Grandma’s Iron Skillet Apple Pie

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a homemade apple pie wafting through the house, especially when it’s Grandma’s Iron Skillet Apple Pie. This delightful dessert is not only quick to assemble but also boasts a few unique twists that make it truly unforgettable. With a combination of Granny Smith and Braeburn apples, the filling is a perfect blend of crispness and sweetness. The bottom crust bakes in a luscious layer of brown sugar caramel, simmering right on the surface of the cast-iron skillet, creating a gooey, caramel-infused pastry. Pair it with Butter-Pecan ice cream, and you have a showstopping dessert perfect for your autumn gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This apple pie is incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple steps. The blend of tart and sweet apples creates a balanced filling that pleases every palate. The use of a cast-iron skillet enhances the flavor and texture, giving the pie a unique caramelized crust. Not to mention, the nostalgic touch of a family recipe brings warmth and comfort to the table.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Cast iron skillet
• Oven
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

• ½ cup butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 5 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, quartered, and thinly sliced
• 3 (9 inch) refrigerated prerolled pie crusts
• 1 cup white sugar, divided
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
• ¼ cup white sugar
• 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small chunks

Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparing the Recipe

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Place ½ cup of butter into a heavy cast iron skillet and melt it in the oven. Remove the skillet and sprinkle with brown sugar; return to the oven while you prepare the apples.
3. Remove the skillet, and place one refrigerated pie crust on top of the brown sugar. Top the pie crust with half of the sliced apples. Sprinkle the apples with ½ cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Place a second pie crust over the apples, then top with the remaining apples, and sprinkle with ½ cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Top with the third crust; sprinkle the top crust with ¼ cup sugar, and dot with 1 tablespoon of butter. Cut 4 slits into the top crust to allow steam to escape.
4. Bake in the preheated oven until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown, about 45 minutes. Serve warm.

Tips for Success

• Ensure the butter is fully melted before adding the brown sugar to create an even caramel layer.
• Use a sharp knife to make clean slits in the top crust, allowing steam to escape and preventing a soggy crust.

Additional Tips or Variations

For a twist, try adding a sprinkle of nutmeg or a handful of chopped nuts to the apple mixture for added flavor and texture. If you prefer a sweeter pie, opt for Honeycrisp apples instead of Braeburn.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

This pie offers a comforting blend of carbohydrates from the crust and natural sugars from the apples. It provides a moderate amount of fiber and vitamin C, thanks to the apples.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, you can use any combination of apples you prefer. Just keep in mind that the texture and sweetness might vary slightly.

Do I need to refrigerate leftovers?

Yes, store any leftovers in the refrigerator to keep the pie fresh. Reheat it in the oven for best results.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the pie a day in advance and bake it just before serving for the freshest taste.

Conclusion

Grandma’s Iron Skillet Apple Pie is a timeless dessert that brings warmth and joy to any table. Its ease of preparation and delightful flavors make it a must-try recipe. We hope you enjoy making and savoring this pie as much as we do. Don’t forget to share your experiences and any creative twists you try with this recipe!