West Virginia Cast Iron Granny Smith Apple Pie

Introduction

This delicious West Virginia Cast Iron Granny Smith Apple Pie is a sweet and tangy take on a classic American dessert, made entirely on the Arteflame grill. By using the Arteflame’s flat top steel cooktop, we achieve an incredible, even caramelization on the apples and a golden, flaky crust without ever needing an oven. The key to exceptional flavor is grilling everything outdoors over wood fire, infusing the pie with a faint smokiness that makes it irresistible. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or just want to treat yourself, this pie will wow everyone at the table.

Ingredients

• 6 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and sliced
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp butter (plus more for greasing the skillet)
• 1 prepared pie dough (top and bottom crusts)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
• Cast iron skillet (to be used directly on the flat cooktop griddle)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour a small amount of vegetable oil onto three paper napkins.
2. Place them in the grill and stack dry, seasoned firewood over top.
3. Light the napkins and let the fire establish for 20 minutes until the cooktop reaches medium heat near the edges and higher heat near center.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. In a large bowl, mix the apple slices, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, flour, and salt until well combined.
2. Set aside and let the mixture rest to allow the sugars to bring out the apple’s juices.

Step 3: Preheat the Skillet on the Arteflame

1. Place your cast iron skillet on the medium-heat zone of the cooktop to preheat.
2. Add 2 tbsp butter to the skillet and swirl to coat the bottom evenly.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

1. Roll out your bottom pie crust and gently place it into the preheated buttered skillet while still on the grill (use gloves for safety).
2. Add the prepared apple mixture evenly into the crust.
3. Dot the top of the apples with small pieces of the remaining butter.
4. Cover with the top crust, crimp the edges, and cut slits for ventilation.
5. Mix egg and water for the egg wash and brush over the top crust for golden color.

Step 5: Grill the Pie

1. Cover the pie loosely with foil to prevent over-browning while allowing steam to escape.
2. Cook on the medium heat zone for about 45–50 minutes, turning the skillet every 10 minutes for even cooking.
3. Remove foil during the last 10 minutes to let the crust crisp up.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

1. Carefully remove the pie from the grill and let it rest for 15 minutes to allow juices to set.
2. Serve warm with your favorite topping!

Tips

• Use butter instead of oil for richer flavor when grilling your pie on the Arteflame.
• Keep the pie on a medium area of the cooktop to avoid over-browning the crust.
• Rotate the skillet regularly for even heat distribution.
• Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a decadent touch.
• Slice apples evenly so they cook uniformly in the pie.

Variations

1. Maple Bourbon Apple Pie: Replace white sugar with maple syrup and add 1 tbsp bourbon for a smoky-sweet twist.
2. Caramel Apple Pecan Pie: Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans and drizzle with caramel sauce before covering with the top crust.
3. Spiced Autumn Apple Pie: Mix in 1/4 tsp cloves and 1/2 tsp allspice for a deeper spice flavor profile.
4. Apple Berry Skillet Pie: Add 1/2 cup fresh blueberries or raspberries to the apples for a touch of tartness and color.
5. Cheddar Crust Apple Pie: Mix 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar into the pie crust dough for a savory spin.

Best pairings

• Vanilla bean ice cream
• Warm spiced apple cider
• Fresh whipped cream with a pinch of cinnamon
• Toasted pecans served on the side
• Bold cheddar cheese slices

Conclusion

This West Virginia Cast Iron Granny Smith Apple Pie shows just how versatile the Arteflame grill is for creating traditional desserts with elevated flavors and stunning rustic presentation. From the easy fire-up to the buttery crust sizzling on the flat cooktop, you’ll be amazed how an outdoor grill can produce such a comforting homemade treat.