RecipesCroatiaPaj od Jabuka i Cimeta

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.

Prep Time40 minutes
Cook Time50 minutes
Total Time1 hour 30 minutes
Servings8
DifficultyMedium
Paj od Jabuka i Cimeta - Croatia traditional dish

🧂 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. 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. 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. 3

    Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).

  4. 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. 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. 6

    Pour the apple filling into the prepared pie crust.

  7. 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. 8

    Place the top crust or lattice over the filling. Trim and crimp the edges to seal.

  9. 9

    Brush the top crust with the beaten egg wash for a golden finish.

  10. 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. 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.

🔄 Variations

  • 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.

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