Paj od Jabuka i Cimeta
A comforting and aromatic apple pie, a popular dessert in Croatia, featuring a flaky crust filled with tender, spiced apples.
🧂 Ingredients
- 300 g All-purpose flour(for the crust)
- 150 g Cold unsalted butter(cubed, for the crust)
- 60 ml Ice water(approximately, for the crust)
- 50 g Sugar(for the crust)
- 1.5 kg Apples(e.g., Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, peeled, cored, and sliced)
- 150 g Sugar(for the filling)
- 2 tsp Cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp Nutmeg
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- 2 tbsp Cornstarch or flour(to thicken filling)
- 1 large Egg(beaten, for egg wash)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
For the crust: In a large bowl, combine flour and 50g sugar. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- 2
Gradually add ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix. Divide the dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- 3
Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
- 4
For the filling: In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with 150g sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch (or flour) until evenly coated.
- 5
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to fit a 23cm (9-inch) pie plate. Carefully transfer the dough to the pie plate, trimming and crimping the edges.
- 6
Pour the apple filling into the prepared pie crust.
- 7
Roll out the second disc of dough. You can either place it as a solid top crust (cutting vents) or cut it into strips for a lattice top.
- 8
Place the top crust or lattice over the filling. Trim and crimp the edges to seal.
- 9
Brush the top crust with the beaten egg wash for a golden finish.
- 10
Bake for 20 minutes at 190°C (375°F), then reduce the oven temperature to 175°C (350°F) and bake for another 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- 11
Let the pie cool for at least 2-3 hours before slicing to allow the filling to set.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using a mix of apple varieties can add complexity to the flavor.
- ✓Ensure the butter and water are very cold for a flaky crust.
- ✓If the crust starts to brown too quickly, loosely tent the pie with aluminum foil.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a handful of raisins or chopped walnuts to the apple filling.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.