What Can You Make With Granny Smith Apples? Are you a Granny Smith apple pie lover, or looking to make something new involving Granny Smith apples? Well, the right recipe can often be hard to find. However, this article was crafted with you in mind. If you’re trying to put together an impressive granny smith apple pie recipe, then this is the place to be. We’ll show you the health benefits of eating apples , and how they can switch from sweet and sour grilled apples to spicy caramelized apples.
What Can You Make With Granny Smith Apples
Granny Smith apples are one of the most versatile apples you can buy. Their sweet-tart flavor and crisp texture make them an apple that is as wonderful for cooking and baking as it is to eat out of hand. It is tart enough to use in savory applications, but with enough sweetness to shine in baking. Granny Smith apples make a beautifully smooth applesauce, but when roasted whole or baked, they don’t collapse or disintegrate, making it the preferred apple for tarts, pies, and the platonic ideal of an apple dessert, the famous tarte tatin. Whether you are making a simple apple cake or muffin, or bringing your serious pastry skills to the table, the Granny Smith apple will always have your back. Here are some of our favorite Granny Smith apple recipes that make the most of this perfect fruit.
1. Spiced Slow Cooker Applesauce
Applesauce isn’t just for kids. This version is made a bit more balanced with Granny Smiths, and it’s extra easy because it’s made in the slow cooker.
2. Country Apple Dumplings
Nothing is more homey than a traditional apple dumpling. Granny Smiths are enrobed in dough and baked with a juicy sauce, so it’s perfect for dessert. But we won’t tell anyone if you have one for breakfast.
3. Chef John’s Apple Fritters
Apple fritters are one of those treats that always seem too complicated to make at home. But this recipe brings all the satisfaction of a bakery indulgence right into your kitchen.
4. Chef John’s Apple Butter
Some people don’t really get the difference between applesauce and apple butter. But it boils down to this: if you let your applesauce keep cooking to drive off the excess water, you will eventually get this luscious velvety spread that is apple butter. Use it anywhere you would use jam or jelly, or to add sweetness with less sugar to sauces, soups, or stews.
5. Southern Fried Apples
If you have ever been to a boarding house dinner in the South, you will likely see a version of these “fried apples.” Actually, it is just a sauté of apples with butter and sugar, which sounds like dessert, but it is a classic accompaniment to savory dishes like fried chicken or pork chops. Granny Smith apples bring needed tartness to this dish.
6. Apple Pie by Grandma Ople
Everyone should have a “grandma” recipe for a great apple pie, even if it isn’t from your grandma. This is a prize-winner, and the most popular apple pie recipe we have.
7. Plain Caramel Apples
There might be no more perfect pairing than a Granny Smith apple and caramel, the ultimate sweet/tart indulgence. You can keep these dippers plain, drizzle with chocolate, or roll in nuts or candies to your heart’s content.
8. Apple Tarte Tatin
That tarte tatin we mentioned? If you are going to try to make one at home, your two best friends will be Granny Smith apples and this recipe.
9. Spiralized Apple Salad
Time to talk savory. Granny Smiths are the perfect choice for this spiralized apple salad, a great way to start any fall dinner
10. Butternut Squash and Apple Soup
If you love a pumpkin or butternut squash soup, you will love it even more with some apple bringing extra depth and sweetness. We love this version all autumn long. You can substitute pumpkin or other orange sweet squashes for the butternut if you like.
Granny Smith Apple Pie
- Prep:25 mins
- Cook:45 mins
- Chill Time:60 mins
- Total:2 hrs 10 mins
- Servings:12 servings
- Yield:1 pie
| Nutrition Facts (per serving) | |
|---|---|
| 360 | Calories |
| 19g | Fat |
| 45g | Carbs |
| 3g | Protein |
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)
This Granny Smith apple pie is exactly what you picture when you hear the words “apple pie.” The crust is buttery with a crackly sugar topping, and the filling is full of sweet-tart, juicy apples.
