Here’s a traditional Irish Apple Pie recipe—simple, rustic, and rich with cinnamon-spiced apples and a buttery crust. Irish versions often use Bramley apples or other tart varieties and are a bit more wholesome and hearty than American-style pies.
Irish Apple Pie Recipe
Ingredients:
For the filling:
4–5 large cooking apples (e.g. Bramley or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and sliced
100g (½ cup) granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground cloves (optional)
Juice of ½ lemon
1 tbsp plain flour
For the pastry:
225g (1¾ cups) plain flour
125g (½ cup + 2 tbsp) cold unsalted butter, cubed
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 egg yolk
2–3 tbsp cold water
Pinch of salt
To finish:
1 egg, beaten (for brushing)
Granulated or caster sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions:
1. Make the pastry:
In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt.
Rub the cold butter into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
Stir in the egg yolk and 2 tbsp of cold water. Mix gently until the dough just comes together—add more water if needed.
Form into a ball, divide into two pieces (one slightly larger), wrap in clingfilm, and chill for 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the filling:
Toss the apple slices with lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and flour. Set aside.
3. Assemble the pie:
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
Roll out the larger piece of pastry and line a greased 9-inch pie dish.
Spoon in the apple filling and spread evenly.
Roll out the remaining dough and place it on top. Seal the edges and crimp with a fork or your fingers.
Cut a few small slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
Brush the top with beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar.
4. Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
5. Serve:
Let cool slightly before serving. It’s delicious warm with whipped cream, custard, or vanilla ice cream.