Welcome to the heartwarming world of Grammie’s Swedish Apple Pie, a delightful dessert that beautifully blurs the lines between a comforting cake, a crisp cookie, and a traditional fruit pie. This isn’t just any apple pie; it’s a unique creation featuring a tender, cake-like crust that bakes directly over a sweet, spiced apple filling, creating a truly irresistible experience. So simple to prepare, yet profoundly satisfying, this recipe promises to become a cherished favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Discovering the Charm of Grammie’s Swedish Apple Pie: A Unique Dessert Experience
If you’ve never had the pleasure of tasting Swedish Apple Pie, you’re in for a delightful surprise. This charming dessert is believed to be a Swedish-American adaptation of “Smulpaj,” a traditional Swedish fruit crumble that, unlike its American counterpart, doesn’t typically feature a bottom pastry shell. Grammie’s Swedish Apple Pie takes this concept and elevates it, offering all the comforting flavors of apple pie with remarkable simplicity.
Unlike labor-intensive traditional apple pies that require precise pastry skills for a flaky bottom crust, this Swedish version is incredibly straightforward. It starts with a luscious, spiced apple and cinnamon mixture forming the base, which then develops its own subtle, tender “crust” as it bakes. Crowned with a soft, chewy, and slightly crisp topping that bakes into a delightful cake-like texture, the entire pie comes together in one pan. The result is a warm, inviting, and utterly homey dessert that will have everyone asking for more. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream, and you’ve achieved dessert perfection. It’s truly the ultimate cake and pie hybrid, offering a comforting embrace with every single bite.
Exploring Swedish Apple Pie: Your Top Questions Answered
Let’s dive deeper into what makes Grammie’s Swedish Apple Pie so special and address some common inquiries:
What Defines a Swedish Apple Pie?
At its heart, this Swedish-style apple pie features a generous layer of seasoned fruit at the bottom. As it bakes, the natural juices from the apples combine with the butter and sugar from the topping, creating a unique, tender bottom layer that acts as its own crust. The magic truly happens with the topping – a simple yet ingenious mixture that spreads over the fruit, encasing it and holding all the delicious components together. This design not only simplifies the baking process but also results in a wonderfully moist and flavorful dessert with minimal effort, making it ideal for both seasoned bakers and beginners alike.
Choosing the Perfect Apples for Your Pie
The success of any apple pie hinges on the quality and type of apples you choose. For baking, especially in recipes like this Swedish Apple Pie, a tart apple is generally preferred as it holds its shape well and provides a lovely counterpoint to the sweetness of the sugar and the richness of the crust. My go-to choice, and a highly dependable one, is the Granny Smith apple. Its firm texture and bright, tangy flavor are perfect for creating a balanced pie filling.
However, you’re not limited to just Granny Smiths. Other excellent varieties that perform beautifully in this pie include Fuji, known for its crispness and sweetness; Braeburn, which offers a good balance of sweet and tart; Golden Delicious, which softens nicely and adds a mellow sweetness; and Pink Lady, a fantastic choice for its firm texture and tart-sweet flavor profile. Feel free to experiment with a mix of two or three varieties to create a more complex and nuanced apple flavor in your pie.
Understanding the Unique Texture
The texture of Grammie’s Swedish Apple Pie is one of its most distinctive and appealing characteristics. Unlike a traditional pie with a distinct flaky crust, this dessert offers a fascinating interplay of textures. The apples beneath the topping become wonderfully softened and tender, infused with the warm spices of cinnamon and the sweetness of sugar. The top layer, however, transforms during baking: initially resembling a soft dough, it emerges from the oven with a delightfully crispy, golden-brown exterior, reminiscent of a delicate sugar cookie. As this delicious topping gently seeps down into the apple mixture, it creates a middle layer that is incredibly moist and cake-like, offering a tender chewiness that perfectly complements the soft apples. This multi-textured experience is truly what sets this pie apart.
To Peel or Not to Peel: A Question of Preference
When I first learned this recipe from my Grammie, I was taught to peel the apples, and it’s a habit many bakers maintain. However, the truth is, peeling your apples for this pie is largely a matter of personal preference. As the pie bakes, the apple peels become remarkably soft, almost melting into the filling, so they won’t typically detract from the texture. Moreover, apple peels are packed with valuable nutrients and fiber, so keeping them on adds a nutritional boost. If you prefer a completely smooth texture, go ahead and peel. If you don’t mind a little extra texture and want to save time (and nutrition!), feel free to leave the peels on. Either way, your Grammie’s Swedish Apple Pie will be delicious.
