For fans of “The Great British Baking Show,” Paul Hollywood isn’t just a baker; he’s a standard in the world of baking. His expertise is undeniable, especially when it comes to judging the art of pastry. When he gives out compliments, they carry weight and credibility.
When looking for an apple pie recipe to grace your holiday table, Hollywood’s guidance is invaluable. In 2022, during a brief break from the tent, he shared his renowned Perfect Apple Pie Recipe on his “Easy Bakes” YouTube channel. After observing him craft six exquisite mini pies, we’re confident that anyone can recreate this delightful treat.
Making Paul Hollywood’s Perfect Apple Pie Recipe
Apple pie is among Paul’s most cherished baked goods. Growing up surrounded by apple trees nurtured his passion, as his mother frequently transformed them into comforting pies—making this recipe both nostalgic and soothing for Hollywood.
The interesting twist? This recipe creates six delightful mini apple pies instead of a single large one—each features a perfectly crisp and flaky crust, adding a charming touch beyond the traditional format.
The Crust
Hollywood emphasizes starting with a homemade sweet pastry dough (store-bought isn’t a contender in this context). Don’t let the idea of homemade dough frighten you; it’s straightforward.
The process is simple: blend flour, room-temperature butter, and powdered sugar until it resembles breadcrumbs. A splash of water then brings the mixture together into a soft dough.
After mixing, it’s essential to chill the dough for about 15 to 30 minutes. Once cool and rolled out, it becomes a pastry that’s significantly flakier and more flavorful than anything store-bought.
The Filling
Hollywood’s next step integrates two apple varieties: one tart and one sweet. In the UK, this means “cooking apples” and “eating apples.” For American bakers, that translates to Granny Smiths paired with Honeycrisps.
The tart apples first simmer with sugar, butter, and lemon juice until they reach a soft, syrupy consistency. Sweet apples are then added raw, balancing the filling’s texture and flavor with both soft and tart bites.
This straightforward approach requires no overly complex spices—just the pure, simple sweetness of apples. Fill each pie crust all the way to the top, ensuring you tuck in every piece of succulent apple.
The Assembly
Any “Bake Off” enthusiast knows the vital rule: avoid soggy bottoms. To prevent this, cut a small vent in each top crust for steam to escape. Give each pie a sprinkle of sugar, then bake for 25 to 30 minutes at 350 degrees F (180 degrees C) until golden and crisp.
A key takeaway for this recipe is patience. Allow the pies to cool before attempting to remove them. The tender pastry needs settling time to hold its structure.
For an extra touch, drizzle warm pies with heavy cream. Witnessing Paul’s satisfaction after tasting a finely crafted bake is a sight to behold, and this recipe is likely to merit that level of approval.
If you aspire to create a “Bake Off”–worthy dessert without the added pressure, follow Paul Hollywood’s tried-and-true guidance. This simple yet effective recipe will have you feeling confident and ready to impress at your next gathering.