Granny Smith apples are great for pies because they hold their shape well while baking, are easy to find in grocery stores, and give the filling an unmistakable sweet-tart flavor. In fact, pie-making may be the best use for Granny Smiths. If you can’t find the bright green apple or if you prefer your filling to be sweeter, look for apple varieties such as Gala, Pink Lady, or Honeycrisp.
Serve slices of warm or cooled pie with vanilla or cinnamon ice cream or sweetened whipped cream.
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust:
- 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon fine salt
- 1 cup shortening
- 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons cold water
For the Apple Pie Filling:
- 6 cups peeled, cored, and sliced Granny Smith or other tart apples
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cold
For the Top Crust:
- 1 to 2 tablespoons milk, for brushing on the pie
- Coarse sugar, optional
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream, optional
Steps to Make It
Make the Pie Crust
- Gather the ingredients.
- In a large bowl with a wire whisk, stir together the flour and salt. Place this bowl in the refrigerator, along with the measured shortening and measured water. Chill all of these ingredients for at least 1 hour before proceeding.
- Remove the flour mixture and shortening from the refrigerator. Cut the shortening into the flour either using a pastry blender, 2 knives in a scissor fashion, or a food processor.
- Remove the water from the refrigerator and add 1/2 cup to the flour-shortening mixture; process until the mixture forms a ball. If necessary, add up to 2 more tablespoons of water. If too much water is added, add a little flour at a time until a smooth dough results.
- Divide the pie pastry in half, making 2 discs; wrap each in plastic wrap, and place in the refrigerator.
- Flour your work surface and the rolling pin. Have a small bowl of flour on the counter in case more is needed. Just remember, too much flour will make a tough pie crust pastry. Overworking the dough also will make it tough.
- Remove 1 disc of pastry from the fridge. Rolling from the center of the pastry out toward the edges, make a circle 2 inches wider than the pie plate when inverted.
- Roll the dough onto the rolling pin. Unfurl it over the pie plate and pat it into the pan. Trim the edge so it is even with the pie plate rim.
Make the Filling
- Gather the ingredients. Preheat the oven to 425 F.
- Place the apple slices in a large bowl. Add the brown sugar, flour, lemon juice, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir to coat the apples completely with the brown sugar mixture.
- Pour the apple mixture into the pie shell. Cut the butter into small squares and scatter them over the apples.
Assemble and Bake the Pie
- Remove the second disc of dough from the refrigerator and roll it in the same way as the first. Lay it over the apples; the top should have a 3/4-inch overhang. Seal the top crust to the bottom crust by folding the overhanging dough under the edge of the bottom crust. Flute the edges as desired. Cut slits into the top to vent the steam.
- Use a pastry brush to paint the top crust with the milk. Sprinkle the sugar over the top, if desired. Bake the pie for 15 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and cover the outside edge of the crust with foil to prevent it from burning.
- Return to the oven and finish baking the pie for another 25 to 30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the juices are bubbling. Test the tenderness of the apples by inserting a slender, sharp knife through the steam hole. If the pie is browning too quickly, loosely cover the top with aluminum foil and bake until done.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool for at least 20 minutes on a wire rack to serve the pie warm. For the best-looking slices, let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before cutting.
- Top with a scoop of ice cream, if desired, and enjoy.
Tip
The high oven temperature used for this recipe helps to prevent a soggy bottom crust. To further avoid any sogginess, once you line and fill your pie pan, work quickly to get it in the oven. You can also position your oven rack low so that the bottom crust gets plenty of heat.
GRANNY SMITH APPLE PIE
Description
This granny smith apple pie makes best use of the tart green apples, for a classic apple pie with a slight twist. This is basic baking at its best.
EQUIPMENT
- ▢Measuring cups and spoons or a digital kitchen scale
- ▢pastry brush
- ▢Mixing bowl
- ▢Wooden spoon
- ▢Whisk
- ▢Pie shield or parchment paper
INGREDIENTS
- ▢1 batch all-butter basic pie crust
Granny Smith Apple Filling
- ▢8 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and sliced
- ▢½ cup white sugar
- ▢½ cup packed brown sugar
- ▢2 tablespoons flour
- ▢1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ▢½ teaspoon salt
- ▢1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ▢1 tablespoon butter
Assembly
- ▢1 large egg
- ▢1 tablespoon Water
- ▢2 tablespoons coarse sugar
INSTRUCTIONS
- Prepare the pie dough and roll out for the filling.
