Apple pies belong to the Finnish baking tradition – apple is the only fruit that really thrives in Finland’s northern climate. Until the 20th century, Finns lived in a strongly self-sufficient agrarian culture. Rearing animals and cultivating crops were a natural part of life. First known to have been planted in 1539, apple trees may have come to Finland much earlier, during the Crusades. Kitchen gardens have always been prized, especially during the austerity years after WW2. Apple trees are still commonly found in Finnish gardens.The range of apple pie recipes is broad. They are made from loose yeast or sponge cake dough, shortcrust pastry, or puff pastry, typically with cinnamon and vanilla sugar flavouring.The dough for this apple pie is based on sour milk. Sour dairy products are typical of Finnish baking culture. The Russian influence, manifested in the use of fermentation and sour ingredients, can be seen most strongly in eastern Finland’s food culture. Baking soda is used to raise sour dough.
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Using a spatula, pour the dough onto a baking sheet. Spread apple slides evenly on top of the dough. Spread the sugar-cinnamon mixture evenly on top of the apple slices.Bake at 175°C for 35 minutes or until the pie is beautifully brown.