Five-Spice Apple Pie is a delectable twist on the classic dessert, combining the warmth of cinnamon with the complex flavors of five-spice powder. The aromatic blend enhances the sweet and tangy apple filling, creating a pie that is both comforting and full of unique flavors.
At the bottom of the post, we’ll specifically discuss the 5 spices in question, and what each offers!
But first, here’s a recipe for Five-Spice Apple Pie:
Ingredients: For the pie crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup ice water
For the apple filling:
- 6 cups peeled, cored, and sliced apples (about 6 medium-sized apples)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the topping:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon five-spice powder
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- For the pie crust, in a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions. Roll out one portion on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch (23 cm) pie dish. Transfer the dough to the pie dish and gently press it into the bottom and sides.
- For the apple filling, in a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, five-spice powder, and salt. Toss until the apples are coated evenly.
- Pour the apple filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and five-spice powder for the topping. Sprinkle the topping mixture evenly over the apple filling.
- Roll out the remaining portion of the pie crust and cut it into strips. Create a lattice pattern on top of the pie by weaving the strips over and under each other.
- Trim any excess pie crust around the edges and crimp them to seal the pie.
- Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly.
- Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the filling to set.
Five-Spice Blend Summary And Taste Profile
| Spice | Taste | Aroma | Flavor | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cinnamon | Sweet, warm | Sweet, woody | Sweet, warm | Ground, sticks |
| Cloves | Strong, pungent | Pungent, aromatic | Pungent, sweet | Whole, ground |
| Fennel | Sweet, mild | Sweet, licorice-like | Sweet, slightly nutty | Seeds, ground |
| Star Anise | Sweet, licorice-like | Sweet, strong | Sweet, slightly peppery | Whole |
| Szechuan Peppercorn | Citrusy, numbing | Citrusy, woody | Citrusy, numbing, slightly spicy | Whole, ground |
These spices offer a wide range of tastes, aromas, flavors, and formats, making them versatile and valuable in various culinary applications.
This Five-Spice Apple Pie is a delightful twist on a classic dessert. The aromatic blend of cinnamon and five-spice powder adds warmth and complexity to the sweet and tangy apple filling. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature, and serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you like.