Apple Plate Pie

Apple Plate Pie is a sweet shortcrust pastry pie filled with delicious apple compote. It’s a classic fruit pie or tart that’s perfect for dessert at any time of year.

What is a plate pie?

A plate pie is simply one that is baked on an ovenproof plate, it’s a simple pie to make and absolutely delicious. Plate pies are a staple of Scottish bakeries espcially apple and rhubarb plate pies, also known as tarts.

When I was researching this recipe I found a rather vague recipe in the Scottish Women’s Rural Institute (SWRI) cookery book originally published in 1968. The instructions were to bake it until it was golden, no temperature or time!

Although plate pies are often sweet like Blackcurrant Plate Pie and Easy Rhubarb Tart . You can also make savoury plate pies, like my grandfather’s Scottish Mince Beef Pie.

What ingredients do I need to make Apple Plate Pie?

Most of the ingredients you will need are standard baking items that you will already have in your larder or fridge. Others are readily available in supermarkets and stores. Here is what you need:

• plain (all purpose) flour
• ground almonds (almond flour)
• butter
• caster sugar (superfine) sugar
• salt
• water 
• apple compote (stewed apples)
• milk

Scroll to the end of this article to find the full recipe and all quantities of ingredients, with step-by-step photo instructions

Do I need to use ground almonds in the pastry?

I use ground almonds in sweet pastry because it helps with the texture of the pastry. They make the pastry very short, which means it will crumble when you eat it. The pastry does not taste strongly of almonds and I think it enhances the taste of the tart. The ground almonds also make the pastry easier to work with and also help it to remain soft when baked.

If you don’t want to use ground almonds in your pastry then replace the ground almonds with the same quantity of flour. The pastry will still be excellent, it’s really a matter of preference.

Can I make the pastry by hand?

I use a food processor to make my pastry but you certainly can make it by hand. Put the flour, salt and butter into a bowl and rub the butter into the flour until the mix is like fine breadcrumbs. Stir in the ground almonds and add the water to bring the mixture together into a dough.

Can I use ready made pastry?

Homemade shortcrust pastry is quite easy to make, especially if you have a food processor.  However, if you don’t feel confident about making pastry or simply don’t have time, then buy a ready-made all-butter shortcrust pastry to make your Apple Plate Pie.

Do I need to blind bake the pastry for Apple Plate Pie?

No, you don’t need to blind bake the pastry. Everything for this pie bakes together.

Can I use an alternative to butter?

I use butter in this pastry because it adds a lovely flavour. You can use alternative fats such as shortening (vegetable fat) or block baking margarine. At a push, you can use a full-fat soft spread, but the pastry will not be as crisp.

What kind of plate should I use to make the pie?

I use a 23 cm (9 in) ovenproof glass plate. You can use any plate as long as you are sure that it is ovenproof. The last thing you want is for the plate to shatter in the oven and ruin your pie.

What is Apple Compote?

Apple compote is a simply apples stewed with sugar, spice and a little lemon juice or water until thick. It’s best to make the apple compote, then let it cool completely before you make the pie. If the compote is warm it will melt the butter in the pastry and the result will not be as good.

How should I store the Apple Plate Pie?

Once the pie is cooled I cover the pie with foil and store it in the fridge. It will keep for up to 5 days stored like this. You can serve it at room temperature or return it to the oven, covered with foil, and reheat at 180 C (fan) for 20 minutes.

Can I freeze the pie?

You can freeze the pie for up to 3 months. Cover it well with foil and then place in a large freezerproof plastic bag. Defrost overnight in the fridge then reheat as above.

Vegetarian

This recipe is suitable for vegetarians.

Gluten Free

The pastry for this pie contains wheat flour which is not gluten free. You can substitute a gluten free shortcrust pastry recipe.

For more information regarding any dietary information provided on this website, please refer to my Nutritional Disclaimer.

How should I serve Apple Plate Pie?

I serve the pie warm or at room temperature with cream, ice cream, Greek yogurt or custard. You can also eat it without diary as the apple compote is very moist and the pastry deliciously sweet and crisp.

Make Individual Apple Pies

If liked you can make individual apple pies with the same pastry and filling using a muffin or cupcake tin (pan). They take the same time to bake as the large plate pie.