Companion
• Serve with a small cup of chai tea or spiced espresso, echoing the pie's cinnamon undertones and creating a warm, comforting culinary journey that amplifies the dessert's Italian essence.

How To Store Nigella Italian Apple Pie The Right Way

• Store leftover pie in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual slices or whole pie tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm individual slices on medium power for 30-45 seconds. Check temperature and add more time if needed to reach desired warmth.
• Preheat oven to 160C (320F). Place pie slice on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Answers For Nigella Italian Apple Pie Lovers

• What makes this Italian apple pie different from American-style pies?

This version uses a softer cake-like batter instead of a traditional pastry crust, creating a more delicate and moist dessert with a light texture.

• Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Yes, choose firm baking apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Golden Delicious that hold their shape and provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.

• Is this recipe considered a traditional Italian dessert?

While inspired by Italian baking techniques, this apple pie represents a modern interpretation of classic Italian home-style baking, blending traditional flavors with contemporary approach.

Why People Enjoy Nigella Italian Apple Pie

• Simplify Baking: This Italian apple pie transforms complex dessert-making into a straightforward, beginner-friendly experience with minimal ingredients and basic kitchen skills.
• Celebrate Seasonal Comfort: Packed with warm cinnamon and fresh apples, this recipe captures the essence of cozy home cooking, perfect for bringing families together around the table.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Ready in under an hour, this versatile dessert works brilliantly for casual gatherings, afternoon tea, or as a delightful weekend treat that impresses without complicated techniques.
• Adaptable Ingredient Magic: Easily customizable with different apple varieties or optional toppings like nuts or vanilla ice cream, making it a flexible recipe for creative home bakers.

Italian Apple Pie Recipe

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4.9 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 55-60 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet and rustic Italian Apple Pie delights with layers of buttery pastry embracing tender, cinnamon-kissed apples. Homemade comfort radiates from each golden slice, inviting you to savor a classic dessert that whispers of family traditions and Italian countryside kitchens.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 apples (golden)
• 250 grams (8.8 ounces) flour
• 100 grams (3.5 ounces) butter
• 150 grams (5.3 ounces) sugar
• 125 millilitres (4.2 fluid ounces) milk

Binding Ingredients:

• 1 egg
• 1 egg yolk

Flavor and Leavening Ingredients:

• 1 lemon (grated zest)
• 16 grams (0.56 ounces) baking powder
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• ground cinnamon
• salt

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Instructions

1. Whisk softened butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until pale and creamy, creating a smooth base for the pie.
2. Incorporate whole egg and additional egg yolk into the butter mixture, blending thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
3. Gradually fold in flour, baking powder, lemon zest, milk, and salt, mixing until a uniform batter forms with a silky consistency.
4. Carefully peel and dice apples, gently folding one-third of the diced fruit into the prepared batter.
5. Transfer the batter into a well-greased and lightly floured round baking tin, spreading evenly to create a smooth surface.
6. Artfully arrange the remaining apple slices across the top of the batter in an overlapping pattern.
7. Generously dust the pie’s surface with brown sugar and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon for added warmth and sweetness.
8. Place in a preheated oven at 200C (392F) and bake for 40-45 minutes, watching for a golden-brown color and firm texture.
9. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly, then slice into wedges and serve warm for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

• Swap butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version that maintains rich flavor and tender texture.
• Use gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe accessible for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring the same delightful crumb.
• Enhance apple selection by mixing tart Granny Smith with sweet Honeycrisp for a complex, balanced taste profile that elevates the pie’s depth.
• Let the pie rest for 15 minutes after baking to allow structural setting and prevent crumbling, creating cleaner, more elegant slices.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 302 kcal
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg