McCall’s is a family-owned restaurant that has been serving up delicious home-style cooking since 1972. Located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, McCall’s offers an inviting atmosphere and mouthwatering meals that make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
McCall’s Apple Pie is an iconic dessert that can bring back fond memories for many people. It’s the perfect ending to any meal and is guaranteed to be a hit with your family and friends.
Whether you’re looking for a classic dessert to serve at your next gathering or just want something special for yourself, you’ll find that McCall’s Apple Pie is sure to please.
So why not give their delicious pie a try? Follow the easy step-by-step instructions below and soon you’ll be enjoying a slice of homemade McCall’s Apple Pie!
What is McCall’s Apple Pie?
McCall’s Apple Pie is a classic American dessert that has been enjoyed by families and friends for generations. It features fresh apples and a buttery flaky crust that make this pie a true treat.
Despite its simplicity, McCall’s Apple Pie is an incredibly rich and flavorful dessert that can be enjoyed on its own or served with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream for a decadent finish.
Whether you’re looking for a classic dish to serve at your next gathering or just want something special for yourself, McCall’s Apple Pie is sure to hit the spot.
What does it taste like?
McCall’s Apple Pie is a delicious blend of sweet and tart flavors. The freshly sliced apples combine with the light cinnamon and nutmeg spices to create an enticing aroma that will fill your kitchen as it bakes.
The buttery flaky crust adds another layer of flavor to the pie, making it a truly indulgent treat. The sweetness of the apples, along with the light spices and crunchy crust all come together in perfect harmony.
How did I first get introduced to McCall’s Apple Pie?
I was first introduced to McCall’s Apple Pie when I visited the restaurant for the first time. The restaurant is a cozy little place tucked away in a corner of downtown Los Angeles. As soon as you walk in, the warm and inviting atmosphere will make you feel right at home.
The menu consists of all the classic American comfort food favorites including fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and mac ‘n cheese. I chose to go with my favorite: fried chicken and mashed potatoes. After ordering our meals, my friend suggested we try their famous apple pie for dessert.
I was immediately intrigued by the idea of trying a homemade apple pie that had been made right in the restaurant kitchen. As we waited for our meals, I couldn’t help but daydream about what this delicious dessert might taste like.
When our orders arrived, I eagerly dug into my meal and it did not disappoint. The fried chicken was perfectly crispy and the mashed potatoes were creamy and flavorful. After I finished my meal, I was surprised when our server returned with a steaming hot slice of McCall’s Apple Pie.
As soon as I took my first bite, I instantly knew why this pie had been so highly praised. The tartness of the fresh apples combined with the sweet and spicy notes of cinnamon was perfect. The crunchy crust added another layer of flavor that made the pie even more irresistible.
The rest is history – I’ve been hooked on McCall’s Apple Pie ever since! I can confidently say that it’s one of the best apple pies I have ever had and when people ask me for recommendations, this place is always at the top of my list. So if you’re looking for an amazing dessert that is sure to please, then you can’t go wrong with McCall’s Apple Pie!
How to make McCall’s Apple Pie?
Making the perfect Apple Pie is easier than you think! Follow these simple steps and soon you’ll be enjoying your own delicious slice of McCall’s Apple Pie.
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Ingredients
- Apples: This is the main ingredient of your apple pie. The ideal apples for this recipe are Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples.
- Granulated sugar: This is used to sweeten the apple filling.
- All-purpose flour: This helps thicken the filling and also adds structure to the crust.
- Cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt: These spices add flavor and depth to the pie.
- Unsalted butter: This is used in both the crust and the filling of the apple pie.
- Ice water: Ice water is used as a binding agent for the dough.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
Prepare the apples.
- Peel and slice 8 cups of apples.
- Place them in a large bowl and toss with 2/3 cup of granulated sugar, 6 tsp of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp of ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp of ground nutmeg, and 1/4 tsp of salt.
Step 2
Prepare the crust.
- In a large bowl, mix together 2 and 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp of salt, and 1 tsp of sugar.
- Cut in one cup of cold unsalted butter using a pastry cutter until the mixture is crumbly.
- Gradually add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of ice water, stirring with a fork until the dough holds together.
Step 3
Assemble the pie
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a 9-inch pie plate with half of the dough.
- Add the apple mixture and spread evenly over the crust.
- Dot with 6 tsp of butter and cut into small pieces.
- Place remaining dough over top, pinch edges to seal, and make slits to vent steam.
Step 4
Bake the pie
- Bake in a preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool before serving.
Helpful Tips
- For a crunchier crust, use cold butter straight from the refrigerator when making the dough.
- To prevent an overly sweet pie, use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples, and reduce the sugar in the filling to 1/2 cup.
- To make a lattice top crust, roll out the remaining dough into a large circle or rectangle and cut it into strips. Layer them over the top of the pie in a crisscross pattern.
- If you find that your pie is browning too quickly during baking, cover it with foil for the final 10-15 minutes of baking.
- Don’t forget to let your pie cool completely before slicing and serving! This will help it set up properly and prevent it from falling apart.
Possible Variations
- If desired, you can add a streusel topping to the pie by combining 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, and 1/4 cup of melted butter in a bowl until crumbly. Sprinkle over the top before baking as desired.
- For an even richer twist on the traditional apple pie, try adding a layer of caramel to the bottom of the crust before filling it with apples. Just make sure to use cold caramel so that it doesn’t melt when baking.
- If you’re short on time, try using a store-bought pre-made pie crust instead! It will save you some time and still taste delicious.
- For an extra dose of sweetness, add a few tablespoons of maple syrup to the apple filling before baking.
- To make the pie healthier, reduce the amount of sugar in the filling and use whole wheat flour instead of white.
- For a festive touch, sprinkle nutmeg over the top before baking, or add a few tablespoons of chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping.
- To make a Dutch apple pie, sprinkle 1/3 cup of crushed graham crackers over the top of the apple filling before adding the crust.
- Try experimenting with other fruits such as pears or cherries to create a different type of pie. Just make sure to adjust the sugar and baking times accordingly!
- If you’re feeling adventurous, try making a double-crust pie by rolling out two circles of dough instead of one and stacking them on top of each other. You can also make a lattice top by cutting the dough into strips and weaving them together before baking!
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Baking dish
Ingredients
- 8 cups of thinly sliced and peeled apples
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 6 tsp unsalted butter cut into small pieces
- 2 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water
Instructions
- Prepare the apples for your apple pie. Peel and thinly slice 8 cups of Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples, then add them to a large bowl. Toss in 2/3 cup of granulated sugar, 6 tsp of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp of cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg and 1/4 tsp salt.
- Create the crust. In a large bowl, mix together 2 and 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp of salt, and 1 tsp of sugar. Cut in one cup of cold unsalted butter with a pastry cutter until crumbly. Gradually stir in 1/4 to 1/2 cup of ice water with a fork until the dough holds together.
- Assemble the pie. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9-inch pie plate with half of the dough and spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust. Dot with 6 tsp of butter and cut into small pieces. Place remaining dough over top, pinch edges to seal, and make slits to vent steam.
- Bake the pie in a preheated oven for 55-65 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool before serving so that all of those flavors can really come through. Enjoy your homemade McCall’s Apple Pie!
Video
Notes
- For a crunchier crust, use cold butter straight from the refrigerator when making the dough.
- To prevent an overly sweet pie, use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples, and reduce the sugar in the filling to 1/2 cup.
- To make a lattice top crust, roll out the remaining dough into a large circle or rectangle and cut it into strips. Layer them over the top of the pie in a crisscross pattern.
- If you find that your pie is browning too quickly during baking, cover it with foil for the final 10-15 minutes of baking.
- Don’t forget to let your pie cool completely before slicing and serving! This will help it set up properly and prevent it from falling apart.
Nutrition
Nutrition Information
What to serve with McCall’s Apple Pie?
Here are some delicious ideas for sides to serve along with your apple pie:
- Vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt
- Whipped cream
- Caramel sauce
- Cinnamon whipped cream
- Crème anglaise
- Maple syrup
- Fresh fruit and berries
- Warm brandy or spiced cider.
How to store leftover McCall’s Apple Pie?
Leftover apple pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply place a slice of pie on a plate and microwave for 30-45 seconds.
Alternatively, you can also wrap it in foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until warm. If freezing your leftovers, wrap each slice in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.
The pie can be stored for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply remove from the freezer and let sit at room temperature for 1 hour before serving.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, pregnant women can enjoy McCall’s Apple Pie! However, they should be sure to check the nutrition information and adjust their portion sizes accordingly. Pregnant women should also avoid eating raw or undercooked eggs or custard pies like pumpkin pie.
When preparing the pie, pregnant women should take extra care to ensure that all of the ingredients are cooked through and that the crust is not too brown. It’s also important to practice safe food handling practices by washing all fruits and vegetables before using them.
In general, pregnant women should consult with their healthcare provider for more individualized advice on what foods are safe to eat during pregnancy.
FAQs
What is the best type of apples to use?
The best type of apples to use for a classic apple pie is tart apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. These types of apples hold their shape better when cooked and provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can make McCall’s Apple Pie ahead of time. It is best to assemble the pie before baking and then cover and refrigerate it for up to 8 hours. When ready to bake, simply remove from the refrigerator and preheat the oven. Bake until golden brown and let cool before serving.
Can I make this pie with a gluten-free crust?
Yes, you can make a gluten-free version of McCall’s Apple Pie by using gluten-free all-purpose flour in place of regular all-purpose flour. You can find many recipes for gluten-free pie crusts online. Just be sure to follow the instructions as stated and adjust the baking time accordingly.
Can this pie be made vegan?
Yes, you can make a vegan version of McCall’s Apple Pie by using a vegan butter substitute in place of regular butter and a flax egg in place of a regular egg. You can also use almond or oat milk instead of cow’s milk if desired.
Wrapping Up
Thank you for trying out our recipe for McCall’s Apple Pie! We hope that you enjoyed making it as much as we do. Don’t forget to experiment with different variations and have fun with the crust designs.
If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below! Please share this article with your friends and family to spread the joy of baking apple pie.
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Rebecca Novak is a trained chef with over 10 years of experience in the food industry. She has worked in both fine dining and casual Hungarian restaurants and specializes in creating dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. She also loves exploring different cuisines worldwide, which allows her to bring unique flavors and ideas to the recipes she creates for Hungarianchef.com. Read more