Spiced Autumn Pie

Oh wow, this Spiced Autumn Pie smells amazing. The spices hit me first. And I was like, yes, I need a slice of that.

When I took a bite, it was warm and cozy. The cinnamon and nutmeg mix so well. It felt like fall in every bite.

I kept going back for more because it’s just that comforting. The flavors are simple but so good. And I thought, you’ll totally love this too.

So yeah, let’s make this pie together. It’s super easy. And the taste is totally worth it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Seasonal Flavors: The harmonious blend of apples and pears paired with cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice brings the very essence of fall to your plate.
• Customizable Sweetness: Adjust the sugar levels to suit your taste preferences, making it as sweet or as mildly spiced as you like.
• Perfectly Flaky Crust: The homemade pie crust is buttery and crisp, offering a wonderful contrast to the soft and tender filling.
• Simple Yet Elegant: This pie may look like a showstopper, but it’s surprisingly easy to make, even for beginners.
• Great for Sharing: This Spiced Autumn Pie is perfect for family gatherings, holiday dinners, or just sharing with friends over a cozy fall afternoon.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before diving into the recipe, here’s a quick rundown of the kitchen tools you’ll need to create the perfect Spiced Autumn Pie:

• 9-inch Pie Pan: This is the standard size for most pie recipes.
• Rolling Pin: To roll out the dough evenly and achieve a perfect crust.
• Mixing Bowls: For preparing the filling and combining ingredients.
• Pastry Cutter or Fork: To cut the cold butter into the flour, creating a flaky crust.
• Baking Sheet: To catch any drips from the pie while baking.
• Wire Rack: For cooling the pie after baking.

Ingredients

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to make this flavorful fall pie (exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below):

For the Pie Crust:

• All-Purpose Flour: The base of your crust, ensuring a tender texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Cold butter is key to creating a flaky, melt-in-your-mouth crust.
• Ice Water: Helps bring the dough together without warming the butter.
• Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavor of the crust.
• Sugar: Just a tablespoon of sugar gives the crust a subtle sweetness.

For the Filling:

• Apples: A mix of tart and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith and Fuji, provides a balanced flavor.
• Pears: Use ripe pears like Bartlett or Bosc for a juicy, tender texture.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a warm sweetness with a slight molasses flavor, perfect for fall.
• Cinnamon: The warm spice that defines autumn flavors.
• Nutmeg: Adds depth and warmth to the filling.
• Allspice: A touch of allspice adds a hint of clove-like warmth.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the filling and balances the sweetness of the fruits.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the filling and gives it a smooth consistency.
• Egg Wash: A beaten egg is brushed on the crust before baking to achieve a golden, glossy finish.
• Turbinado Sugar (optional): For sprinkling on top, giving the crust a sparkling, crunchy finish.

Variations for Spiced Autumn Pie

This Spiced Autumn Pie recipe is versatile, and there are several ways you can personalize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs:

• Add Cranberries: For a touch of tartness and color, add fresh or dried cranberries to the filling.
• Use Maple Syrup: Instead of brown sugar, use maple syrup for a rich, caramel-like sweetness.
• Spiced Rum: Add a tablespoon of spiced rum to the filling for an extra layer of warmth and flavor.
• Nutty Crust: Incorporate ground almonds or walnuts into the pie crust for added texture and flavor.
• Vegan Version: Substitute the butter in the crust with plant-based butter and use a flax egg instead of the egg wash to make this pie vegan-friendly.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free crust.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pie Crust

The first step in making this Spiced Autumn Pie is to prepare the buttery pie crust.

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or a fork to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You want the butter to stay cold for flaky layers.
3. Add Ice Water: Slowly add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can lead to a tough crust.
4. Form the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it a couple of times to bring it together. Divide it in half, form each half into a disk, and wrap them in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up the dough.

2. Prepare the Filling

While the dough chills, prepare the apple and pear filling.

1. Peel and Slice the Fruit: Peel, core, and slice the apples and pears into thin slices, about 1/4 inch thick. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
2. Mix the Filling: To the fruit, add the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss everything together until the fruit is evenly coated with the spices and sugar.

3. Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough is chilled, it’s time to roll it out.

1. Flour the Surface: Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin.
2. Roll the Dough: Take one disk of dough and roll it out to about 1/8 inch thickness. Transfer it into the pie pan, trimming any excess dough hanging over the edges.
3. Add the Filling: Spoon the prepared apple and pear filling into the crust, spreading it evenly.

4. Assemble the Pie

For the top crust, you have a few options:

• Full Top Crust: Roll out the second disk of dough and place it over the pie, sealing the edges by crimping the dough together. Cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape during baking.
• Lattice Crust: Roll out the second disk of dough and cut it into strips. Lay half of the strips horizontally over the pie, then weave the remaining strips vertically. Trim and fold the edges under to seal.

5. Add the Finishing Touches

Brush the top crust with the beaten egg to give it a golden finish. If desired, sprinkle turbinado sugar over the top for extra crunch and sparkle.

6. Bake the Pie

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place on Baking Sheet: Put the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips while baking.
3. Bake: Bake the pie for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling through the slits. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil and continue baking.
4. Cool: Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing. This helps the filling set and prevents it from running.

How to Serve Spiced Autumn Pie

This pie is delicious on its own, but you can elevate the experience with these serving suggestions:

• With Whipped Cream: Serve each slice of pie with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a creamy contrast to the spiced filling.
• With Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing with warm pie, and its creaminess complements the spices beautifully.
• With Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over the pie for an indulgent, sweet touch.
• With Hot Beverages: Pair with a hot cup of apple cider, chai tea, or a cinnamon-spiced latte for the ultimate autumn experience.

Storing Spiced Autumn Pie

• Unbaked Pie: If you want to prepare the pie in advance, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked pie. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
• Leftover Pie: Store leftover pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition (Per Slice, Serves 8)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	350 kcal
Protein	2g
Carbs	50g
Fiber	4g
Sugar	30g
Fat	15g
Saturated Fat	9g
Sodium	180mg

Conclusion

The Spiced Autumn Pie is more than just a dessert – it’s a celebration of fall’s warm flavors. With a buttery, flaky crust and a sweet, spiced filling made from apples, pears, and the perfect blend of autumn spices, this pie is sure to become a favorite in your fall baking repertoire. It’s simple enough for beginners but impressive enough for special occasions. So, preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and indulge in the cozy flavors of autumn with this homemade Spiced Autumn Pie!