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Overview of Skillet Apple Pie
As a fan of Trisha Yearwood’s recipes, I’ve always been intrigued by her Skillet Apple Pie recipe. This dessert is a classic, and the cast-iron skillet adds an extra dimension of flavor to the dish. In this section, I’ll give you a brief history of Skillet Apple Pie, as well as some reasons why you should choose a cast-iron skillet for this recipe.
History of Skillet Apple Pie
Apple pie has been a staple dessert in American cuisine for centuries. However, it wasn’t until the mid-19th century that cast-iron skillets became widely available, and people began cooking apple pies in them. The Skillet Apple Pie recipe is a classic dessert that has been passed down through generations of cooks. It’s a simple and delicious way to make a pie, and it’s perfect for serving to guests.
Why Choose a Cast Iron Skillet
When making a Skillet Apple Pie, you have a choice of using a regular pie dish or a cast-iron skillet. The cast-iron skillet has several advantages over a regular pie dish. Firstly, the cast-iron skillet conducts heat more evenly, resulting in a perfectly baked pie. Secondly, the skillet adds an extra layer of flavor to the pie, giving it a delicious, crispy crust. Lastly, the cast-iron skillet is a beautiful serving dish that you can take straight from the oven to the table.
Here are some reasons why you should choose a cast-iron skillet for your Skillet Apple Pie recipe:
- Cast-iron skillets conduct heat evenly, resulting in a perfectly baked pie.
- The skillet adds an extra layer of flavor to the pie, giving it a delicious, crispy crust.
- Cast-iron skillets are beautiful serving dishes that you can take straight from the oven to the table.
In the next section, I’ll give you Trisha Yearwood’s recipe for Skillet Apple Pie, so you can try it for yourself.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Essential Ingredients for Skillet Apple Pie
When making Trisha Yearwood’s Skillet Apple Pie, there are a few essential ingredients that you will need to have on hand. These include:
- Pie crust: The recipe calls for refrigerated rolled pie crusts, such as Pillsbury. You can also make your own pie crust if you prefer.
- Apples: Granny Smith apples are recommended for this recipe because they hold their shape well when cooked. You will need 3-4 apples, peeled and sliced into small pieces.
- Brown sugar: Light brown sugar is used to sweeten the pie filling and add flavor.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is melted in the skillet and mixed with brown sugar to create a caramel-like sauce for the apples.
- Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is used to add warmth and spice to the pie filling.
- Whipping cream: Chilled whipping cream is used to make the cinnamon whipped cream that is served on top of the pie.
Substitutions for Dietary Restrictions
If you have dietary restrictions, there are a few substitutions that you can make to accommodate your needs. Here are some options:
- Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free pie crust or make your own using a gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-free: Use a dairy-free butter substitute, such as coconut oil or margarine, in place of the butter. For the whipped cream, use a dairy-free whipped topping made from coconut cream or aquafaba.
- Vegan: Use a vegan pie crust and dairy-free substitutions as mentioned above. You can also use a vegan egg substitute, such as flaxseed or chia seeds, to help bind the pie filling together.
- Lower sugar: Use a sugar substitute, such as stevia or monk fruit, in place of the brown sugar. Keep in mind that this may affect the texture and flavor of the pie filling.
- Lower fat: Use a reduced-fat butter substitute or reduce the amount of butter used in the recipe. You can also use a lower-fat whipped topping made from Greek yogurt or low-fat whipped cream.
Preparation and Cooking Instructions
Assembling the Pie
To make Trisha Yearwood’s cast-iron skillet apple pie recipe, I began by preheating my oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, I melted a tablespoon of butter in a 9-inch cast-iron skillet and set aside another tablespoon of melted butter for the top crust.
Next, I lined the skillet with one pie crust and added the apple pie filling. I sprinkled the filling with a tablespoon of cinnamon sugar and topped it with the remaining pie crust. I used a spoon to press the edges of the crusts together and created a few vents in the top crust to allow the steam to escape.
Baking and Cooling
I placed the skillet in the preheated oven and baked it for around 30 minutes or until the crust turned golden brown. I removed the skillet from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Overall, Trisha Yearwood’s skillet apple pie recipe was easy to follow, and the result was a delicious dessert that my family enjoyed. Here are the directions for the recipe:
Ingredients
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 2 refrigerated rolled pie crusts, such as Pillsbury
- One 21-ounce can apple pie filling
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon sugar
- 2 cups whipping cream, chilled
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons sugar
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- In a 9-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat, combine butter and light brown sugar until butter melts; remove from heat.
- Line the skillet with 1 pie crust. Top with apple pie filling and sprinkle with 1 tbsp. cinnamon sugar. Top with remaining pie crust.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes.
- In a large bowl, beat whipping cream until soft peaks form. Add ground cinnamon and sugar, and beat until stiff peaks form.
