When you want a comforting dessert that feels like a warm hug, nothing beats a classic homemade pie with a scoop of creamy ice cream. This Cinnamon Apple Pie à la Mode Recipe brings together tender, spiced apples wrapped in a flaky golden crust, topped with luscious vanilla ice cream for that perfect contrast of warm and cold. From its inviting aroma to the delightful blend of cinnamon and nutmeg, this dish promises a timeless treat that’s sure to steal the show at any gathering or quiet night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All of these ingredients are simple pantry staples, yet each plays a crucial role in building the layered flavors and textures that make this pie unforgettable. From the fresh apples providing natural sweetness and bite, to the spices adding warmth, every component is essential.
- 6 to 8 medium-sized apples: Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best balance of tartness and sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Keeps the apple slices from browning while adding a subtle brightness.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling and helps create a luscious syrup.
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like depth to the apples.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the juice released by the apples while baking, preventing a soggy crust.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The signature spice that infuses the pie with warm, cozy flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A subtle hint of earthiness to complement the cinnamon.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet and spiced notes perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Small buttery pockets melt into the pie, making each bite tender and rich.
- 1 tablespoon milk: Brushed over the crust to give it a beautiful golden shine.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling): Adds a delightful sugary crunch on top.
- 1 package refrigerated pie crust or homemade: Provides the buttery, flaky foundation for the pie.
- Vanilla ice cream: To serve on top, elevating the warm pie into an irresistible à la mode dessert.
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Pie à la Mode Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pie Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Have this ready to go as you prepare your pie crust and filling so you can bake immediately once assembled. Roll out one pie crust and gently press it into a 9-inch pie dish, trimming any excess edges for a neat fit.
Step 2: Mix the Apples for Maximum Flavor
In a large bowl, toss your peeled, cored, and thinly sliced apples with lemon juice. This not only prevents browning but also brightens each slice, ensuring that aroma and taste stay fresh and vibrant throughout baking.
Step 3: Combine the Spices and Sugars
In a separate bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This special blend forms the fragrant and flavorful coating that transforms plain apples into a warm, spiced filling bursting with autumnal charm.
Step 4: Coat the Apples Evenly
Pour the spice and sugar mixture over the apple slices, tossing thoroughly so every piece is generously coated. This step ensures that each bite offers the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, piping hot from the oven.
Step 5: Assemble the Pie Filling
Transfer the coated apples into the prepared pie crust, building a slight mound in the center. Dot small pieces of butter over the apples – these melt into little pockets of richness and help to deepen the flavor and texture.
Step 6: Add the Top Crust and Bake
Roll out the second pie crust and gently place it over the apples. Trim and seal the edges by crimping or fluting, creating that classic pie look. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape, brush with milk, and sprinkle granulated sugar over it to create a sparkling, golden crust.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Set the pie on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake for 45-50 minutes. Look for a golden brown crust and bubbly filling as your signs of success. If the edges brown too quickly, shield them with foil strips to prevent burning. Once out of the oven, let the pie cool for at least two hours allowing the juices to thicken and flavors to settle.
Step 8: Serve Warm with Vanilla Ice Cream
Slice the pie and serve warm, ideally with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top. This is the heart of the Cinnamon Apple Pie à la Mode Recipe experience, blending warmth and creaminess in every bite.
How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Pie à la Mode Recipe
Garnishes
While simple is always delicious, you can elevate your presentation with a light dusting of powdered sugar over the top crust or a few fresh mint leaves beside each slice for a pop of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
Pair this pie with a hot cup of cinnamon-spiced tea or a robust coffee for the perfect cozy combo. If you want to keep it simple, a glass of cold milk or even a scoop of spiced whipped cream makes a delightful side.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting, consider serving mini versions of the Cinnamon Apple Pie à la Mode Recipe in individual ramekins topped with ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Alternatively, plate a generous slice with a sprinkle of crushed pecans or toasted almonds for texture contrast and extra nutty flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, cover any leftover pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to four days, allowing you to enjoy seconds (or thirds!) without worry.