Granny Smith Apple Filling
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Place the granny smith apple slices into a large mixing bowl.
- Add the white sugar, brown sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, and salt. Stir to coat the apples completely.
- Place the apple mixture into the pie shell. Cut the butter into small squares and scatter over the top of the apple filling.
- Place the top crust onto the pie and seal the edges.
- Decorate as desired, and cut slits into the top to vent steam if making a full double crust.
- Whisk the egg with the water to make an egg wash. Use a pastry brush to coat the top crust with the wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
- Place a baking sheet on the bottom rack of the oven to catch any juices that may bubble over during baking.
- Bake the pie at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is set and beginning to brown.
- Lower the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue to bake until the pastry is a deep golden brown and the juices are bubbling throughout, 30-35 minutes longer.
- If the top crust is starting to get a little dark too quickly, place a pie shield or tent of parchment paper over the pie.
- Once ready, let the pie set for at least 2-3 hours before cutting into it. This prevents juices running out when cut.
NUTRITION
Serving: 1g | Calories: 158kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 21mg | Sodium: 134mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 25g
Health Benefits Of Eating Apples
1. Might help prevent cancer
Antioxidants in apples may offer beneficial effects against certain types of cancers, including lung, breast, and digestive tract cancers
Test-tube studies suggest that these effects may be attributed to apple polyphenols keeping cancerous cells from multiplying
What’s more, one study in women reported that higher apple intakes were linked to a lower risk of cancer death
Apples’ fiber content may also contribute to their cancer-fighting properties.
For example, another test-tube study found that apple pectin fiber could inhibit the growth of cancerous cells and even trigger their death
However, further research in humans is needed to better understand the possible link between apples and cancer prevention — for example, to identify adequate amounts and eating timing
SUMMARY
Apple’s fiber and antioxidant content have been linked to a reduced risk of certain types of cancer. However, more research in humans is needed.
2. Could help fight asthma
Antioxidant-rich apples may help protect your lungs from oxidative damage.
An excess of harmful molecules called free radicals can cause oxidative damage. This may lead to inflammatory and allergenic responses in your body
Apple skin is rich in the antioxidant quercetin, which can help regulate your immune system and reduce inflammation. Theoretically, this could make apples effective against late phases of bronchial asthma responses
Supporting this, test-tube and animal studies suggest quercetin may be a suitable treatment for allergic inflammatory diseases like asthma and sinusitis
Similarly, other compounds found in apples, including ones called proanthocyanidins, may reduce or prevent allergic asthma airway inflammation
Still, more human research is needed on the topic.
SUMMARY
Apples contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds that may help regulate immune responses and protect against asthma. However, more research, especially in humans, is needed.
3. May help protect your brain
Quercetin in apples may protect your brain from damage caused by oxidative stress
Research in rats shows that quercetin’s antioxidant effects may protect the brain and nerves from oxidative damage and prevent injuries that can result in degenerative brain diseases, like Alzheimer’s disease or dementia
In addition, quercetin may prevent stress-associated nerve damage by regulating oxidative and inflammatory stress markers
Nevertheless, keep in mind that most research focuses on a specific compound instead of whole apples. Therefore, further research is still needed before any conclusions can be drawn.
SUMMARY
Quercetin in apples may protect your brain against oxidative stress. However, further research is needed to validate the effect of eating the whole fruit.
The bottom line
Apples are an incredibly nutritious fruit that offers multiple health benefits.
They’re rich in fiber and antioxidants. Eating them is linked to a lower risk of many chronic conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
Apples may also promote weight loss and improve gut and brain health.
Even though more research is still needed to better understand how apples affect human health, you can’t go wrong with this tasty, versatile, and easily accessible fruit.
Just one thing
Try this today: Eat whole, unpeeled apples instead of apple juice or purée to get the best out of the fruit.