Bosanska Slatka Pita od Jabuka (Bosnian Sweet Apple Pie)
A delightful sweet pastry similar to baklava, this Bosnian apple pie features thin layers of dough filled with chopped apples, walnuts, and warm spices, all soaked in a sweet syrup. It's a rich and aromatic dessert perfect with coffee.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 package (16 oz) Phyllo dough(thawed according to package directions)
- 4 large Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)(peeled, cored, and finely chopped)
- 1.5 cups Walnuts(finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup Granulated sugar(for the filling)
- 1 tsp Vanilla sugar
- 1 tsp Ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- 1 cup Butter(melted, for brushing)
- 2 cups Water(for the syrup)
- 2 cups Granulated sugar(for the syrup)
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice(for the syrup)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
💡 Tip: Ensure the pan is evenly greased to prevent sticking. - 2
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped apples, chopped walnuts, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, vanilla sugar, cinnamon, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Mix well.
💡 Tip: Taste the apple mixture and adjust sugar and cinnamon as needed. - 3
Lay one sheet of phyllo dough in the prepared baking pan. Brush generously with melted butter. Repeat with 5 more sheets of phyllo, brushing each layer with butter.
- 4
Spread the apple and walnut filling evenly over the layered phyllo dough.
💡 Tip: Distribute the filling to ensure an even flavor in every bite. - 5
Layer the remaining phyllo sheets on top of the filling, brushing each sheet generously with melted butter. Tuck in the edges.
- 6
Using a sharp knife, score the top layers of the phyllo into desired serving pieces (squares or diamonds). This makes it easier to cut after baking.
💡 Tip: Score only the top layers, not all the way through, to keep the filling contained. - 7
Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- 8
While the pie is baking, prepare the syrup: In a saucepan, combine 2 cups water, 2 cups sugar, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
💡 Tip: Stir until sugar is dissolved, then let it simmer without stirring to prevent crystallization. - 9
Once the pie is out of the oven, immediately pour the hot syrup evenly over the entire surface. The pie will sizzle.
💡 Tip: Pouring hot syrup over a hot pie creates steam that helps soften the pastry slightly while adding sweetness. - 10
Let the pie cool completely (at least 2-3 hours) to allow the syrup to be absorbed.
💡 Tip: Complete cooling is crucial for the syrup to fully penetrate the pastry.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use a mix of apple varieties for a more complex flavor.
- ✓For a nut-free version, omit walnuts and increase the apple filling slightly.
- ✓The syrup can be flavored with a cinnamon stick or a few cloves during simmering.
🔄 Variations
- Add a handful of raisins to the apple filling.
- Incorporate a tablespoon of orange zest into the filling for a citrus note.
- For a richer syrup, use honey instead of some of the sugar.