Cardamom Apple Pie (Printable Version)

Flaky crust layered with spiced apples, cardamom, and cinnamon for a cozy dessert experience.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pie Dough

01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
05 - 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water

→ Apple Filling

06 - 6 large tart apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
07 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
08 - 1/4 cup light brown sugar
09 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
10 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cardamom
11 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
12 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
13 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
14 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
15 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

→ Assembly and Finishing

16 - 1 large egg, beaten
17 - 1 tablespoon whole milk
18 - 1 tablespoon coarse sugar, optional

# Directions:

01 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar. Add cold cubed butter and cut in using a pastry cutter or fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water while mixing just until dough holds together. Divide dough in half, shape each into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
02 - In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Toss ingredients well to ensure even coating.
03 - Preheat oven to 400°F.
04 - On a floured surface, roll out one dough disk to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Transfer dough to pan and trim excess overhang.
05 - Pour apple mixture into prepared crust, mounding slightly toward the center.
06 - Roll out second dough disk and lay over apples. Trim edges, fold under, and crimp to seal. Cut 3 to 4 small slits in top crust to allow steam to escape.
07 - Mix beaten egg with milk. Brush egg wash over entire top crust. Sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
08 - Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350°F and bake for an additional 35 to 40 minutes until crust is golden and filling is visibly bubbling at edges.
09 - Remove from oven and cool at least 2 hours before slicing to allow filling to set properly.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The cardamom lifts this beyond ordinary apple pie into something that tastes like you spent hours perfecting a secret family formula.
  • A flaky, buttery crust that actually cooperates with you instead of cracking or tearing.
  • Perfectly balanced sweetness with enough spice to make people ask what you did differently.
02 -
  • Do not skip the resting time for the dough or rush it—an hour in the refrigerator prevents shrinkage during baking and keeps your crust from puffing up unevenly.
  • The filling needs to be completely cooled before you slice, or you'll be eating warm applesauce instead of distinct apple pieces.
03 -
  • Add a tablespoon of cornstarch along with the flour in the filling for extra assurance against a runny pie, especially if your apples are particularly juicy.
  • Toast the cardamom seeds in a dry pan for 30 seconds before grinding them for a more intense, almost smoky flavor that elevates the entire dessert.
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