ShopRite’s Holiday Apple Pie Fest

‘Tis the season for baking, and nothing truly encapsulates the warmth and joy of the holidays quite like the aroma of a freshly baked apple pie filling your home. This year, my festive spirit received an extra boost thanks to a delightful virtual ShopRite Holiday Apple Pie Baking Event! ShopRite isn’t just a grocery store for me; it’s an indispensable partner in crafting memorable holiday experiences, providing everything from everyday essentials to premium ingredients for special occasions. Get ready, folks, because it’s time to dive into the heart of holiday traditions and create some delicious memories with ShopRite!

Imagine this: a dedicated baking event, unfolding right in the cozy comfort of my own kitchen. Christmas tunes played softly in the background, my favorite comfy slippers kept my feet warm (a secret indulgence no one on screen would ever know!), and a sense of festive anticipation filled the air. This delightful virtual experience brought together the amazing ShopRite team, a talented chef from Little Fox Kitchen, and a circle of my favorite fellow bloggers. Our shared mission? To bake a truly scrumptious, golden-crusted apple pie from scratch. Could there possibly be a more perfect way to usher in the holiday season? It was a truly immersive and engaging experience, fostering a sense of community and shared joy, even across digital distances.

ShopRite: Your Trusted Partner for Unforgettable Holiday Traditions

If you’re a regular follower here at The Beach House Kitchen, you know my deep affection for ShopRite is no secret. My connection to ShopRite runs deep, tracing back to my childhood, when I’d accompany my mom on our weekly shopping trips to our local store. Back then, it was simply “the grocery store.” Today, it has blossomed into the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the U.S. and proudly stands as the largest employer in the state of New Jersey. This remarkable growth is a testament to their unwavering commitment to quality, an expansive selection, and unparalleled customer service. From the freshest produce to pantry staples and specialty items, ShopRite consistently delivers on its promise of excellence.

Beyond their exceptional product offerings, one of the aspects I admire most about ShopRite is their profound dedication to giving back to their local communities. They are a fervent supporter of the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, contributing hundreds of volunteer hours and donating significant amounts of food, essential services, and monetary aid each year. This commitment to social responsibility truly sets them apart, reinforcing that ShopRite is far more than just a food store; it’s a vital community pillar. Their proactive involvement demonstrates a genuine care for the well-being of the areas they serve, making them a brand you can truly feel good about supporting, especially during the season of giving.

Premium Ingredients for Your Perfect Holiday Apple Pie

The ingredients for today’s absolutely delicious apple pie recipe from Little Fox Kitchen were sourced directly from ShopRite, showcasing their exceptional private label lines. We utilized products from the ShopRite® Bowl & Basket™ line, a collection of carefully crafted foods and ingredients developed by the expert ShopRite Team, renowned for their superior quality and value. Additionally, we incorporated items from their Wholesome Pantry Organic™ line. The Wholesome Pantry™ collection is specifically curated for those seeking clean ingredients, free from artificial additives or preservatives, and proudly bears the USDA Organic certification. These lines ensure that every bite of your homemade apple pie is made with the finest, most thoughtfully sourced ingredients available.

The Ultimate ShopRite Holiday Apple Pie Recipe

I was particularly thrilled to participate in this virtual event because, surprisingly, it had been quite some time since I last tackled a double-crust pie from scratch. The apple pie recipe from Little Fox Kitchen, made with ShopRite ingredients, absolutely exceeded all expectations. The crust was a masterpiece of buttery flakiness—crisp on the outside, yet wonderfully tender within, delivering an utterly delicious foundation for the pie. And the filling? It was a symphony of flavors, generously loaded with the warm, comforting notes of cinnamon and the sweet, aromatic essence of vanilla. This pie is truly amazing when served warm, especially topped with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, making it an ideal holiday dessert. It’s a classic Christmas baking idea that never fails to impress and delight.

ShopRite Holiday Apple Pie Baking Event Recipe

The ShopRite Holiday Apple Pie Baking Event

Author: MaryAnn Dwyer

Servings: 8 servings

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‘Tis the season for baking, and this virtual ShopRite Holiday Apple Pie Baking Event has gotten me in the holiday mood! ShopRite is my go-to store for everything I need this holiday season! So, get ready folks, it’s time to make some holiday memories with ShopRite!

Ingredients

Pie Crust

• 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus a bit extra for dusting (about 1/2 cup)
• 2 tsp. granulated sugar
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into 2-inch pieces (chilled, but pliable)
• 1/2 cup ice water
• 1 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted (for brushing pie plate)

Filling

• 6 Gala or Cortland apples
• 1 Tbsp. lemon juice, about half a lemon
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 2 Tbsp. cornstarch
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes

Egg wash and Topping

• 1 Tbsp. milk
• 1 egg
• 1 Tbsp. demerara sugar, for sprinkling on top of pre-baked pie

Instructions

Pie Crust

1. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the butter pieces and toss to coat them thoroughly with the flour mixture. Gently break the butter into about 12 walnut-sized nuggets, continuing to toss to coat.
2. Using your fingertips, gently scoop and lift handfuls of the flour and butter chunks. Lightly rub your thumbs back and forth across your fingertips, breaking the larger butter chunks into smaller pieces. Continue this motion, sweeping your thumbs from your pinky to your index finger, until you achieve a mixture with bits ranging in size from coarse cornmeal to peas and small olives.
3. Evenly sprinkle the cold water over the mixture. Using a fork, stir and scrape the flour to blend. After a few stirs, all the flour should be moistened, and a rough dough will begin to form. Gather the dough with your hands and gently shape it into a ball.
4. Divide the dough into two portions, with one being slightly larger than the other; this larger portion will be for the bottom crust. Flatten each portion into a disc. Wrap each disc tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to chill.
5. Brush your pie plate with the melted butter and set aside. Lightly dust a sheet of parchment paper with flour. Place the larger dough disc on top and lightly dust it with flour as well. Roll out the dough into a 12-inch-wide circle. Carefully transfer the rolled dough to line and fit your pie plate, gently easing it into place. Trim any excess overhang or fold it under to create a neat edge. Roll the other dough disc into a circle about 9-10 inches wide for the top crust. Cover both the pie crust in the plate and the top crust with plastic wrap, then chill both for another 20 minutes.

