There’s something truly irresistible about a warm slice of apple pie right out of the oven, its crust flaky and golden, the interior brimming with cinnamon-spiced apples that send a gentle steam curling into the air. In this Cinnamon Apple Pie à la Mode, we celebrate those cozy flavors by nesting sweet-tart apple slices in a tender pastry and crowning each slice with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. Every bite offers a delightful contrast between warm, tender fruit and cool, smooth ice cream, making it the perfect dessert for gatherings, family dinners, or simply a quiet evening curled up with a good book. As you lift your fork, you’ll notice how the buttery crust, enriched with a hint of spice, crumbles just enough to mingle with the melting ice cream, creating little pools of sweet-spiced goodness.
This Intermediate-level dessert comes together in about thirty minutes of active preparation, followed by an hour of baking magic and a two-hour rest to let the filling set perfectly. With roughly 400 calories per serving, it strikes a balance between indulgence and tradition—inviting you to savor every moment without feeling overwhelmed. The pie’s charm lies not only in its taste but also in its versatility: use a mix of Granny Smith for zip and Honeycrisp for sweetness, craft a lattice top for an extra decorative flourish, or assemble it ahead to bake fresh for unexpected guests. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or an enthusiastic home cook eager to level up, this Cinnamon Apple Pie à la Mode promises a comforting journey through layers of flavor—from the tang of lemon-tinged apples to the cozy warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and ginger—each spice playing its part in this unforgettable dessert symphony.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CINNAMON APPLE PIE À LA MODE
Before diving into the baking process, let’s get to know the heroes of this recipe. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture, ensuring your pie is both visually stunning and utterly delicious.
- Apples: A blend of tart Granny Smith and sweet Honeycrisp gives the filling its signature balance of tang and sweetness. Peeled, cored, and sliced, they soften during baking yet maintain a pleasing bite.
- Lemon juice: A splash of acidity prevents the apple slices from browning and brightens the overall flavor profile, adding a subtle zing.
- Granulated sugar: Provides consistent sweetness and helps draw out the apples’ natural juices, creating a syrupy filling.
- Brown sugar: Adds a deeper, caramel-like sweetness and a hint of molasses richness that complements the apples beautifully.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the fruit juices as they bake, ensuring each slice holds together with a luscious, jam-like consistency.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice that envelops each apple slice in warm, comforting aroma and flavor.
- Ground nutmeg: Contributes a subtle, nutty warmth, enhancing the complexity of the spice blend.
- Ground allspice: Delivers a hint of clove and peppery undertones, rounding out the autumnal spice spectrum.
- Ground ginger: Offers a mild, peppery kick that balances the sweetness and spices of the pie.
- Salt: Just a pinch sharpens all the sweet and spicy notes, bringing out the full depth of flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Dotted over the filling, it melts into pockets of richness, adding a luxurious mouthfeel.
- Refrigerated pie crusts: Two ready-to-roll crusts ensure a flaky, tender shell without the fuss of making dough from scratch.
- Egg and milk (egg wash): Brushed over the top crust to create a glossy, golden-brown finish that showcases your beautiful handiwork.
- Vanilla ice cream: The ultimate finishing touch—its creamy chill contrasts with the warm filling, melting into dreamy ribbons of vanilla sweetness.
HOW TO MAKE CINNAMON APPLE PIE À LA MODE
Ready to transform these ingredients into a show-stopping dessert? Follow these detailed steps to bake up a pie that’s as fun to make as it is delicious to eat:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and position the oven rack in the lower third to ensure the bottom crust bakes through without burning the top.
2. In a large mixing bowl, toss the peeled, cored, and sliced apples with lemon juice—this simple step prevents oxidation and adds brightness to the filling.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, and salt until well combined; this spice-sugar mix glazes each apple slice evenly.
4. Pour the dry mixture over the apples and gently toss until all slices are evenly coated in the aromatic blend.
5. Roll out one pie crust and carefully line a 9-inch pie dish, trimming any excess dough around the edges for a neat finish.
6. Spoon the apple filling into the pastry-lined dish, spreading it out so every corner is filled with spiced fruit.
7. Scatter small pieces of unsalted butter over the top of the apples to create rich, melty pockets during baking.
8. Roll out the second crust and drape it over the filling; trim the edges, then fold and crimp to seal, locking in the juices.
9. Use a sharp knife to cut several small slits in the top crust, allowing steam to escape and preventing soggy pastry.
10. Whisk the beaten egg with milk to create an egg wash, then brush it over the entire top crust and edges for a shiny, golden finish.
11. Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 35–40 minutes, until the crust is deep golden and the filling is visibly bubbling.
12. If the crust edges begin to brown too quickly, tent them with strips of aluminum foil to prevent burning.
13. Transfer the pie to a wire rack and let it cool for at least 2 hours—this resting time allows the filling to set so you can achieve clean, beautiful slices.
