Why Is My Apple Pie Watery & How to Fix It
A slice of warm apple pie with a small cup of vanilla ice cream makes a perfect dessert for a holiday or really any time of the year.
Have you ever noticed that sometimes apple pies can be watery? If so, I will show you how to prevent it below.
So, why is my apple pie watery? Is there any solution to this situation? How can I prevent this issue in for the next time I bake?
Have a look at our article, and you will discover all the answers to your apple pie problems.
Why Is My Apple Pie Watery?
Why is my apple pie watery when I have carefully followed the pie recipe?
The top mistakes leading to wet pies are using the wrong apples, skipping the apple-soaking process, or taking the pie out of the oven too early.
This issue can also happen because you forget to add the thickener or do not cut the vents into the crust.
Let’s scroll down the parts below to discover more details.
1. Use Overripe Apples
Your apple pie recipe might not call for a specific apple variety, right? Does this mean that you can pick any apple types you prefer?
Literally, you can use any apples for apple pie. However, if you choose the overripe sweet ones, you will likely have a runny pie filling as they release more liquid than usual.
For that reason, it would be best to pick the firm and tart apple types, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady.
2. Skip The Apple-soaking Process
You usually pile apples in crust and skip the apple-soaking process, right? This can be the reason for watery apple pie.
If you want to avoid a runny apple pie, you will need to reduce the natural juices by soaking the apples in sugar.
First, combine apple slices, granulated sugar, and a tablespoon of lemon juice in a large bowl, then let the apple mixture sit for 30-40 minutes.
Granulated sugar helps to draw out apple pie juice which will then accumulate in the bottom of the bowl.
Then, drain away the excess liquid using a colander. You can either thicken this syrupy juice with a little cinnamon to make caramel sauce or use it in another dessert recipe.
3. Do Not Add The Thickening Agents
Another mistake that makes apple pie watery is skipping the thickener. Thus, let’s combine the apple mixture with the thickening agents, such as apple pie cornstarch or tapioca flour, to thick apple pie filling.
A thickener will help to absorb some of the liquid that seeps out of the apple slices.
So, does the thickener alter the flavor of the apple pies?
Well, thickening flour will not alter the taste of the fruit pie filling as long as you only add a tiny amount of it.
4. Do Not Cut Vents Into The Pie Crust
Why is my apple pie soupy?
This issue might happen because you forget to cut vents into pie crust following the popular apple pie recipes.
To avoid this issue, you only need to cut five ¾-inch vents in the top of your pie crust.
This helps the evaporating extra liquid escape more efficiently. As such, you can reduce extra moisture and prevent your pie from becoming runny.
In case you are making a lattice pie crust, you do not need vents. Because the crust has already featured the holes between the strips allowing steam to escape.
5. Pull The Apple Pie Out Of The Oven Too Early
Your apple pie is becoming golden-brown and releasing a fantastic aroma; should you take it out of the hot oven at that time?
Well, rushing on taking the pie out of the oven before it is fully cooked might increase the chance of having a runny homemade apple pie.
So, how to avoid a runny apple pie?
You can check if the liquid apple pie is bubbling through the vents of the top crust or lattice. Another way is to determine whether the internal temperature of the pie reaches 195 °F or 90 °C.
These signs indicate that your pie is ready for cooling.
How to Fix Watery Apple Pie after Baking
What if the apple filling in your current baked apple pie is juicier than you like? Is there any solution to rescue it? Here’s how to fix a runny pie after baking.
Yes, of course. Here, let us show you how to fix a watery apple pie.
The fruit fillings always become thicker when they cool, especially when you have already used the thickening powder in your recipe.
Thus, let the pie sit out for at least a couple of hours to assess the texture of the filling before following the watery-pie-rescuing method.
If the pie is too runny for your preferences, you can re-bake the pie followed the steps below:
- Step 1: Set the oven to medium-high heat for a few minutes before baking.
- Step 2: Place the pie in the suitable rack.
Once the oven gets hot, place the pie in the bottom rack rather than the middle one. This way, the pie will stay close to the heat source, ensuring that your filling is fully cooked.
If your crust is gently golden, cover the edges with aluminum foil before baking to protect it from burning.
- Step 3: Bake the pie at medium heat for a short period to reduce excess moisture and thicken the filling.
Bonus Tips On Preventing Watery Apple Pie
So, how to keep apple pie from being runny?
Well, here are the top apple pie tips that help you bring out the flavorful pie for your beloved ones.
1. Cut The Apples Into Tiny Chunks
Tossing the fresh apples in the food processor so that they are fully chopped in 10 seconds is so convenient, right?
However, these tiny shreds melt so well in the oven temperature, leaving you runny apple filling.
Hence, it would be best to chop the fresh apples into ¼ inch slices. This way, they are thick enough to retain their shape during the baking process yet fully be cooked through.
2. Use Cold Pie Dough
What else can you do to avoid runny apple pies?
Well, you can use cold ingredients, especially the pie dough. No matter if you are using store-bought or homemade pie crusts, keep it in the fridge until your apple filling is ready to go.
Leaving the dough at room temperature for a few minutes might cause the unsalted butter to soften, increasing the probability of soggy crust and watery pie.
3. Let Apple Pie Cool Completely Before Cutting
After baking, you need to let the pie cool completely before cutting, or else you might witness excess juiciness coming from your perfect apple pie.
How long should a pie cool?
You can let the pie rest on the wire rack for several hours or even overnight at room temperature. This helps to further solidify the apple filling.
Whenever you want to enjoy pie, you can warm a slice of apple pie and serve it with ice cream or anything you prefer.
Wrapping Up
Now, that you’ve discovered the top common reasons for your question – “Why is my apple pie watery?”. You know some useful tips on recusing watery apple pies.
Is there anything you want to know more about apple pies or any other fruit pies? You are welcome to leave your comment below because we are here to support you on your cooking journey.
