Beautiful Apple Rose Pie Recipe

Apple Rose Pie is a stunning dessert that combines the classic flavors of apple pie with a beautiful, rose-shaped presentation. This pie not only tastes delicious with its sweet and spiced apple filling but also looks impressive with its intricate design. The idea of shaping apples into delicate roses and arranging them in a pie crust adds a touch of elegance, making it perfect for special occasions or as a show-stopping dessert for any meal.

Creating an Apple Rose Pie might seem like a challenge, but with a little patience and practice, you can master this technique. The pie features a buttery, flaky crust and a spiced apple filling that is both comforting and flavorful. The rose design is achieved by thinly slicing apples, which are then layered in a way that resembles blooming roses. This recipe will guide you through each step, from preparing the dough to assembling and baking the pie, ensuring you end up with a dessert that is as delightful to eat as it is to look at.

Ingredients for Apple Rose Pie

For the Pie Crust:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water

For the Apple Filling:

• 6 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

For Assembly:

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling on top)

How to Make Apple Rose Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter pieces and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough begins to come together. You may need a bit more water if the dough is too dry.
3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently until it forms a cohesive ball. Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. If you have a mandoline slicer, this will help achieve uniform slices.
2. In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss the apple slices in this mixture until they are well coated.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the dough disks into a circle large enough to fit your pie dish. Carefully transfer the dough to the pie dish and press it into the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

1. Spread the apple filling evenly over the pie crust.
2. For the rose decoration, arrange the apple slices in overlapping layers starting from the outer edge of the pie, spiraling inward to create the rose effect. You can also create smaller rose shapes in the center of the pie if desired.
3. Dot the top of the pie with small pieces of butter.

Step 5: Bake the Pie

1. Brush the apple roses with the beaten egg to give them a golden finish.
2. Sprinkle granulated sugar over the top of the pie for added sweetness and texture.
3. Bake the pie for 45-50 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown. If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

1. Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This helps the filling set and makes it easier to serve.

About the Main Ingredients

Flour: All-purpose flour is used to make the pie crust. It provides the structure and texture necessary for a flaky, tender crust. Combining it with cold butter and ice water ensures that the crust remains crisp and does not become too tough.

Butter: Unsalted butter is essential for creating a rich, flavorful pie crust. It contributes to the tenderness and flakiness of the crust. The cold butter is cut into the flour to create a crumbly texture that bakes up beautifully.

Apples: The choice of apples is crucial for the filling. Granny Smith apples provide a tart contrast to the sweet sugars, while Honeycrisp apples add a bit of sweetness and crisp texture. Thinly slicing the apples helps them cook evenly and create the rose effect.

Spices: Ground cinnamon and nutmeg are classic spices that enhance the flavor of the apple filling. They add warmth and depth to the pie, complementing the natural sweetness of the apples.

Sugar: Both granulated and brown sugar are used in the filling. Granulated sugar sweetens the apples, while brown sugar adds a touch of caramel flavor. The combination creates a well-rounded, flavorful filling.

Creating an Apple Rose Pie is a rewarding process that results in a dessert that is both visually stunning and delicious. With its rich apple filling and elegant presentation, this pie is sure to be a hit at any gathering or special occasion. Enjoy the delightful flavors and the satisfaction of baking something truly special!