Hungarian Apple Pie

Hungarian Apple Pie is a cozy, rustic dessert made with a spiced apple filling and a buttery crust — often more cake-like than traditional American pie crust. It’s sometimes called “Almás Pite” in Hungary and is baked in a sheet pan, then cut into squares rather than slices.

🇭🇺 Traditional Hungarian Apple Pie (Almás Pite)

🍏 Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 400g (3 1/4 cups) all-purpose flour

• 200g (7 oz) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

• 100g (1/2 cup) sugar

• 1 egg

• 1 egg yolk

• 1 tsp baking powder

• Pinch of salt

• 2–4 tbsp sour cream (as needed, to bring dough together)

• Zest of 1 lemon (optional but traditional)

For the Apple Filling:

• 1–1.2 kg (2.5 lbs) tart apples (like Granny Smith)

• 100–120g (1/2 – 2/3 cup) sugar (adjust to taste)

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

• Zest of 1 lemon

• Juice of 1/2 lemon

• 2–3 tbsp semolina or breadcrumbs (to absorb moisture)

🥣 Instructions

1. Make the Dough:

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest.

2. Add cubed cold butter and rub into the flour with your fingers or a pastry cutter until crumbly.

3. Stir in sugar.

4. Add the egg, yolk, and 2 tbsp sour cream. Mix until the dough just comes together. Add more sour cream if needed.

5. Divide into 2 equal parts, flatten into disks, wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Filling:

1. Peel and grate the apples.

2. Toss with lemon juice, zest, sugar, and cinnamon.

3. Let sit for 15–20 minutes, then squeeze out excess liquid.

4. Mix in vanilla (optional) and set aside.

3. Assemble the Pie:

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).

2. Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish or line with parchment.

3. Roll out the first dough portion and press it into the bottom of the dish.

4. Sprinkle semolina or breadcrumbs over the base (to absorb moisture).

5. Spread the grated apple filling evenly on top.

6. Roll out the second dough portion and place it over the apples. Prick the top with a fork.

7. Optional: Brush with egg wash for a glossy finish.

4. Bake:

• Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until golden brown.

5. Cool & Serve:

• Let it cool completely before cutting into squares.

• Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

🍽️ Serving Tips

• Great on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream.

• Even better the next day — the flavors meld beautifully.

• Can be stored covered at room temp for 2–3 days.