I remember the first time I made an apple pie. I was about 15 and thought I could whip it up on my own. The kitchen was a mess, flour everywhere, but that first slice of warm, cinnamon-scented pie was magical. It wasn’t perfect but it made me realize how comforting and satisfying a homemade apple pie can be. Fast forward to today, I find myself turning to Jamie Oliver’s apple pie recipe often. His method is straightforward yet full of flavor, and it never fails to impress.
Apple pie has a special place in my heart. It’s not just a dessert-it’s a piece of nostalgia wrapped in a buttery crust and filled with warm apples. Jamie Oliver’s take on this classic really elevates it with his use of fresh, wholesome ingredients and a bit of flair. If you’ve been looking for a way to elevate your own pie game, this recipe is it. Let’s break it down together!
Jamie Oliver’s Apple Pie Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s apple pie recipe is both accessible and mouthwatering. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and spiced. What I love about it is that it captures all the traditional flavors of a great apple pie while keeping things simple.
In Jamie’s version, the pie crust is buttery and flaky, made from scratch. The filling, however, is where the magic happens. He uses a mix of sweet and tart apples to get that perfect contrast of flavors. Cinnamon and a touch of nutmeg provide warmth and depth. There’s also a hint of lemon zest and juice to bring some freshness to the richness.
Ingredients Needed
I used to think apple pie was just about apples and sugar, but after trying Jamie’s recipe, I discovered that it’s all about balance. Here’s what you’ll need:
For The Pastry
- 300g plain flour
- 150g cold butter
- 1 tbsp caster sugar
- 1 egg
- 1-2 tbsp ice water (to bring it together)
For The Filling
- 6-7 medium-sized apples (a mix of sweet and tart-Granny Smith and Braeburn work wonders)
- 150g caster sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp plain flour (to thicken the filling)
- A pinch of sea salt
- A little butter (for dotting over the filling)
For Glazing
- 1 egg (beaten, for brushing over the crust)
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Apple Pie
I find that the process of making this pie is as enjoyable as eating it. Here’s how to bring this beauty to life:
Prepare The Pastry
- Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. Add a pinch of salt and the sugar.
- Cut the cold butter into cubes and rub it into the flour with your fingertips. You want it to resemble breadcrumbs. I used to hate this part, but now I find it strangely therapeutic.
- Add the egg and just enough ice water to bring the dough together. Knead it lightly until smooth, then wrap it in cling film. Chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
Make The Filling
- Peel and core the apples, then slice them thinly. I like to make the slices uneven for a rustic look, but you can go for uniformity if you want.
- Toss the apples in a large bowl with the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon zest, and juice. Sprinkle the flour over the apples and mix everything together. The flour helps absorb some of the juices from the apples as they cook.
- Let it sit for a while, so the flavors meld together.
Roll Out The Pastry
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Roll out two-thirds of the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface. You want it large enough to fit a 9-inch pie dish.
- Line the pie dish with the dough and trim any excess.
Assemble The Pie
- Pour the apple filling into the pie dish, packing it down gently.
- Dot the filling with small pieces of butter. This adds richness to the filling.
- Roll out the remaining dough and place it over the apples. Trim and crimp the edges to seal the pie.
- Cut a few slits in the top of the pie to let steam escape.
- Brush the top with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
Bake The Pie
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and the filling is bubbling. You can even sprinkle some sugar on top before baking for extra crunch.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Let’s talk about the ingredients, because in a pie like this, the science matters.
- Flour: The plain flour gives the dough structure, while the butter makes it flaky. The key is to handle the dough as little as possible to avoid overworking it and creating a tough crust.
- Butter: Cold butter creates layers in the dough, and when it melts during baking, it leaves tiny pockets of air that give the crust its flakiness. It’s why you want to be quick with the pastry-making process!
- Sugar: Both in the pastry and the filling, sugar isn’t just sweetening; it helps with texture. In the filling, it also draws out water from the apples, helping to create a thick syrup.
- Apples: Choosing a mix of tart and sweet apples (Granny Smith and Braeburn) ensures that the filling isn’t one-note. The tartness balances the sweetness of the sugar, and the apples hold up well when baked, keeping their shape.
- Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg are classic apple pie spices. Cinnamon is warm and sweet, while nutmeg brings a bit of depth with its savory notes.
Expert Tips
- Chill the dough: It’s essential to let the dough chill before rolling it out. This keeps the butter cold and helps avoid a soggy crust.
- Use a mix of apples: Don’t rely on just one variety. A combo of tart and sweet apples gives the pie complexity and prevents it from being too sugary or too sour.
- Don’t skip the lemon: The zest and juice of the lemon brighten the pie, cutting through the richness of the butter and spices.
- Bake with a catch tray: Place a baking sheet under the pie to catch any bubbling filling. It helps avoid a messy oven.
Recipe Variations
While Jamie’s version is perfect as is, there are plenty of ways to put your spin on it:
- Crispy topping: Instead of a full top crust, you can use a crumble topping made from butter, sugar, and oats for a crunchier, more rustic feel.
- Caramel twist: Add a spoonful of caramel sauce to the filling for a rich, sweet surprise.
- Spiced rum: For an adult twist, add a splash of spiced rum or bourbon to the apples as they cook. It enhances the warm spices and gives the pie a deep flavor.
- Nutty crust: Replace part of the flour in the pastry with ground almonds or walnuts for a nuttier texture.
Final Words
I’ll be honest-I used to think making apple pie was a big deal. But Jamie’s recipe proves that it doesn’t need to be complicated. With just a few ingredients and some patience, you can create a pie that feels like a hug in dessert form.
The mix of tart apples, warm spices, and buttery crust is everything you want in a homemade pie. And the best part? It’s flexible enough to allow for creative spins and personal touches.
FAQs
What Makes Jamie Oliver’s Apple Pie Recipe Different From Others?
Jamie Oliver uses a mix of sweet and tart apples for a balanced flavor and adds a touch of cinnamon and lemon zest for extra depth.
Can I Use Store-bought Pastry For Jamie Oliver’s Apple Pie?
Yes, you can use store-bought pastry if you’re short on time. Jamie’s homemade pastry recipe is simple though and worth trying.
How Long Does Jamie Oliver’s Apple Pie Take To Bake?
It typically takes about 45 minutes to bake, but you should keep an eye on it to make sure the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.