Best Apple Chess Pie Recipes

Apple chess pie recipe is a mouthwatering dessert that has been a part of American cuisine for centuries. This classic pie is a specialty of the South and is an integral part of their cuisine. With its distinctive taste and flaky crust, apple chess pie has been a favorite of Americans for years.

The Origin of Apple Chess Pie

The exact origin of apple chess pie is unknown, but it is believed to have originated in the early 1800s in the Southern United States. The term "chess" is believed to come from the French word "chesse" meaning filling. Chess pies are a type of pie that is made with sugar, butter, eggs, and milk or cream. These were easy to make and used simple ingredients that were readily available in the South, making them a popular choice among the locals.

The Ingredients

Apple chess pie is a simple yet delicious dessert that requires only a few ingredients. The following are the essential ingredients for a traditional apple chess pie recipe.

For Pie Crust:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
• ¼ to ½ cup ice water

For Filling:

• 4 cups thinly sliced apples
• 2 cups sugar
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 6 large eggs, beaten
• 1 tbsp cornmeal
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt

The Preparation Method

The preparation of apple chess pie recipe is easy and simple. Here is a step-by-step guide to make a delicious apple chess pie.

Step 1: Make the Pie Crust

1. Combine flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl and mix well.
2. Add butter and mix with a pastry blender until it is crumbly.
3. Add ice water gradually, one tablespoon at a time, until a dough forms.
4. Transfer dough onto a floured surface and knead gently to form a ball.
5. Wrap the dough ball with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
6. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness and transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish. Trim the edges.
7. Refrigerate the crust while preparing the filling.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add sliced apples and cook until the apples are soft, stirring occasionally.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs until foamy. Add sugar and beat well.
4. Add melted butter, cornmeal, flour, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well.
5. Add the cooked apples to the egg mixture and mix well.

Step 3: Bake the Pie

1. Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust.
2. Bake the pie for 50-60 minutes or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
3. Let the pie cool before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Apple chess pie can be served warm or cold with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It is a perfect dessert for any occasion or celebration.

Conclusion

Apple chess pie recipe is a classic dessert that is easy to make and delicious to eat. With a flaky crust and a sweet and creamy filling, this pie is sure to tantalize your taste buds. It is a perfect dessert for any occasion, whether it is a family gathering, a holiday feast or just a casual get-together. Try making this pie at home and impress your guests with your baking skills.

Valuable Tips to Make the Perfect Apple Chess Pie

Apple chess pie is a classic and delicious dessert that combines the sweetness of apples with the richness of chess pie. Despite its simplicity, making an apple chess pie requires some techniques and tips to achieve the perfect texture, flavor and presentation. Here are some valuable tips that every baker should know when making an apple chess pie.

1. Use the Right Type of Apples:

The type of apples you use in your pie can greatly affect its texture and flavor. For an apple chess pie, it is recommended to use apples that are firm, sour and slightly tart, such as Granny Smith apples. These types of apples hold up well in baking and add a pleasant tang to balance the sweetness of the chess pie filling. Avoid using overly sweet or soft apples such as Red Delicious, which tend to turn mushy and lose their shape when baked.

2. Pre-cook the Apples:

To prevent the apples from turning into a mushy mess in the oven, it is best to pre-cook them before adding them to the pie. You can either sauté the apples in butter and sugar, or bake them in the oven, until they are softened but still retain their shape. Pre-cooked apples also make it easier to evenly distribute them in the pie, and prevent any air pockets or gaps from forming.

3. Use Cornmeal in the Filling:

Cornmeal is one of the key ingredients that give chess pies their distinctive texture and flavor. It adds a slight crunch and nuttiness to the filling, and helps thicken the mixture without making it overly dense or heavy. To ensure the cornmeal is evenly distributed in your apple chess pie filling, mix it with the sugar and other dry ingredients first, before adding the eggs and liquid.

4. Chill the Dough Before Rolling:

One of the biggest challenges in making pie crusts is preventing the dough from becoming tough or stretchy, which can result in a tough and chewy crust. To avoid this, it is important to keep the dough chilled as much as possible. After making the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least an hour, or overnight. Chilling the dough not only makes it easier to roll out, but also helps prevent shrinking and cracking during baking.

5. Blind Bake the Crust:

Blind baking the crust is a crucial step when making any type of pie, including apple chess pie. This means baking the crust without the filling, until it is partially cooked and slightly golden. Blind baking helps prevent the crust from getting soggy from the moisture in the filling, and ensures that the bottom of the crust is fully cooked and crispy. To blind bake the crust, line it with parchment or foil, fill it with pie weights or dry beans to keep it from puffing up, and bake it in a preheated oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden.

6. Vent the Top Crust:

To prevent the filling from overflowing and the crust from becoming soggy, it is important to vent the top crust of the pie. You can do this by making slits or cutting out decorative shapes in the top crust, which allow steam and moisture to escape during baking. Venting also adds a decorative touch to your pie, and can be customized according to your preference or occasion.

7. Use an Egg Wash:

An egg wash is a mixture of beaten egg and water or milk, which is brushed on top of the pie crust to give it a glossy and golden appearance. An egg wash also helps the crust adhere better to the filling, and add an extra layer of flavor and texture. To make an egg wash, whisk one egg with a tablespoon of water, and brush it evenly on top of the pie with a pastry brush. You can also sprinkle some sugar or cinnamon on top for extra flavor.

8. Let the Pie Cool Completely:

Although it can be tempting to dig into the pie as soon as it comes out of the oven, it is best to let it cool completely before cutting into it. This allows the filling to set and thicken properly, and prevents it from oozing out or falling apart when sliced. A cooled pie also has a better texture and flavor, as the flavors have had a chance to meld and develop. In conclusion, making an apple chess pie requires some care, attention, and following the tips discussed above to achieve the perfect pie. Any baker, beginner or experienced, can use these tips to create a flavorful and appealing apple chess pie that will be enjoyed by all.