Few desserts capture the heart like an apple pie. Warm, fragrant, and golden, it’s not just a treat; it’s a slice of tradition. Whether it’s a family holiday, a lazy Sunday afternoon, or a reason to savor fall’s bounty, apple pie brings comfort in every bite. And the best part? It’s easier to make than you might think. With the right steps and a little love, you’ll create an apple pie that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients
Before we get started, gather everything you’ll need. The beauty of apple pie is its simplicity, using fresh, wholesome ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Pie Crust:
- 2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes
- 6–8 tbsp ice water
For the Apple Filling:
- 6–8 medium tart apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
For Finishing:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp coarse sugar (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Crust
A flaky, buttery crust sets the foundation for any good pie.
- Combine the dry ingredients: Mix flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl.
- Cut in the butter: Add chilled butter cubes and work them into the flour using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
- Add ice water slowly: Drizzle in 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition, until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to overwork it.
- Divide and chill: Split the dough into two discs, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least an hour (or up to 2 days).
2. Prepare the Apple Filling
- Slice the apples: Aim for even slices so they cook evenly.
- Toss the filling together: Combine apples, sugars, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice in a large mixing bowl. Stir until the apples are evenly coated and set aside. This step allows the flavors to meld and the apples to release some of their juices.
3. Assemble the Pie
- Roll out the dough: On a floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish, letting the edges hang over.
- Add the filling: Pour the apple mixture into the crust, spreading it out evenly. Dot the filling with small pieces of butter to enhance its flavor.
- Top it off: Roll out the second disc of dough and place it over the apples. Trim excess dough, then pinch or crimp the edges to seal. Alternatively, you can create a lattice pattern for a decorative touch.
- Vent the top: Cut a few small slits into the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
4. Bake the Pie
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Brush and sprinkle: Brush the top crust with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar if you like an extra sparkle and crunch.
- Bake: Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake for 45-55 minutes. The crust should be golden brown, and the filling should be bubbling.
- Cool: Resist the temptation to slice immediately! Allow the pie to cool for at least 2-3 hours so the filling can set.
Tips for the Perfect Pie
- Choose the right apples: A mix of tart and sweet varieties creates a more balanced flavor. Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp or Fuji for sweetness is a great combo.
- Keep it cold: Always work with cold butter and don’t skip chilling the dough. This ensures a flaky crust.
- Don’t overfill: Piling in too many apples can cause an overflow during baking. Stick with about 6-8 medium-sized apples for a standard pie dish.
- Use a baking shield: If the edges of your crust brown too quickly, cover them with foil or use a pie crust shield to avoid burning.
Serving Ideas
Nothing beats a warm slice of apple pie served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For extra indulgence, drizzle it with caramel sauce. Prefer savory pairings? Sharp cheddar cheese melted on top is a classic twist you’ll love.
Variations to Try
- Spiced Apple Pie: Add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger for a spicier flavor profile.
- Crumble Topping: Swap the top crust for a crumbly streusel made with butter, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Mini Pies: Divide the dough into muffin tins and fill with diced apples for individual-sized treats.
- Rustic Galette: Skip the pie dish and create a free-form apple tart by folding the edges of the dough over the filling.
There you have it: a warm, homemade apple pie that’s sure to fill your kitchen with joy and your belly with happiness. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or saved for breakfast the next day (no judgment!), this classic dessert is always a winner. Happy baking!
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