Delicious Apple Pie with Vanilla Sauce: A Timeless Comfort Dessert
There’s something universally comforting and undeniably nostalgic about a slice of warm apple pie. It’s a dessert that evokes images of cozy kitchens, family gatherings, and the sweet scent of cinnamon and baked apples filling the air. This Delicious Apple Pie with Vanilla Sauce recipe takes that beloved classic and elevates it with a rich, creamy vanilla sauce, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that’s simply irresistible. It’s a true taste of home, perfect for any season, but especially delightful as a holiday treat or a Sunday supper dessert.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Delicious Apple Pie with Vanilla Sauce is a recipe that has earned its permanent spot in my baking repertoire. What I love most is the perfect balance of sweet and tart from the apples, enhanced by warm spices, all nestled within a tender, flaky crust. But the real game-changer for me is that luscious vanilla sauce. It transforms a humble slice of pie into a decadent experience, adding a layer of creamy richness that complements the apples beautifully. It’s a comforting dessert that feels special, yet the process is straightforward enough to tackle whenever the craving strikes. It’s a classic that never fails to bring smiles and warmth to any table.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this incredibly comforting Delicious Apple Pie with Vanilla Sauce:
For the Apple Pie:
- 4-5 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended), peeled, cored, and sliced (about 6-7 cups sliced)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 package (2 sheets) refrigerated pie crusts (or your favorite homemade recipe)
For the Vanilla Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk (any kind, whole milk recommended for richness)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Swaps and Notes
- Apples: A mix of Granny Smith (for tartness) and Honeycrisp (for sweetness and texture) is ideal. Other good baking apples include Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn.
- Pie Crusts: Using refrigerated pie crusts is a fantastic shortcut that makes this recipe much quicker. If you have a go-to homemade pie crust recipe, feel free to use it!
- Sugar (for Pie): Adjust the amount of sugar slightly depending on the sweetness of your apples. If your apples are very tart, you might add an extra tablespoon or two.
- Flour (for Pie): The flour helps to thicken the apple juices, preventing a watery filling.
- Vanilla Sauce Thickener: The cornstarch in the vanilla sauce is optional. If you prefer a thinner, more pourable sauce, you can omit it. If you want a thicker, almost pudding-like sauce, definitely include it and ensure you simmer until desired consistency is reached.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract will give the best flavor to your sauce.
Directions
Let’s get this delicious Apple Pie with Vanilla Sauce baking!
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Apple Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the peeled and sliced apples, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 2 tablespoons flour. Toss gently until all the apple slices are evenly coated.
- Assemble the Pie: Unroll one sheet of the refrigerated pie crust and carefully line a 9-inch pie dish with it. Trim any excess crust, leaving a small overhang. Pour the apple mixture into the pie crust, mounding it slightly in the center.
- Top the Pie: Unroll the second sheet of pie crust. Place it over the apple mixture. Trim the edges to match the bottom crust, then crimp the edges together firmly to seal (you can use your fingers or a fork). Using a sharp knife, cut a few slits in the top crust (about 1-inch long) to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Bake the Pie: Place the pie dish on a baking sheet (to catch any potential spills). Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly and tender (you can test tenderness by inserting a thin knife through a vent slit).
- Prepare the Vanilla Sauce: While the pie bakes, prepare the vanilla sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup milk, and 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is warm.
- Thicken Sauce (Optional): If using cornstarch, whisk the 1 tablespoon cornstarch with a tablespoon or two of cold water in a small bowl to form a slurry. Slowly whisk this slurry into the warm cream mixture in the saucepan. Continue to simmer, stirring constantly, for about 3-5 minutes, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Finish Sauce: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Serve: Let the apple pie cool slightly (at least 15-20 minutes) before slicing. Serve warm, ideally with generous drizzles of the warm vanilla sauce. Leftovers can be refrigerated.
Tips for Success
- Apple Choice: Using a mix of tart and sweet apples creates the best flavor balance.
- Don’t Overwork Crust: If using homemade crust, avoid overworking the dough, which can make it tough.
- Ventilation is Key: The slits in the top crust are important for steam to escape, preventing the pie from bursting or becoming soggy.
- Prevent Over-Browning: If your pie crust is browning too quickly, loosely tent it with aluminum foil during the last part of baking.
- Whisk Slurry Well: Ensure the cornstarch and water are completely smooth before adding to the sauce to prevent lumps.
- Warm Sauce: The vanilla sauce is best served warm alongside the warm pie.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Delicious Apple Pie with Vanilla Sauce is a complete, heartwarming dessert:
- Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream alongside the pie and sauce is always a winning combination.
- Cinnamon Dusting: A light dusting of ground cinnamon on top of the pie or sauce adds extra aromatic appeal.
- Coffee or Tea: Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or a comforting mug of tea for a perfect after-dinner treat.
- Warmth & Comfort Theme: This pie would be a fantastic ending to a cozy family meal, perhaps after a hearty Classic Slow-Cooked Pot Roast with Glazed Baby Potatoes and Carrots or a comforting bowl of Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Store any leftover Delicious Apple Pie covered loosely with plastic wrap or in an airtight pie container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The vanilla sauce can be stored separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; rewarm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Reheat individual slices of pie in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes, or in the microwave for quicker warming.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you appreciate classic, comforting desserts, you’ll surely love these other fantastic recipes from Chef Maniac:
- For another classic creamy dessert, my Big Family Banana Pudding is always a favorite.
- If you’re a fan of rich chocolate, don’t miss these Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs.
- My recipe for The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made is a consistent crowd-pleaser.
- For a sweet treat that works perfectly for fall, these Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are fantastic.
- And if you enjoy the cozy flavors of fall, this Pumpkin Delight Dessert is wonderfully comforting.
This Delicious Apple Pie with Vanilla Sauce is more than just a dessert; it’s a piece of culinary history and a symbol of home. Its timeless appeal and comforting flavors make it a perfect addition to any meal, promising warmth and satisfaction with every bite. Give it a try, and savor the sweet success!
What’s your favorite type of pie, and what makes it special to you? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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