Mexican Apple Pie has always been my go-to comfort dessert, especially when I need a little warmth and spice in my life. I remember the first time I tried this Tarta de Manzanas; it was at a family gathering, and the aroma of cinnamon and baked apples filled the entire house. It’s not your typical pie; it has this wonderfully moist, cake-like batter that perfectly complements the sweet, caramelized apples. This Mexican spiced apple pie recipe is a true gem, offering an entirely new perspective on a beloved classic. If you’re looking for an apple pie with a Mexican twist, you’ve found it! Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Mexican Apple Pie
- Incredible taste with warm cinnamon and sweet caramelized apples.
- Quick and easy prep time, perfect for weeknights.
- Uses wholesome ingredients for a satisfying dessert.
- A budget-friendly option that tastes gourmet.
- This easy Mexican apple pie is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for the whole family.
- The cake-like batter makes it wonderfully moist and tender.
- It’s a delightful twist on a classic, offering a unique flavor profile.
- You’ll find this easy Mexican apple pie is surprisingly simple to make from scratch.
Ingredients for Authentic Mexican Apple Pie
Gathering these Mexican apple pie ingredients is the first step to creating this unique dessert, Tarta de Manzanas. The batter is surprisingly simple, using common pantry staples for that signature cake-like texture.
- 1 ¾ cups Flour – the base of our tender cake-like batter
- 1 ¼ cups Sugar – divided for the batter and caramel
- 3 large Eggs – separated, whites beaten for lightness
- 2 tsp Baking Powder – helps the batter rise beautifully
- 1 tbsp Instant Vanilla Pudding – adds a subtle vanilla flavor and moisture
- ¾ cup Oil – for a wonderfully moist crumb
- ⅓ cup + 2 tbsp Milk – to bring the batter together
- 2 large Apples (blended) – creates a smooth apple sauce for the batter
- 3 large Apples (sliced) – layered into the pie for texture and flavor
- 1 tsp Cinnamon – essential for that classic spiced warmth
- 1 tbsp Butter – for greasing the pan and enriching the caramel
How to Make Mexican Apple Pie
Making this homemade Mexican apple pie is a delightful process that results in a truly special dessert. The combination of tender cake, spiced apples, and rich caramel makes it unforgettable. Follow these steps to create your own Tarta de Manzanas.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Apples
First, let’s get our apples ready for this delicious Mexican apple pie. You’ll need to peel and halve your apples, then slice them thinly. To keep those slices looking fresh and prevent them from browning, place them in a bowl of cold water while you prepare the rest. Separately, blend two of the apples into a smooth sauce. This apple sauce will be the secret to our incredibly moist batter.
Make the Batter
Now for the batter – it’s simpler than you might think! You’ll need to separate your egg yolks and whites. In one bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form; this is crucial for a light texture. In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the sugar until the mixture is pale and creamy. Then, gradually mix in the oil, milk, the blended apple sauce, and the instant vanilla pudding. Slowly incorporate the sifted flour and baking powder until just combined. This forms the base of our truly homemade Mexican apple pie.
Fold in Egg Whites
This step is key to achieving that signature light and airy texture in your Mexican apple pie. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter. Use a spatula and a folding motion, moving from the bottom of the bowl up and over. Be careful not to overmix, as this can deflate the whites and make the cake denser. You want to preserve all that lovely airiness.
Prepare the Caramel
For the decadent caramel topping, melt 1 cup of sugar in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Watch it closely as it melts and turns a beautiful golden caramel color. Once it’s fully dissolved and golden, carefully stir in 1 tablespoon of butter until it’s melted and incorporated. Immediately pour this luscious caramel into a buttered springform pan. It should coat the bottom nicely, ready for the apples. For more baking tips, check out these dessert recipes.
Assemble the Pie
With the caramel settled in the pan, it’s time to assemble your homemade Mexican apple pie. Arrange the thinly sliced apples evenly over the caramel layer. Sprinkle a teaspoon of cinnamon generously over the apples for that classic warm spice. Carefully pour the prepared batter on top of the apples and cinnamon. Gently shake the pan to help the batter settle and remove any large air bubbles, ensuring an even bake.
Bake the Pie
Preheat your oven to 360°F (180°C). Place the assembled pie into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached, not wet batter. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely divine!
Cool and Serve
Once baked, carefully remove the pie from the oven. While the pie is still hot, invert it onto a serving plate. This allows the caramel to flow beautifully over the cake and apples. Let it cool slightly before serving. This Mexican apple pie is best enjoyed warm, perhaps with a scoop of homemade ice cream.
Pro Tips for the Best Mexican Apple Pie
To ensure your Tarta de Manzanas is absolutely perfect, here are a few insider tricks I’ve picked up over the years. These tips will help you achieve that incredible texture and flavor every time you make this Mexican spiced apple pie.
- Use apples that hold their shape when baked, like Honeycrisp or Fuji, for the best texture.
- Don’t overmix the batter after adding the flour; a light hand is key for a tender cake.
- Ensure your springform pan is well-greased before adding the caramel to prevent sticking.
- Letting the pie cool slightly before inverting helps the caramel set just enough.
What’s the secret to perfect Mexican apple pie?
The secret to the best Mexican apple pie lies in the combination of the blended apple sauce in the batter for moisture and gently folding in the egg whites. This technique ensures a light, cake-like crumb that’s truly exceptional. For more baking insights, you can explore resources on baking science.
Can I make Mexican Apple Pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter and apple mixture separately up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake just before serving for the freshest result. This makes it a great option for entertaining!