- Serve the apple pie with a dollop of cinnamon whipped cream.
Trisha Yearwood’s skillet apple pie recipe is a great option for those who want to make a delicious dessert without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Serving and Presentation
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving Trisha Yearwood’s Skillet Apple Pie, there are several ways to present it. One option is to slice it into wedges and serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream. For an extra touch of flavor, consider making cinnamon whipped cream by adding a pinch of cinnamon and sugar to the whipped cream before beating it to soft peaks. The warm pie and cool whipped cream make for a delicious contrast.
Another option is to serve the pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of warm pie and cold ice cream is a classic dessert pairing and is sure to please any crowd. The sweetness of the ice cream also complements the tartness of the apples in the pie.
Accompaniments
Trisha Yearwood’s Skillet Apple Pie is a comfort food dessert that pairs well with a variety of accompaniments. One option is to serve it with a side of whipped cream. To make the whipped cream, simply beat whipping cream in a metal mixing bowl with a wire beater attachment until soft peaks form. Add a pinch of cinnamon sugar for extra flavor.
Another option is to serve the pie with a cup of hot coffee or tea. The warmth of the beverage complements the warmth of the pie and makes for a cozy dessert experience.
To add a touch of elegance to the presentation, consider dusting the pie with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar before serving. This adds a subtle sweetness and a visually appealing touch to the dish.
Overall, Trisha Yearwood’s Skillet Apple Pie is a delicious and versatile dessert that can be served in a variety of ways. Whether you choose to serve it with whipped cream, ice cream, or a hot beverage, this classic comfort food dessert is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Pie
Achieving the Perfect Crust
A perfect crust is the foundation of any delicious pie. It’s essential to use the right ingredients and techniques to achieve a flaky, buttery crust. Here are some tips to help you create the perfect crust for your skillet apple pie:
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Use cold butter: Cold butter is key to achieving a flaky crust. Cut cold butter into small pieces and mix it into the flour mixture until it forms pea-sized pieces.
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Add ice-cold water: Add ice-cold water to the flour and butter mixture just until the dough comes together. Overworking the dough can result in a tough crust.
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Chill the dough: Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out. This will help the butter solidify and prevent the crust from shrinking during baking.
Ensuring Flavorful Filling
The filling is the star of the show when it comes to apple pie. Here are some tips to ensure your filling is flavorful and delicious:
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Use Granny Smith apples: Granny Smith apples are the best choice for apple pie because they hold their shape during baking and have a tart flavor that complements the sweetness of the pie.
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Add ground cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is a classic spice used in apple pie. It adds warmth and depth of flavor to the filling.
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Use a cast-iron skillet: A cast-iron skillet is the perfect vessel for baking a skillet apple pie. It distributes heat evenly and gives the crust a crispy texture.
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to create a delicious skillet apple pie that will impress your friends and family. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and techniques to make the recipe your own.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best type of apple to use for a skillet apple pie?
The best type of apple for a skillet apple pie is one that is firm and holds its shape when cooked. Granny Smith apples are a popular choice for apple pies because they are tart and hold up well during baking. Other good options include Honeycrisp, Braeburn, and Jonagold apples. Ultimately, the choice of apple comes down to personal preference.
How do you make a pie crust that’s perfect for skillet pies?
To make a perfect pie crust for skillet pies, it’s important to use cold ingredients and handle the dough as little as possible. Start by mixing together flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together in a ball. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and transfer it to the skillet. Trim the edges and crimp as desired.
Can you use a cast iron skillet for baking any kind of pie?
Yes, you can use a cast iron skillet for baking any kind of pie. Cast iron skillets are great for baking pies because they distribute heat evenly and retain heat well. However, it’s important to note that cast iron skillets can be heavy and may require longer cooking times than other types of pie dishes.
What are the steps to making a crustless apple pie?
To make a crustless apple pie, start by preheating the oven to 375°F. Peel and slice 6-8 apples and arrange them in a 9-inch cast iron skillet. In a separate bowl, mix together sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. Sprinkle the mixture over the apples and dot with butter. Bake for 45-50 minutes, until the apples are tender and the filling is bubbly.
How can you prevent the filling in an apple pie from becoming too runny?
To prevent the filling in an apple pie from becoming too runny, it’s important to use the right amount of thickener. Flour and cornstarch are commonly used to thicken pie fillings. For a 9-inch pie, use about 2 tablespoons of flour or 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. It’s also important to allow the pie to cool completely before slicing, as this will give the filling time to set.
Is there a difference between apple pie and apple cobbler when cooked in a skillet?
Yes, there is a difference between apple pie and apple cobbler when cooked in a skillet. Apple pie typically has a bottom crust and a top crust, while apple cobbler has a biscuit-like topping. Both can be cooked in a skillet, but the cooking time and method may vary depending on the recipe.