Freezing
You can freeze the pie either before or after baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. To enjoy later, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. It’s a wonderful way to have a ready-to-bake Cinnamon Apple Pie à la Mode Recipe on hand for unexpected guests.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving for too long as it can make crust soggy. Reheating preserves the delightful textures and keeps the apple filling warm to pair beautifully with ice cream again.
FAQs
What type of apples should I use for the best Cinnamon Apple Pie à la Mode Recipe?
Firm apples that hold their shape well are ideal. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Braeburn apples offer the perfect mix of tartness and sweetness, ensuring that your pie has body and flavor without becoming mushy.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour in the filling with a gluten-free flour blend and choose a gluten-free pie crust. The rest of the recipe remains the same, and you won’t lose any of that classic flavor.
What’s the best way to prevent the pie crust edges from over-browning?
Using strips of aluminum foil or a pie crust shield around the edges midway through baking helps prevent burning while allowing the center crust to fully bake and crisp up with golden perfection.
Is it possible to use homemade pie crust for the Cinnamon Apple Pie à la Mode Recipe?
Definitely! Homemade pie crust adds a personal touch and often yields an even more flaky, buttery result. Just be sure to chill your dough well before rolling out to maintain ease and texture.
How long should I let the pie cool before serving à la mode?
Allow at least two hours of cooling after baking so the filling settles and thickens. This makes slicing cleaner and helps the flavors marry beautifully before you spoon on the vanilla ice cream.
Final Thoughts
Cooking up this Cinnamon Apple Pie à la Mode Recipe is like creating a little moment of happiness from scratch. The blend of sweet, spiced apples with a golden crust, topped with melting vanilla ice cream, is pure comfort food magic. If you’re looking to make a dessert that’s as heartwarming as it is delicious, this recipe is your go-to. Promise me you’ll give it a try soon—you won’t regret it!
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Cinnamon Apple Pie à la Mode Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 30m
- Cook Time: 0h 50m
- Total Time: 1h 20m
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Cinnamon Apple Pie à la Mode combines tender, spiced apple slices baked in a flaky double crust, topped with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for the ultimate comforting dessert experience. With hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and buttery crust, this pie is perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Filling
- 6 to 8 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Crust and Toppings
- 1 package refrigerated pie crust (or homemade, enough for a 9-inch double crust)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for brushing)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
Serving
- Vanilla ice cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare it for baking the pie.
- Prepare Bottom Crust: Roll out one pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim the edges if necessary to fit snugly.
- Prepare Apples: In a large bowl, mix the peeled, cored, and thinly sliced apples with lemon juice to prevent browning and maintain freshness.
- Mix Sugar and Spices: In a separate bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir well to blend all dry ingredients thoroughly.
- Coat Apples: Add the sugar-spice mixture to the apples, tossing gently to coat all slices evenly with the seasoning.
- Fill Pie Crust: Transfer the seasoned apple slices into the prepared pie crust, mounding them slightly in the center for an even filling.
- Add Butter Dots: Dot the apples with the small pieces of unsalted butter to add richness and moisture to the filling as it bakes.
- Prepare Top Crust: Roll out the second pie crust and place it over the filled apples. Trim excess dough, seal the edges, and flute them decoratively.
- Vent Pie Top: Cut several slits into the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking, preventing sogginess.
- Apply Milk and Sugar: Brush the top crust with milk for a golden finish and sprinkle with granulated sugar for a slight crunch and sweetness.
- Bake the Pie: Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch drips and bake for 45-50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Protect Crust Edges: If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil strips to avoid burning while the rest of the pie finishes baking.
- Cool the Pie: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours to let the filling set properly.
- Serve: Serve warm slices of the pie topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create the perfect à la mode dessert.
Notes
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture.
- Ensure the pie filling has cooled before slicing to prevent it from running.
- If you prefer a crisper crust, chill the pie before baking and consider using a glass or metal pie dish for even heat distribution.
- Leftover pie can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- Reheat slices briefly in the microwave or oven before serving to enjoy the pie warm.
