Apple Pie with Custard

The apple pie with custard is a classic dessert, highly appreciated for its balance between the sweetness of the cream and the acidity of the apples. Here is the recipe to prepare it.

Ingredients

For the custard:

• 500 ml of whole milk
• 1 vanilla pod or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 4 egg yolks
• 100 g of granulated sugar
• 40 g of all-purpose flour or cornstarch

For the pie base:

• 300 g of all-purpose flour
• 150 g of cold butter, cubed
• 150 g of granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 pinch of salt
• The grated zest of 1 lemon

For the filling and topping:

• 4-5 apples of your choice (e.g., Golden Delicious, Renette)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Ground cinnamon (optional)
• Brown or granulated sugar (for sprinkling)

Preparation

Custard:

1. Heat the milk with the split vanilla pod to release the seeds (or the vanilla extract) until almost boiling.
2. In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the sugar until you have a light and fluffy mixture. Add the sifted flour and mix until well combined.
3. Remove the milk from the heat, take out the vanilla pod if used and slowly pour into the yolks, stirring continuously.
4. Return the mixture to the heat and cook over moderate heat, stirring constantly until the cream thickens.
5. Transfer the custard to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap in contact. Allow to cool.

Pie base:

1. In the bowl of a food processor, combine flour, sugar, and cold butter. Process until the mixture resembles coarse sand.
2. Add the egg, salt, and grated lemon zest and blend again until a uniform dough ball forms.
3. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest in the fridge for about 30 minutes.

Filling and topping:

1. Peel the apples, core them and cut them into thin slices. Drizzle them with lemon juice to prevent browning.
2. Roll out the dough into an even layer and line a previously buttered and floured pie dish with it.
3. Pour the custard over the shortcrust base and level it well.
4. Arrange the apple slices on top of the cream, creating a design of your choice. Sprinkle the apples with cinnamon and brown sugar.
5. Bake at 180 °C (356 °F) for about 40-50 minutes or until the pie is golden and cooked.

Allow to cool before serving. This dessert pairs wonderfully with a sweet wine or sparkling wine, which enhances the sweetness and freshness of the apples.

Curiosity

The apple pie is a classic of Italian home pastry, available in countless regional and family versions. The custard adds a touch of creaminess and richness to the dessert, making it even more indulgent.