Apple Pie with Meringue and Almonds

This Apple Pie with Meringue and Almonds is a delightful dessert that blends a buttery shortcrust base with a spiced apple filling and a fluffy meringue topping sprinkled with crunchy almonds. The combination of textures—the crisp crust, tender apples, airy meringue, and toasted almonds—creates a perfectly balanced dessert. Ideal for fall gatherings or as a showstopper dessert at any special occasion, this apple pie is sure to impress and satisfy everyone’s sweet cravings.

Why You’ll Love This: You’ll love this pie for its incredible combination of flavors and textures. The buttery shortcrust pairs perfectly with the sweet and tart apple filling, spiced with cinnamon and vanilla. The light meringue topping gives the dessert a soft and airy finish, while the almonds add a delicious crunch. Whether you’re a fan of classic apple pies or looking for something a bit more sophisticated, this recipe offers both familiarity and elegance.

Perfect Occasion: This apple pie is perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or any occasion where you want to serve something memorable and comforting. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate it even further. It’s a wonderful dessert to enjoy with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making it a versatile choice for both formal and casual events.

Decoration Tips: To finish this pie beautifully, dust the top lightly with powdered sugar after it has cooled. For an elegant presentation, you can add a few extra toasted almonds on top of the meringue. For a touch of color, serve slices with fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Shortcrust Pastry:

• 250 g all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 125 g soft butter
• 3 egg yolks

For the Apple Filling:

• 3 large apples, diced
• 3 large apples, grated
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla sugar

For the Meringue:

• 3 egg whites
• 180 g sugar
• Pinch of salt

For the Topping:

• Sliced almonds, for sprinkling

Instructions:

1. Make the Shortcrust Pastry: In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, and softened butter. Add the egg yolks and knead the mixture into a smooth dough. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling: In a separate bowl, toss the diced and grated apples with the cinnamon and vanilla sugar, ensuring the apples are evenly coated with the spices.
3. Prepare the Meringue: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar, a tablespoon at a time, while continuing to whisk until stiff and glossy peaks form.
4. Assemble the Pie: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Roll out the chilled shortcrust dough and press it evenly into the base of a greased pie pan, making sure to form a slight edge around the sides. Spread the apple filling over the dough. Gently spoon the meringue over the apples, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the top with sliced almonds.
5. Bake the Pie: Bake the pie for about 40 minutes, or until the meringue is golden and the almonds are toasted. The pie should be firm and baked through.
6. Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Enjoy this delicious Apple Pie with Meringue and Almonds—a perfect dessert for any occasion!