14. When ready to serve, cut generous wedges and top each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, letting it melt slightly into the warm filling for the ultimate à la mode experience.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CINNAMON APPLE PIE À LA MODE
A beautifully baked pie deserves thoughtful presentation. These serving suggestions will help you make every slice feel extra special, whether you’re hosting a festive get-together or simply indulging on a cozy evening in. Remember, the key to an unforgettable dessert is both flavor harmony and visual appeal—so don’t be shy about adding those final garnishes and accompaniments that turn a slice of pie into a moment to savor.
- Classic à la mode: Place a hot slice of pie on a dessert plate and top it with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The contrast of temperatures and textures is what makes this pairing legendary.
- Whipped cream swirl: Add a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream beside the ice cream or directly on the pie crust. A sprinkle of ground cinnamon or finely grated nutmeg on top elevates both appearance and flavor.
- Caramel drizzle: Warm some soft caramel sauce and drizzle it over the pie and ice cream. This adds an extra layer of gooey sweetness that complements the brown sugar in the filling.
- Toasted nut garnish: Scatter chopped toasted pecans or walnuts over the ice cream. The nuts introduce a crunchy element that contrasts with the tender apples and soft crust, adding beautiful texture and a nutty aroma.
HOW TO STORE CINNAMON APPLE PIE À LA MODE
Whether you’re planning ahead or simply want to enjoy leftovers, proper storage ensures every slice tastes as fresh as the first. Cool the pie completely before storing to prevent condensation, which can lead to a soggy crust. Below are a few tried-and-true methods to keep your pie at its best, whether it’s a same-day treat or a later indulgence.
- Room-temperature storage: After the pie has cooled and the filling has set, loosely cover it with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days—the crust remains flaky, and the filling stays tender.
- Refrigeration: Place the cooled pie in an airtight container or cover it securely, then refrigerate for up to 4 days. Note that the crust may soften slightly; reheat individual slices in a toaster oven for a few minutes to revive crispness.
- Freezing whole pie: Wrap the cooled, fully assembled pie in two layers of plastic wrap followed by a layer of foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.
- Freezing slices: For easy single servings, wrap each cooled slice in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. This lets you thaw and reheat just what you need, minimizing waste and maintaining deliciousness.
CONCLUSION
From the moment you gather your ingredients—crisp apples, warm spices, and flaky pastry—to the satisfying ritual of brushing on egg wash and watching the crust turn golden, this Cinnamon Apple Pie à la Mode delivers a sensory journey that’s both comforting and memorable. We’ve covered everything you need: an enthusiastic introduction to the flavors, in-depth ingredient insights, step-by-step baking instructions, creative serving ideas, and foolproof storage tips. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, treating yourself after a long day, or crafting a new family tradition, this pie stands ready to impress. Feel free to print or bookmark this article and save it for future pie-making adventures; the clear instructions and tips will guide you each time, ensuring success pie after pie.
We hope this comprehensive guide inspires you to preheat that oven and roll out your pastry with confidence. Don’t forget to let your pie rest so the filling sets perfectly, and then watch the grateful smiles appear as you serve each warm slice alongside melting vanilla ice cream. If you have any questions, comments, or feedback after trying the recipe—or if you’d like to share your own twists and stories—please leave a note below. We can’t wait to hear about your baking triumphs and help with any pie-related queries. Happy baking!
Cinnamon Apple Pie à la Mode
Description
Experience the cozy flavors of cinnamon and sweet apples enveloped in a golden crust, topped with a melt-in-your-mouth scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly delightful treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Position the oven rack in the lower third of the oven.
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In a large mixing bowl, toss the apple slices with lemon juice to prevent browning.
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In a separate small bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, and salt. Mix well.
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Pour the dry mixture over the apples and toss until the apples are evenly coated.
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Roll out one pie crust and line a 9-inch pie dish with it. Trim excess dough from the edges.
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Fill the pastry-lined pie dish with the apple mixture, ensuring it's evenly distributed.
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Dot the apples with butter pieces.
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Roll out the second pie crust and carefully place it over the apple filling. Trim, fold, and crimp the edges to seal.
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Cut several small slits in the top crust with a sharp knife to allow steam to escape.
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In a small bowl, beat the egg with milk to make the egg wash. Brush it over the top crust and edges.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
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If the edges of the crust are browning too quickly, cover them with strips of aluminum foil.
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Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving. This will help the filling set.
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Serve slices of warm apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for the à la mode experience.
Note
- For a more decorative pie, consider using a lattice crust or decorative pie crust cutters.
- For the best flavor, use a combination of tart and sweet apples.
- Assemble the pie ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Let the pie cool completely and store it at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