How do I avoid common mistakes with Mexican Apple Pie?
A common pitfall is overmixing the batter, which can lead to a tough cake. Also, be careful not to burn the caramel; watch it closely. Finally, don’t skip inverting the pie while it’s hot, as this is crucial for the caramel topping.
Best Ways to Serve Mexican Apple Pie
This Tarta de Manzanas is absolutely divine served warm, allowing the flavors to fully meld. It’s wonderful on its own, but I love pairing it with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, the cool sweetness a perfect contrast to the warm, spiced apples. For an extra treat, a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce takes it to the next level. If you’re looking for a dessert that sings with apple pie with cinnamon and spice, consider serving it with a side of horchata for a truly authentic Mexican experience. You might also enjoy these lemon impossible pies.
Nutrition Facts for Mexican Apple Pie
This delightful Mexican Apple Pie, Tarta de Manzanas, offers a wonderfully balanced treat. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving, so you know what deliciousness you’re enjoying.
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your homemade Mexican apple pie.
How to Store and Reheat Mexican Apple Pie
Properly storing your delicious Mexican Apple Pie ensures you can enjoy its comforting flavors for days to come. Once the Tarta de Manzanas has cooled completely on a wire rack, you can store it. For short-term storage, place it in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you need to keep this wonderful cinnamon spiced apple pie for longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap individual slices securely in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. For other baking ideas, explore these mini citrus cloud bites.
When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, reheating is simple. You can warm individual portions gently in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or place a slice on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes until warmed through. This brings back that fresh-baked goodness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mexican Apple Pie
What is Mexican Apple Pie?
Mexican Apple Pie, or Tarta de Manzanas, is a delightful dessert that differs from traditional American apple pie. Instead of a double crust, it features a moist, cake-like batter baked over caramelized apples with a cinnamon spice blend. It’s a unique and comforting Mexican dessert.
How do I make Mexican Apple Pie?
To make this homemade Mexican apple pie, you’ll prepare the apples by slicing them and blending some into a sauce for the batter. Then, you’ll create a simple cake batter, gently folding in whipped egg whites for lightness. The pie is assembled by layering apples and cinnamon over a caramel base, then topping it with the batter before baking. It’s a straightforward process for a delicious result.
Can I use different types of apples?
Absolutely! While some apples hold their shape better, you can use a mix. For the blended apple sauce, softer apples work well. For the sliced layer, consider using varieties like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp, which offer a good balance of sweetness and a slight tartness that complements the cinnamon and spice.
What makes this apple pie have a “Mexican twist”?
The Mexican twist comes from the unique cake-like batter and the rich caramel topping, rather than a traditional pastry crust. The generous use of cinnamon and the overall comforting, spiced flavor profile are also characteristic of many Mexican desserts, making this an authentic Mexican apple pie experience.
Variations of Mexican Apple Pie You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic Tarta de Manzanas, you might want to explore some creative twists on this delightful Mexican dessert apple pie. These variations can cater to different dietary needs or simply offer new flavor dimensions to your baking.
- Vegan Mexican Apple Pie: For a completely plant-based treat, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg) and use a dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk. Ensure your caramel topping is made without butter or dairy.
- Spiced Pear Variation: Swap out some or all of the apples for ripe pears. Pears offer a slightly different texture and sweetness that pairs wonderfully with cinnamon and spice, creating a lovely Mexican spiced dessert.
- Gluten-Free Mexican Apple Pie: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. You might need to adjust the liquid slightly if the blend is particularly absorbent.
- Mini Tarta de Manzanas: Instead of a large springform pan, use muffin tins to create individual-sized Mexican apple pies. Adjust baking time accordingly, likely reducing it to 20-25 minutes.
Mexican Apple Pie: 1 Amazing Twist
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Mexican Apple Pie, also known as Tarta de Manzanas, features a moist, cake-like batter filled with caramelized apples and a sweet caramel topping. It offers a unique twist on the classic apple pie, infusing it with comforting cinnamon and spice.
Ingredients
- For the Batter:
- 1 ¾ cups Flour
- 1 ¼ cups Sugar
- 3 large Eggs
- 2 tsp Baking Powder
- 1 tbsp Instant Vanilla Pudding
- ¾ cup Oil
- ⅓ cup + 2 tbsp Milk
- For the Apples:
- 2 large Apples (blended)
- 3 large Apples (sliced)
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
- For the Caramel Topping:
- 1 cup Sugar
- 1 tbsp Butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Peel and halve the apples. Slice them thinly. Keep slices in cold water to prevent browning. Blend two apples into a smooth sauce.
- Make the Batter: Separate egg yolks and whites. Beat whites until stiff peaks form. In a separate bowl, mix yolks with sugar until pale. Add oil, milk, apple sauce, and vanilla. Gradually blend in sifted flour, baking powder, and pudding.
- Fold in Egg Whites: Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter to keep it light and airy.
- Prepare the Caramel: Melt 1 cup of sugar in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until golden and dissolved. Stir in 1 tbsp butter until melted. Pour the caramel into a buttered springform pan.
- Assemble the Pie: Layer the sliced apples over the caramel. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Carefully pour the batter on top. Gently shake the pan to remove air bubbles.
- Bake the Pie: Bake in a preheated oven at 360°F (180°C) for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Invert the pie onto a plate while still hot. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm for the best flavor.
- Consider pairing with vanilla or bourbon ice cream.
- For a vegan version, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use dairy-free milk.
- Ensure caramel does not contain dairy for a vegan option.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg