Rustic Apple Pie Crust

Like an apple pie without the pan it consists of a thin layer of cinnamon scented apples atop a buttery flaky crust.

Rustic apple pie crust.

Not sure why i was so intimidated before. Begin by preparing the pie crust. If you d like to keep strictly kosher when making this dessert for our hanukkah menu use walnut oil in place of butter and look for pie dough made with shortening and containing no lard. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

We topped our rustic apple pie with a giant scoop of vanilla ice cream. One thing i learned about homemade pie crust is that you need to keep the ingredients cold especially butter. The crust was incredibly easy to make and the filling is just like regular fruit filling for any pie or crumble crisp. This free form french apple tart is something the french might throw together au pif or by feel.

Bake the tart in the center of the oven for 1 hour or until the apples are tender and golden and the crust is deep golden and cooked through. We like the flavor combo of sweet golden delicious and tart granny smith apples but you can use any apple or combination of apples you like. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon sugar. Boost the nutrition and flavor even further by adding 1 4 cup dried cranberries or dried cherries to the fruit mixture.

This free form apple dessert often referred to as a rustic tart is super easy because it starts with a refrigerated pie crust. Fold over the edges of each crust so that it covers 2 to 3 inches of the apple mixture. Brush the apples with the melted preserves. Purchased piecrust dough is a convenient time saver.

Cut in butter until crumbly. In a large bowl combine flour sugar and salt. You can place all of the ingredients in the freezer for 5 10 minutes before beginning your prep if you have time. Gently stir in apples.

Brush crust edge with water. Dot the tops of the pies with chunks of the butter. Fold crust edge over filling to form 2 inch border pleating crust as necessary. Gradually add water and vanilla tossing with a fork until dough forms a ball.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees f. In a large bowl combine the apples with 1 2 cup of the brown sugar the cornstarch lemon juice and cinnamon. Spoon apple mixture onto center of crust spreading to within 2 inches of edge. This rustic apple pie tasted that much better because i knew the work that went into it haha.