Easy Italian Apple Pie (Crostata di Mele)
This Italian Apple Pie recipe is a little different as it is a single-crust pie rather than a two-crust pie, and the apples are baked in a custard. The way the apple slices are fanned in the pie makes it look extra attractive and elegant for a dinner party.
To make the crust for this apple pie, butter and sugar are mixed together until creamy. Then, an egg, egg yolk, lemon zest, and flour are mixed into the butter mixture until combined. This dough requires 30 minutes in the fridge to solidify it in a rollable consistency. Next, a custard is made by whisking eggs, egg yolks, lemon zest, flour, sugar, cream, and milk until combined. Once a tart tin is lined with the pastry, the apple slices are arranged in it before being covered with the custard and baked. Slices of this apple pie will look so special served for guests with a dusting of icing sugar and some whipped cream.
What is Italian Apple Pie?
Apple pie is a type of pie that includes a flaky, buttery pastry and apples. It is classically made with a crust on the bottom and top, but some types of apple pies can be made as single-crust pies or hand pies. The pastry can vary as well. Shortcrust pastry is the most traditional, but apple pie can be made with phyllo pastry or puff pastry as well.
Additionally, the apples are baked in a custard and don’t include any cinnamon or raisins, or other common apple pie ingredients.
Pro Tips
- Make sure you dust both the surface and rolling pin when rolling out your pastry.
- Choose apples that will hold their shape during the baking process such as Royal Gala, Macintosh, Golden Delicious, Pink Lady, or Spartan.
- If you are concerned that the pastry might not be baking all the way through to the bottom, you can bake the apple pie on the bottom rack of your oven.
- Serve with icing sugar, whipped cream, creme fraiche, or ice cream.
- Make sure you don’t overcook the apple pie. You will know it is done when the custard is set and is slightly jiggly still.
What to Serve with Italian Apple Pie?
As with other types of apple pie recipes, you can serve this pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It is also great with a simple dusting of icing sugar.
What if the Pastry Dough Sets too Hard to Roll Out?
If you had to leave the dough in the fridge for longer than 30 minutes, it may be too firm to roll. In this case, simply allow the dough to sit at room temperature until it is soft enough to roll out.
Can I Use a Different Pan for This Italian Apple Pie?
Yes, you definitely could! If you don’t have a fluted tart pan, feel free to use an equivalent sized pie plate instead. It won’t have the pretty fluted edges but it will be no less delicious.
How to Store Italian Apple Pie
This apple pie should be stored in the fridge due to its custard component. Simply cover it loosely with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. It should stay fresh for up to 4 days.
Can I Freeze Italian Apple Pie?
Yes, you can! After baking and allowing it to cool completely, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to serve, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the oven for a few minutes to restore its texture.
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Ingredients
How to Make Italian Apple Pie
Step 1: To make the pastry, in a bowl, mix the butter with the sugar until creamy. Add the egg and egg yolk, and mix until combined. Stir in the lemon zest.
Step 1: To make the pastry, in a bowl, mix the butter with the sugar until creamy. Add the egg and egg yolk, and mix until combined. Stir in the lemon zest.
Step 2: Stir in the flour, and then knead until the dough is combined. Wrap it with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Stir in the flour, and then knead until the dough is combined. Wrap it with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for 30 minutes.
Step 3: For the filling, whisk the eggs with the egg yolks and lemon zest until combined. Whisk in the flour and sugar. Whisk in the cream in two additions followed by the milk.
Step 3: For the filling, whisk the eggs with the egg yolks and lemon zest until combined. Whisk in the flour and sugar. Whisk in the cream in two additions followed by the milk.
Step 4: To assemble, roll the pastry dough out and arrange it in a greased and floured tart tin. Use a knife to clean up the edges.
Step 4: To assemble, roll the pastry dough out and arrange it in a greased and floured tart tin. Use a knife to clean up the edges.
Step 5: Peel and slice the apples. Fan them in the crust.
Step 5: Peel and slice the apples. Fan them in the crust.
Step 6: Pour the custard mixture over top. Bake the pie in a 180°C (360°F) oven for 45 minutes.
Step 6: Pour the custard mixture over top. Bake the pie in a 180°C (360°F) oven for 45 minutes.
Step 7: Allow to cool and then slice into wedges.
Step 7: Allow to cool and then slice into wedges.
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