Apple Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free) Pie

Amazing homemade pie recipe with an oatmeal vanilla extract (alcohol-free) topping and caramel sauce. This Apple Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free) Pie is perfect for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply enjoying a cozy night at home. The delightful blend of sweet apples and warm spices makes it a standout dessert that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this pie comes together quickly, making it ideal for both novice and experienced bakers.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of fresh apples, cinnamon, and a crispy oatmeal topping creates a flavor profile that’s truly irresistible.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for any occasion—be it a birthday, holiday, or just a weekend treat—this pie fits right in.
• Great with Ice Cream: Drizzle with caramel sauce and serve alongside your favorite ice cream for an extra special touch!
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the pie in advance and bake it right before serving, ensuring maximum freshness.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools to make the experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Pie dish
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk or fork
• Oven mitts

Importance of Each Tool

• Pie dish: A sturdy pie dish ensures even baking and gives your pie a beautiful shape.
• Mixing bowls: These are essential for combining ingredients thoroughly without mess.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the best flavor and texture in your pie.
• Oven mitts: Protect your hands when handling hot dishes to avoid burns.

Ingredients

For the Pie Filling

• 1 pie pastry
• 1/4 c. sugar
• 3 Tbsp flour
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 5 1/2 c. peeled and thinly sliced apples

For the Topping

• 1/2 c. brown sugar
• 1/2 c. flour
• 1/2 c. quick oats
• 1/2 c. butter
• 1/3 c. caramel ice cream sauce

How to Make Apple Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free) Pie

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 2: Prepare the Pie Crust

Place the pastry in a 9 deep dish pie pan, ensuring it’s evenly pressed against the bottom and sides.

Step 3: Mix the Apple Filling

In a large bowl:
1. Combine the sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Toss the sliced apples in this mixture until well coated.
3. Pour the apple mixture into the prepared pie crust.

Step 4: Prepare the Oatmeal Topping

In another bowl:
1. Thoroughly combine the brown sugar, flour, quick oats, and butter until crumbly.
2. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the apple mixture.

Step 5: Bake the Pie

Bake the pie for 20-30 minutes uncovered.
Then:
1. Cover with foil to prevent over-browning.
2. Continue baking for another 20 minutes until apples are tender.
3. Remove from oven and drizzle with caramel ice cream sauce before cooling.

Enjoy this delicious Apple Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free) Pie warm or at room temperature! Serve it with a scoop of ice cream for that perfect finish!

How to Serve Apple Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free) Pie

Serving your delicious Apple Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free) Pie can elevate any gathering. Here are some delightful ways to present this dessert that will impress your guests.

Classic à la Mode

• Serve warm slices topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a creamy contrast against the pie’s spiced apple filling.

Drizzled with Caramel

• Enhance the sweetness by drizzling extra caramel sauce over each slice, adding an indulgent touch that complements the pie.

With Fresh Whipped Cream

• Offer freshly whipped cream on the side for guests to dollop onto their slices, adding a light and airy texture.

Accompanied by Coffee or Tea

• Pair the pie with a hot beverage like coffee or herbal tea, which can balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors of the dessert.

Served at Room Temperature

• For a more casual gathering, serve the pie at room temperature, allowing guests to enjoy it without any fuss.

How to Perfect Apple Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free) Pie

To ensure your Apple Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free) Pie turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Apples: Choose crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for optimal flavor and texture.

• Chill Your Butter: Make sure your butter is cold when preparing the crumb topping; this helps create a flaky texture.

• Mix Well: Thoroughly mix the sugar and spice blend before tossing with apples to ensure even flavor distribution.

• Adjust Sweetness: Taste your apple mixture before baking; feel free to adjust the sugar based on your apple variety’s sweetness.

• Cover When Necessary: If the crust browns too quickly during baking, cover it with foil to prevent burning while allowing apples to cook through.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free) Pie

Apple Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free) Pie pairs well with various sides that complement its sweet and spiced flavor. Here are some great suggestions:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream
   A classic pairing; its creamy texture balances the warm spices in the pie.

2. Cinnamon Sugar Pecans
   These crunchy nuts add a delightful contrast in both flavor and texture.

3. Fruit Salad
   A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits offers a light side that balances rich desserts well.

4. Cheese Platter
   A selection of mild cheeses can create an interesting savory counterpoint to sweet pie flavors.

5. Spiced Hot Cider
   Warm spiced cider enhances the cozy feeling of enjoying apple pie during cooler months.

6. Gingerbread Cookies
   The spiciness of gingerbread complements apple flavors, creating a festive dessert table option.

7. Caramel Dip with Sliced Apples
   Fresh apple slices dipped in caramel echo the flavors of your pie while providing a crunchy snack option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Apple Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free) Pie, it’s easy to overlook a few details. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Boldly skip the preheating – Not preheating your oven can lead to uneven baking. Always preheat to ensure perfectly baked pie crusts and tender apples.
• Boldly neglecting the apple variety – Using the wrong type of apple can affect flavor and texture. Opt for a mix of tart and sweet apples for depth.
• Boldly underestimating sugar – Insufficient sugar can make your pie bland. Follow the recipe for sweetness or adjust according to your apple’s tartness.
• Boldly rushing the cooling process – Cutting into a hot pie can result in a messy slice. Allow it to cool completely for clean slices and better flavors.
• Boldly skipping the topping – The oatmeal topping adds texture and flavor. Don’t leave it out; it’s essential for that delicious crumbly finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftover pie in an airtight container.
• It can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Apple Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free) Pie

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
• The pie can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Apple Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free) Pie

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the pie for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave – Heat individual slices on high for about 30-60 seconds, depending on your microwave’s power.
• Stovetop – Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid, and heat for about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Apple Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free) Pie.

What makes this Apple Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free) Pie unique?

This pie stands out due to its homemade oatmeal topping that adds a delightful crunch combined with sweet, spiced apples.

Can I use different types of apples?

Absolutely! You can mix sweet apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp with tart varieties like Granny Smith for a balanced flavor profile.

How do I store leftovers from the Apple Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free) Pie?

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for longer preservation.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?

Yes! You can replace butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative, and use maple syrup instead of brown sugar if desired.

Final Thoughts

The Apple Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free) Pie is not just delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home. Feel free to customize it with different apple varieties or toppings based on your preferences. We encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy every bite!