Description
Homemade apple slices combine classic American dessert comfort with simple ingredients from grandmother’s kitchen. Warm cinnamon notes and buttery pastry create a nostalgic experience for family gatherings and sweet memories.
Ingredients
Scale
- 32 oz (907 g) apple dessert filling/topping
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (170 g) lard (preferably non-hydrogenated, unprocessed)
- ½ cup (120 ml) water
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) melted or softened butter
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) whole milk (more as needed for thinning)
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt (Diamond kosher salt recommended)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Warm the oven to 400°F, creating an optimal baking environment for the pastry.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift flour, sugar, and salt together in a large mixing bowl, ensuring a smooth, uniform base.
- Incorporate Fat: Work lard into the flour mixture using fingertips or a pastry cutter until the texture resembles coarse, sandy crumbs.
- Prepare Liquid Mixture: Whisk water, egg yolks, and lemon juice in a separate container to create a binding liquid.
- Form Dough: Fold the liquid into the flour mixture with a fork until a cohesive dough forms, then divide into two equal portions.
- Prepare Pan Base: Press one dough half into a 9×13-inch jelly roll pan, extending slightly up the sides to create a sturdy foundation.
- Layer Filling: Spread apple filling evenly across the dough, ensuring a consistent fruity layer.
- Create Top Crust: Roll out the remaining dough to match the pan’s dimensions and carefully drape over the apple filling.
- Seal and Ventilate: Pinch and press edges to seal, patch any gaps, and score several strategic slits across the top crust to allow steam escape.
- Bake and Cool: Bake for 40 minutes, rotating midway for even browning. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and milk until smooth, adjusting consistency as needed.
- Finish and Serve: Apply glaze generously with an offset spatula, allow to set, then slice into 2- or 3-inch squares.
Notes
- Precision Matters: Sift dry ingredients thoroughly to eliminate lumps and ensure a smooth, consistent dough texture.
- Pastry Technique: Work lard into flour using fingertips or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse, sandy crumbs for the perfect flaky crust.
- Steam Escape Strategy: Create strategic slits on the top crust to prevent moisture buildup and avoid a soggy bottom.
- Glaze Consistency Control: Adjust glaze thickness by adding milk gradually, achieving a spreadable, glossy finish that sets beautifully.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg