Almás Pite
Hungarian Apple Cake
A classic Hungarian dessert, Almás Pite is a delightful cake with a tender, flaky crust filled with spiced, shredded apples and often topped with a dusting of powdered sugar. It's similar to an apple pie but with its own unique character.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2.5 cups All-purpose flour(about 300g)
- 0.5 cup Unsalted butter(1 stick, cold and cubed)
- 0.5 cup Powdered sugar(about 50g)
- 1 tsp Baking powder
- 1 pinch Salt
- 0.5 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1 large Egg
- 1 tbsp Sour cream(+ a little extra if needed)
- 1 tsp Lemon zest
- 6 medium Tart apples(peeled, cored, and shredded)
- 0.5 cup Sugar(for filling)
- 1 tsp Ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- 4 tbsp Ground walnuts(optional)
- 1 whole Egg(for brushing dough)
- Powdered sugar(for dusting)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
For the dough: In a bowl, combine flour and cold butter. Cut the butter into the flour using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add powdered sugar, baking powder, salt, vanilla, egg, sour cream, and lemon zest. Knead until a smooth dough forms. Divide the dough into two equal portions, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes.
- 2
For the filling: In a separate bowl, combine the shredded apples, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Mix well. Drain any excess juice from the apples.
- 3
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease and flour an 8x8 inch baking pan.
- 4
Roll out one portion of the dough to fit the bottom of the prepared pan. Place it in the pan. If using walnuts, sprinkle half of them over the dough.
- 5
Spread the drained apple filling evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the remaining walnuts over the apples.
- 6
Roll out the second portion of dough. You can either place it as a top crust or cut it into strips for a lattice top. If using a full crust, place it over the apples and crimp the edges to seal. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- 7
Whisk the remaining egg and brush it over the top crust. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
- 8
Let the cake cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar and slicing.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use a mix of apple varieties (like Granny Smith and Gala) for a balanced sweet and tart flavor.
- ✓Ensure the butter is very cold when making the dough for a flakier crust.
- ✓Drain the apples thoroughly to prevent a soggy bottom crust.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Some recipes add a tablespoon of rum or brandy to the apple filling.
- A sprinkle of ground cloves or nutmeg can be added to the apple mixture for extra spice.