Storing Leftovers for Extended Enjoyment
One of the best things about Grammie’s Swedish Apple Pie is how well it keeps, allowing you to enjoy its comforting flavors for days. For short-term storage, simply cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and leave it at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you need to keep it longer, transfer the covered pie to the refrigerator, where it will remain fresh for 3-4 days. When ready to serve, a quick warm-up in the oven or microwave can restore its comforting warmth and tender texture. For even longer enjoyment, this pie freezes beautifully! Once completely cooled, wrap it very well in several layers of plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating. These storage tips ensure you can savor every last slice of this wonderful dessert.
Essential Ingredients for Grammie’s Swedish Apple Pie
This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. The magic truly comes alive through their combination.
- For the Filling:
- medium-sized baking apples (such as Granny Smith, Fuji, or Braeburn)
- granulated sugar
- ground cinnamon
- For the Crust/Topping:
- unsalted butter
- granulated sugar
- all-purpose flour
- large egg
Crafting Grammie’s Swedish Apple Pie: Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these easy steps to create your own delicious Grammie’s Swedish Apple Pie:
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Apples. Begin by preheating your oven to a comforting 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, wash, peel (if desired), and core your baking apples. Once prepped, cut them into quarters, then thinly slice each quarter. Place all the apple slices into a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Season the Apples. Sprinkle the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon generously over the sliced apples in the bowl. Toss everything together until the apple slices are evenly coated with the sweet and aromatic spice mixture. This ensures every bite of your pie will be bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Pie Dish. Take a 9-inch pie dish and grease it thoroughly. The easiest way to do this is by using a small amount of the unsalted butter designated for the crust ingredients. Ensure the bottom and sides are well coated to prevent sticking and to aid in the formation of that unique bottom crust.
Step 4: Arrange the Apples. Transfer the seasoned apple slices into the greased pie dish. Spread them out evenly, ensuring they form a relatively uniform layer across the bottom of the dish. This consistent layer will help the pie bake evenly.
Step 5: Prepare the Topping Base. Place the remaining stick of unsalted butter into a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave it in short 15-second intervals, stirring in between, until the butter is completely melted. Once melted, add the granulated sugar and all-purpose flour to the bowl with the butter. Stir these ingredients together until they are just combined, forming a thick, crumbly mixture.
Step 6: Finish the Topping. Add the large egg to the butter, sugar, and flour mixture. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and you have a smooth, thick batter that will form the unique cake-like crust.
Step 7: Assemble the Pie. Carefully pour the prepared topping mixture evenly over the layer of apples in the pie dish. Use the back of a spoon or a small spatula to gently smooth out the topping, ensuring it covers all the apples from edge to edge. This creates a beautiful, uniform surface for baking.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection. Place the pie dish into your preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. The pie is ready when the crust achieves a beautiful golden-brown color, and you can see the apple filling bubbling invitingly around the edges. A toothpick inserted into the cake-like crust should come out mostly clean, and the apples should be tender when pierced.
Step 9: Cool and Serve. Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. This crucial cooling time allows the pie to set up properly, ensuring clean slices. Once slightly cooled, slice into generous portions and serve warm. It’s absolutely divine with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of warm caramel sauce, or a cloud of homemade cinnamon whipped cream!
Craving More Delicious Apple Recipes?
If Grammie’s Swedish Apple Pie has awakened your love for apple desserts, explore these other fantastic recipes to satisfy your cravings:
- Butter Crumble Apple Pie
- No-Bake Apple Pie
- The Best Apple Bread
- Apple Coffee Cake
- Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
- Apple Dessert Pizza
- Apple Slab Pie
- Fried Apple Pies
- Apple Pie Cups
- Apple Dumplings
- Apple Pie Bubble Up
- Fried Apples
- Apple Pretzel Salad
Grammie’s Swedish Apple Pie
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Ingredients
For the filling:
- 6 medium-sized baking apples (I used Granny Smith)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the crust:
- 1 stick unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Peel and core the apples. Cut them into quarters and thinly slice. Place the apple slices into a large bowl.
- Toss the apples with the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until evenly coated.
- Grease a 9-inch pie dish thoroughly using a portion of the unsalted butter for the crust.
- Place the seasoned apple slices into the pie dish, spreading them out evenly across the bottom.
- Melt the remaining butter in a large microwave-safe bowl (in 15-second intervals). Add the granulated sugar and all-purpose flour to the melted butter and stir to combine well.
- Add the large egg to the topping mixture and mix until completely smooth and well incorporated.
- Pour the prepared topping evenly over the apples in the pie dish, gently smoothing it out to cover the entire surface.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling and cooked through.
- Let the pie cool on a wire rack for about 30 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy with your favorite toppings like ice cream or whipped cream!
Notes
- Allowing the pie to cool for at least 30 minutes is crucial for it to set completely, ensuring clean and beautiful slices.
- Enhance your serving by topping with vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a dollop of fresh cinnamon whipped cream.
- Refer to the detailed storage tips provided above for best practices on keeping your leftovers fresh.
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.