Introduction

Mom’s Flat Apple Pie is a timeless, homey dessert that celebrates the simplicity of old-fashioned baking. Unlike traditional deep-dish pies, this flat version has a thinner crust and a perfect balance of tender apples and flaky pastry. It’s rustic, quick to make, and ideal for sharing at family gatherings or cozy weekend treats.

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup shortening (or unsalted butter, chilled and cut into cubes)
• ¼ cup cold water

For the filling:

• 5 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces

For brushing and finishing:

• 1 tablespoon milk or cream
• 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the crust: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water, mixing until the dough holds together. Divide into two equal parts.
3. Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll one half into a large rectangle (about 12×8 inches). Place it on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Make the filling: In a bowl, mix sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and flour until evenly coated. Spread the apple mixture over the rolled dough, leaving about 1 inch of space around the edges. Dot with small pieces of butter.
5. Top with second crust: Roll out the remaining dough and carefully place it over the apples. Seal the edges by pressing with a fork. Cut a few small slits on top to allow steam to escape.
6. Finish and bake: Brush the top crust with milk or cream and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
7. Cool and serve: Let the pie cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing into squares or bars. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Description

Mom’s Flat Apple Pie is delightfully crisp on the edges, tender in the middle, and filled with sweet, spiced apples that caramelize beautifully as they bake. It’s less fussy than a traditional pie but every bit as delicious. Perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce!

Tips

• Apple Variety: Mixing tart and sweet apples (like Granny Smith and Gala) enhances flavor depth.
• Flaky Crust Secret: Keep ingredients cold and don’t overwork the dough.
• Short on time? You can use store-bought pie crusts for convenience.
• For extra shine: Brush the crust with a beaten egg instead of milk.
• Make it rustic: Instead of sealing the edges perfectly, let it look homemade—it adds charm.

Correction

If your crust turns out tough, it’s likely overmixed or contains too much water. Add just enough liquid for the dough to come together and handle it minimally.

If the filling seems runny, increase the flour slightly or allow the pie to rest longer before slicing.