Easy Swedish Apple Pie: A Simple and Delicious Dessert

Swedish apple pie, or *äppelpaj* as it’s known in Sweden, is a delightful and comforting dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make. Unlike traditional apple pies with a rolled crust, Swedish apple pie features a crumbly, oat-based topping that’s both simple and incredibly delicious. This recipe requires minimal effort and ingredients, making it perfect for a quick weeknight treat or a satisfying dessert for any occasion. Get ready to enjoy a warm, fragrant, and incredibly tasty Swedish apple pie that will impress your family and friends!

## Why This Recipe Works

* **Simplicity:** This recipe requires no fancy techniques or specialized equipment. It’s straightforward and easy to follow, even for beginner bakers.
* **Quick Preparation:** The crumbly topping comes together in minutes, and the apple filling is equally simple to prepare.
* **Delicious Flavor:** The combination of tart apples, cinnamon, and a buttery, oat-based topping creates a symphony of flavors that’s both comforting and satisfying.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe with different types of apples, spices, or nuts to suit your preferences.
* **No Crust to Worry About:** The absence of a traditional pie crust makes this recipe significantly easier and faster than classic apple pie recipes.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

### For the Apple Filling:

* 6-8 medium apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and sliced
* 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, but helps prevent browning)
* 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (or cornstarch, to thicken the juices)
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

### For the Crumbly Topping:

* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 cup rolled oats (old-fashioned oats)
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

## Equipment

* 9-inch pie dish or baking dish
* Large mixing bowl
* Small mixing bowl
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Pastry blender or fork (optional, for cutting in the butter)

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own delectable Swedish apple pie:

### 1. Prepare the Apple Filling

* **Peel, core, and slice the apples:** Use a vegetable peeler to remove the apple peels. Then, use an apple corer or a knife to remove the core. Slice the apples into approximately 1/4-inch thick slices. Uniform slices will ensure even cooking.
* **Combine filling ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice (if using), flour (or cornstarch), and nutmeg (if using). Gently toss to coat the apples evenly with the sugar and spices. The lemon juice prevents the apples from browning and adds a touch of brightness to the filling.
* **Set aside:** Allow the apple filling to sit while you prepare the crumbly topping. This allows the juices to start releasing, which will create a moist and flavorful filling.

### 2. Make the Crumbly Topping

* **Combine dry ingredients:** In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, rolled oats, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Ensure the ingredients are well combined to evenly distribute the baking powder, which helps create a tender crumb.
* **Cut in the butter:** Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry blender, two forks, or your fingers to cut the butter into the dry ingredients. The goal is to create a mixture that resembles coarse crumbs. The cold butter is crucial for creating a flaky and tender topping. If using your fingers, work quickly to prevent the butter from melting.
* **Check for consistency:** The mixture should be crumbly with some small clumps of butter remaining. This will create a delicious texture when baked. If the butter melts too much, the topping will be greasy and dense.

### 3. Assemble and Bake the Pie

* **Preheat oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure your oven rack is positioned in the center of the oven for even baking.
* **Transfer filling to the pie dish:** Pour the apple filling into the prepared 9-inch pie dish or baking dish. Distribute the apples evenly across the bottom of the dish.
* **Sprinkle topping over the filling:** Evenly sprinkle the crumbly topping over the apple filling. Ensure the entire surface of the apples is covered with the topping.
* **Bake:** Place the pie dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the pie.
* **Cool:** Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly and prevents it from being too runny.

## Tips for the Perfect Swedish Apple Pie

* **Use a mix of apples:** For the best flavor, use a combination of tart and sweet apples. Granny Smith apples provide tartness, while Honeycrisp or Fuji apples offer sweetness.
* **Don’t overmix the topping:** Overmixing the topping can result in a tough texture. Mix just until the butter is incorporated and the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
* **Use cold butter:** Cold butter is essential for creating a crumbly topping. Make sure the butter is very cold before cutting it into the dry ingredients.
* **Adjust sweetness to taste:** If you prefer a sweeter pie, you can add more sugar to the apple filling or the crumbly topping.
* **Add nuts to the topping:** For a nutty twist, add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds) to the crumbly topping.
* **Add spices:** Experiment with different spices, such as cardamom, ginger, or allspice, to customize the flavor of the pie.
* **Prevent burning:** If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can tent the pie with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
* **Serve warm:** Swedish apple pie is best served warm, either on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

## Variations and Add-ins

* **Pear Swedish Pie:** Substitute pears for apples in the filling. Pears pair well with cinnamon and nutmeg.
* **Berry Swedish Pie:** Add a cup of mixed berries (such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries) to the apple filling for a burst of flavor.
* **Caramel Swedish Pie:** Drizzle caramel sauce over the apple filling before adding the crumbly topping.
* **Gingerbread Swedish Pie:** Add gingerbread spices (such as ginger, cloves, and molasses) to the crumbly topping for a festive twist.
* **Lemon Zest:** Add lemon zest to both the apple filling and the crumble topping for a brighter, more citrusy flavor.
* **Almond Extract:** A few drops of almond extract in the apple filling can enhance the overall flavor profile.
* **Raisins or Dried Cranberries:** Adding 1/2 cup of raisins or dried cranberries to the apple filling provides a chewy texture and added sweetness.

## Serving Suggestions

* **Vanilla Ice Cream:** A classic pairing! The cold, creamy vanilla ice cream complements the warm, spiced apple pie perfectly.
* **Whipped Cream:** A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy touch to the pie.
* **Custard Sauce:** Serve with a warm custard sauce for a rich and decadent dessert.
* **Caramel Sauce:** Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.
* **Cinnamon Sugar:** Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before serving for a festive presentation.
* **With Coffee or Tea:** Enjoy a slice of Swedish apple pie with a cup of coffee or tea for a comforting afternoon treat.

## Storage Instructions

* **Room Temperature:** You can store leftover Swedish apple pie at room temperature for up to 2 days. Cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap or foil.
* **Refrigerator:** For longer storage, store the pie in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out.
* **Freezer:** You can also freeze Swedish apple pie for up to 2 months. Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. To thaw, transfer the pie to the refrigerator overnight.
* **Reheating:** To reheat, bake the pie in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual slices for a quick and easy treat.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 350-450 per slice (depending on ingredients and serving size)
* Fat: 15-20g
* Carbohydrates: 50-60g
* Protein: 3-5g

## Conclusion

This easy Swedish apple pie recipe is a simple and delicious way to enjoy the classic flavors of apple pie without the fuss of a traditional crust. With its crumbly, oat-based topping and warm, spiced apple filling, this pie is sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a comforting and satisfying dessert that will impress everyone who tries it. Enjoy!