Filling

1. Quarter and peel the apples, then trim out the core. Slice each quarter crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick triangles. Place the sliced apples into a large saucepan. Add the lemon juice, vanilla extract, sugar, cornstarch, salt, and cinnamon, and toss gently to coat the apples evenly. Allow the apples to sit and macerate for about 15 minutes, which helps them release their juices.
2. Next, cook the apples over low heat for approximately 6 minutes, or until the juices have thickened. Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool slightly. While the apples cool, arrange your oven rack one level below the middle. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).

Assembling the Pie

1. Remove the pie plate from the fridge. Spoon the cooled apple filling into the pie plate, piling the middle portion slightly higher than the rest to create a nice dome. Dot the top of the filling with small cubes of the cold butter.
2. Carefully place the remaining smaller pie dough circle over the top of the filling. Seal the edges of the top and bottom crusts together by crimping them decoratively (or simply use the tines of a fork, as often pictured, to press and seal the edges).
3. In a small bowl, beat the milk and egg together to create an egg wash. Lightly brush the top crust of the pie with this egg wash. Sprinkle generously with demerara sugar for a beautiful, sparkling finish.
4. Using a small, sharp knife, cut a few slits in the top crust. These vents are crucial for allowing steam to escape during baking, preventing the crust from becoming soggy.
5. Place the pie plate on a parchment-lined cookie or baking sheet to catch any potential drips. Bake in the preheated oven for an initial 30 minutes. Keep a close eye on the edges; if they begin to brown too quickly, loosely cover them with aluminum foil.
6. After 30 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue to bake for another 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
7. Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set properly, ensuring perfect slices. Enjoy your delicious homemade ShopRite Holiday Apple Pie!

Cook’s Notes for Apple Pie Perfection

• Apple Selection: Little Fox Kitchen suggests using either Gala or Cortland Apples for this recipe. I personally opted for Gala apples due to their balanced sweetness and firmness, which hold up beautifully during baking. Feel free to experiment with other firm, baking-friendly apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for a tarter flavor.
• Cold Butter is Key: For a flaky, tender pie crust, it’s imperative to keep your butter as cold as possible until you’re ready to incorporate it into the flour. Cold butter creates steam pockets during baking, resulting in that desirable flaky texture. Cut it into pieces and return it to the fridge until the very last moment.
• Watch for Browning: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep a vigilant eye on your pie while it’s baking. If you notice the edges of the crust starting to brown too quickly, simply cover them loosely with a strip of aluminum foil. This will protect the edges from over-browning while allowing the rest of the pie to cook through.
• Don’t Overwork the Dough: When mixing the pie crust, avoid overworking the dough. Too much handling develops the gluten, which can lead to a tough crust. Mix just until the ingredients are combined and the dough comes together.
• Cooling is Crucial: While it’s tempting to cut into a warm pie, allowing it to cool completely before slicing is vital. This gives the fruit filling time to set properly, preventing it from spilling out when cut and ensuring beautiful, neat slices.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 763kcal | Carbohydrates: 94g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 42g | Saturated Fat: 26g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 128mg | Sodium: 317mg | Potassium: 229mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 49g | Vitamin A: 1357IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 3mg

Keyword: apples, double crust pie, pie, ShopRite apple pie, holiday baking, homemade apple pie recipe
Course: Dessert

Why Homemade Apple Pie is a Beloved Holiday Tradition

There’s something uniquely special about the act of baking a homemade apple pie during the holidays. It’s more than just following a recipe; it’s a sensory experience that awakens nostalgic memories and creates new ones. The sweet scent of cinnamon and baked apples wafting from the oven instantly transforms a house into a home, setting a festive mood that store-bought pies simply can’t replicate. This ShopRite apple pie recipe is not just a dessert; it’s an invitation to gather your loved ones in the kitchen, share stories, and pass down culinary traditions. Baking together, even virtually, strengthens bonds and weaves the fabric of family memories that last a lifetime. Serving a slice of warm, tender holiday apple pie, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream, is the perfect culmination of a festive meal and a sweet reminder of togetherness.

Explore More Holiday Baking with ShopRite

I sincerely hope you’ll carve out some time this holiday season to visit your local ShopRite. Beyond the fantastic ingredients for this easy apple pie recipe, you’ll discover an incredible array of products to make all your holiday preparations effortless and enjoyable. From fresh produce for side dishes to premium meats for your main course, and of course, all the baking essentials you could ever dream of, ShopRite truly has it all. And remember, there’s no better way to forge lasting memories than by baking this phenomenal ShopRite Holiday Apple Pie with your family and friends this holiday season. It’s a tradition worth starting, or continuing, year after year!

Looking for more inspiration to round out your holiday dessert table? Here are a few other fantastic pie recipes that are sure to be crowd-pleasers:

• Pumpkin Chiffon Pie with Gingersnap Crust
• Sweet Potato Pie with Pecan Topping
• Creamy Dreamy Peanut Butter Pie