Apple Pie à la Mode: The Perfect Dessert Pairing

Introduction

There’s something truly magical about the combination of warm, spiced apple pie and a scoop of creamy, cold ice cream. This classic dessert, known as à la mode, has become a beloved treat across the globe. The contrast between the hot pie and cold ice cream creates an irresistible experience, making it a perfect end to any meal.

In this article, we’ll delve into the origins of this delightful dessert, provide you with a step-by-step guide to making your own, and share tips on how to achieve the ideal balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or enjoying it as a comforting treat, this dessert is sure to impress.

The History of Apple Pie à la Mode

The combination of pie and ice cream is more than just a delicious treat; it’s a piece of culinary history. The term “à la mode” is French for “in the fashion” and originally referred to dishes served with ice cream. While its exact origins are debated, the dessert became popular in the early 20th century in the United States.

One popular story credits Charles Watson Townsend with the creation of this dessert in the 1890s. Townsend supposedly ordered apple pie with ice cream at a hotel in Cambridge, New York, and the dish quickly gained popularity. Regardless of its precise origins, the pairing of apple pie with ice cream has become an enduring favorite, celebrated for its perfect blend of warmth and coolness.

Ingredients for a Perfect Dessert

Creating this classic dessert requires only a few simple ingredients. You can choose to bake your pie from scratch or use a pre-made pie for convenience. The key is to pair it with high-quality vanilla ice cream for the best results.

For the Apple Pie

Pie Crust: A double pie crust (store-bought or homemade) will serve as the base and top layer for your pie.
Apples: 6-7 medium apples, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, known for their balance of tartness and sweetness.
Sugar: 3/4 cup granulated sugar to sweeten the filling.
Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar adds depth and caramel-like flavor.
Cinnamon: 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, essential for that warm, comforting spice.
Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, adding a touch of warmth.
Flour: 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour to thicken the filling.
Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon to enhance the flavor and prevent the apples from browning.
Butter: 2 tablespoons, cut into small pieces, to dot on top of the filling for added richness.
Egg Wash: 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water, used for brushing the top crust.
Sugar: Optional, for sprinkling on top of the crust to add sweetness and a slight crunch.

For the À la Mode Experience

Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic choice, but feel free to experiment with other flavors such as caramel, cinnamon, or butter pecan.

How to Make Apple Pie à la Mode

Here’s a comprehensive guide to making your pie from scratch and serving it with that essential scoop of ice cream.

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Pie

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Prepare the Pie Crust: Roll out the bottom pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Set aside the top crust for later.
Make the Apple Filling: Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin, even slices. In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and lemon juice until well coated.
Fill the Pie Crust: Pour the apple mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly. Dot the top with small pieces of butter.
Add the Top Crust: Roll out the top crust and place it over the apples. Trim the excess dough, leaving about a 1/2 inch overhang. Tuck the edges under the bottom crust and crimp them together to seal. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
Brush and Bake: Brush the top crust with the egg wash and sprinkle with sugar if desired. Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the slits.

Pro Tip: If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil or a pie shield to prevent burning.

Cool the Pie: Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving. This ensures the filling sets, making it easier to slice.

Step 2: Serve the Pie à la Mode

Warm the Pie: For the best experience, make sure the pie is warm when serving. Reheat individual slices in the oven or microwave as needed.
Scoop the Ice Cream: Place a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of each slice of warm pie. The heat from the pie will slightly melt the ice cream, creating a luscious, creamy topping that perfectly complements the spiced apples and flaky crust.

Pro Tip: For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle caramel sauce over the ice cream or sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on top.

Tips for Perfecting This Classic Dessert

To ensure your dessert is as delicious as possible, keep these tips in mind:

Choose Quality Ingredients: The pie’s flavor will largely depend on the quality of the apples and ice cream you use. Opt for fresh, firm apples and high-quality, creamy ice cream.
Serve at the Right Temperature: The contrast between warm pie and cold ice cream is key to the dessert’s appeal. Always warm the pie before serving.
Experiment with Ice Cream Flavors: While vanilla is the classic choice, other flavors like cinnamon, caramel, or butter pecan can add interesting dimensions to your dessert.

Variations on the Classic

While the traditional version is hard to beat, there are several variations you can try to put your own twist on this beloved dessert.

Caramel Apple Pie à la Mode

For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the ice cream and apple pie. The caramel adds a rich, buttery sweetness that pairs beautifully with the tart apples and creamy ice cream.

Apple Pie à la Mode with Spiced Ice Cream

Instead of vanilla, try serving your pie with a scoop of cinnamon or ginger ice cream. The additional spices in the ice cream enhance the flavors of the pie, creating a more complex, warming dessert.

Dutch Apple Pie à la Mode

Use a crumb topping instead of a traditional pie crust for a Dutch apple pie version. The crunchy, buttery streusel adds a delightful texture contrast when paired with creamy ice cream.

Mini Apple Pies à la Mode

For a fun and portable twist, make mini apple pies in muffin tins and serve them with a small scoop of ice cream on top. These are perfect for parties or individual servings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making this dessert, there are a few common mistakes that could detract from the final result. Here’s how to avoid them:

Overbaking the Pie: Keep an eye on the pie as it bakes to ensure the crust doesn’t burn and the apples don’t become too mushy. The pie should be golden brown with tender, but not mushy, apples.
Serving Cold Pie: The contrast between warm pie and cold ice cream is key to this dessert. Always warm the pie before serving.
Using Low-Quality Ice Cream: The quality of the ice cream matters. Choose a rich, creamy ice cream to complement the pie, rather than a low-quality or overly airy version.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best type of apple for this dessert?

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Braeburn apples are all excellent choices. These apples hold their shape well during baking and provide a good balance of tart and sweet flavors, making them ideal for this dish.

Can I make this dessert with a store-bought pie?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use a high-quality store-bought pie and pair it with your favorite ice cream for an easy version of this dessert.

How should I store leftover pie?

Store any leftover pie at room temperature, covered, for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat slices in the oven or microwave before serving to enjoy the pie warm with ice cream.

What ice cream flavors work best?

Vanilla is the classic choice, but other flavors like cinnamon, caramel, and butter pecan also pair beautifully with apple pie. Experiment with different flavors to find your favorite combination.

Nutritional Information

While this dessert is a decadent treat, it does offer some nutritional benefits, particularly from the apples. Apples are a great source of dietary fiber and vitamin C, contributing to better digestion and a healthy immune system.

A typical serving (1/8th of the pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream) contains approximately:

Calories: 450
Total Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 65g
Sugars: 35g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 4g

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers or want to prepare the pie in advance, here’s how to store and reheat it:

Storing

At Room Temperature: Store the pie at room temperature, loosely covered, for up to 2 days.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep the pie in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.

Reheating

In the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the pie loosely with foil and bake for 10-15 minutes to reheat.
In the Microwave: Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. Be sure to cover them with a damp paper towel to keep the crust from drying out.

Conclusion

This classic dessert offers the perfect combination of warm, spiced apple pie and cold, creamy ice cream. Whether you’re making the pie from scratch or using a store-bought version, this dessert is sure to please. The contrast of hot and cold, sweet and spiced, makes it a perfect treat for any occasion.

So why not indulge in this classic pairing? With just a few simple ingredients and some high-quality ice cream, you can enjoy this delightful dessert in the comfort of your own home.