Description
This cozy apple pie gets a holiday upgrade thanks to a warmly spiced gingerbread crust made with molasses instead of eggs. The dough bakes up flaky and fragrant, while the topping of tiny gingerbread figures adds charm you simply can’t ignore. It’s classic apple pie—with a playful, seasonal twist that feels extra special.
Ingredients
Scale
Gingerbread Pastry
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ teaspoons ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ cup vegetable shortening
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- ¼ cup molasses
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
Apple Filling
- 6 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Top
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Gingerbread Dough
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and all the spices. Mix well. Add the shortening and cold butter, working them into the flour mixture with a pastry cutter or two knives until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate small bowl, stir together the molasses and vinegar. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and gently mix with a fork until a dough forms. Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each into a disk. Roll out one portion on a lightly floured surface and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Set the second portion aside.
- Mix the Apple Filling
- Place the sliced apples in a large bowl. In another bowl, stir together the sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture over the apples and toss until evenly coated. Spoon the apple mixture into the prepared pie shell.
- Create the Decorative Top
- Roll out the remaining dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a gingerbread-shaped cookie cutter to cut out several figures. Arrange them gently on top of the filling, slightly overlapping if needed.
- Brush the pastry with milk and sprinkle with sugar to give the crust a golden, lightly crisp finish.
- Bake the Pie
- Place the pie in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven on the lowest rack and bake for 10 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C), move the pie to the center rack, and continue baking for about 35 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
- Allow the pie to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
- Category: Desserts