Almond Apple Pie

Almond Apple Pie is a delightful twist on the traditional apple pie, combining the sweetness of tender apples with the nutty crunch of almonds. The addition of almond extract and sliced almonds enhances the flavor profile, giving the pie a rich, aromatic depth. This pie offers the perfect balance between sweet and nutty, making it an ideal dessert for any occasion. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Ingredients:

For the crust:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 6-8 tbsp ice water

For the filling:

• 6 cups thinly sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp almond extract
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds

For the topping:

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the crust: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, almond flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough begins to come together. Divide the dough in half, shape into disks, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
2. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. Make the filling: In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, cornstarch, and almond extract. Stir in the sliced almonds.
4. Assemble the pie: Roll out one disk of dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Transfer the dough to the dish, allowing the excess to hang over the edges. Fill the crust with the apple-almond mixture.
5. Top the pie: Roll out the second disk of dough and place it over the apples. Trim and crimp the edges to seal the pie. Brush the top with beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar and additional sliced almonds.
6. Bake the pie: Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the edges of the crust begin to brown too quickly, cover them with foil.
7. Cool before serving: Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before slicing. Serve with ice cream or whipped cream for a delicious treat. Enjoy!