Nothing screams fall quite like a warm, comforting slice of apple pie. And when it comes to store-bought pies, Trader Joe’s has some of the best options out there. But why settle for just buying a pre-made pie when you can elevate it with your own personal touch? In this article, we’ll share two delicious and easy-to-follow recipes using Trader Joe’s apple pie as a base. So, grab your apron and let’s get baking!
Recipe 1: Apple Cinnamon Streusel Pie
Keywords: trader joe’s apple pie, cinnamon, streusel
Ingredients:
- 1 Trader Joe’s apple pie
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add the softened butter and use your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse sand.
- Sprinkle the streusel mixture over the top of the Trader Joe’s apple pie.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the streusel is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Let cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 350
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 190mg
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 33g
Protein: 2g
Cooking Time:
45-50 minutes
Equipment:
- Medium bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
Serving Suggestions:
Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Variations:
Try adding chopped nuts or swapping out the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice for a different flavor profile.
Substitutions:
Feel free to use your favorite pie crust recipe or swap out the streusel topping for a lattice crust.
Storage:
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips:
Make sure to let the pie cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing to ensure the filling sets.
Notes:
This recipe is perfect for when you want to add a little something extra to a store-bought pie without starting completely from scratch.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a frozen pie instead of a pre-made one?
Yes! Just make sure to follow the thawing instructions on the package before adding the streusel topping.
Recipe 2: Apple Pie with a Cheddar Crust
Keywords: trader joe’s apple pie, cheddar, crust
Ingredients:
- 1 Trader Joe’s apple pie
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 3-4 tablespoons ice water
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Add the chilled butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse sand.
- Add the grated cheddar cheese and mix until just combined.
- Add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to fit the size of the Trader Joe’s apple pie.
- Carefully transfer the dough to the top of the pie, crimping the edges as desired.
- Cut a few slits in the top of the crust to allow steam to escape.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Let cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 390
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 350mg
Carbohydrates: 39g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 22g
Protein: 6g
Cooking Time:
45-50 minutes
Equipment:
- Large bowl
- Pastry blender or your fingers
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
Serving Suggestions:
Serve with a side of extra sharp cheddar cheese for a perfect fall flavor pairing.
Variations:
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese or add herbs like thyme or rosemary for a savory twist.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have all-purpose flour on hand, you can use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
Storage:
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips:
Make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out to ensure it stays flaky.
Notes:
This recipe is perfect for when you want to add a little extra flavor and texture to a store-bought pie.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Try experimenting with different types of cheddar or even a different type of cheese altogether.
Personal Thoughts:
As someone who loves to bake but doesn’t always have the time to make everything from scratch, these Trader Joe’s apple pie recipes are a game-changer. They’re easy to follow and add that special touch to a store-bought pie. Plus, the combination of the apple pie with either the streusel or cheddar crust is simply mouth-watering. I highly encourage anyone who loves apple pie to try these recipes out for themselves!