literary inspired apple pie: a cosy recipe for book and spring lovers

Spring is here, and what better way to celebrate than with a warm, homemade apple pie, perfect for enjoying alongside a good book on a breezy afternoon? Whether you're reading in a sunlit garden or curled up by a window with a floral scented candle, this apple pie recipe is a delightful way to welcome the season.

 

 

why this apple pie is a bookish dream

Think of this as the kind of pie that would sit on the windowsill of a charming cottage in a Jane Austen novel, or perhaps cooling in the background of a cosy mystery set in a small-town bookshop. With fragrant cinnamon, buttery crust, and juicy apples, this dessert is a sweet reminder that the best things in life, like stories and homemade treats, should be savoured.

ingredients for your apple pie

📖 for the crust:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)

½ tsp salt

1 tbsp sugar

6-8 tbsp ice water

 

📚 for the filling:

6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled & sliced

½ cup sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

¼ tsp nutmeg

1 tbsp lemon juice

2 tbsp flour or cornstarch

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tbsp butter (for dotting on top before baking)

 

🌿 for the finishing touch:

1 egg (for egg wash)

1 tbsp milk

A sprinkle of sugar for extra crunch

 

instructions to make the perfect apple pie

1. prepare the crust

Like a well-woven novel, a good pie starts with a strong foundation! In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the butter with a pastry cutter (or your fingers) until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add ice water, a little at a time, until the dough comes together. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.

2. make the filling

Much like developing beloved book characters, layering flavors is key! In a bowl, toss the apple slices with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, vanilla, and flour. Let them sit for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.

3. roll out the dough

Roll out one half of the chilled dough to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Gently place it into the pan, letting it settle like a story unfolding naturally.

4. assemble the apple pie

Pour in the apple filling, ensuring an even spread. Dot with butter. Roll out the second half of the dough and place it on top. You can either do a classic top crust, a lattice pattern (for a more storybook feel), or even cut out decorative shapes for a whimsical touch.

5. bake your pie until golden

Brush the top crust with egg wash (whisked egg + milk) and sprinkle with sugar. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 50-60 minutes until golden brown and bubbling. Your kitchen will smell like a scene straight out of a cosy novel!

6. cool and enjoy with a book

Let the pie cool for at least 30 minutes. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or a cup of tea, then settle into your favorite reading nook with a classic novel or fresh spring release.

a slice of literary bliss

This apple pie is more than just a dessert, it's a sensory experience that pairs perfectly with the pages of your favorite book. Whether you're channeling your inner Jo March, Elizabeth Bennet, or Anne Shirley, every bite will transport you to a cozy, book-filled world.

what book would you pair this apple pie with? Let me know in the comments! 🍎