What To Know
- This classic dessert is a symphony of sweet and tart, with a flaky, golden crust that envelops a mouthwatering filling of tender apples and warm spices.
- Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, our step-by-step guide will empower you to create a homemade masterpiece that will impress family and friends alike.
- Add the cold butter pieces and use a pastry cutter or two forks to cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of autumn with our exceptional apple pie apple recipe. This classic dessert is a symphony of sweet and tart, with a flaky, golden crust that envelops a mouthwatering filling of tender apples and warm spices. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, our step-by-step guide will empower you to create a homemade masterpiece that will impress family and friends alike.
The Perfect Crust
The foundation of a great apple pie lies in the crust. Our recipe uses a combination of all-purpose flour, salt, and unsalted butter to create a flaky, buttery crust that will melt in your mouth.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup ice water
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Add the cold butter pieces and use a pastry cutter or two forks to cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add the ice water 1 tablespoon at a time, tossing with a fork until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
4. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
The Sweet and Tart Filling
The heart of the apple pie is the filling, a harmonious blend of sweet apples, tart lemon juice, and warm spices.
Ingredients:
- 8-10 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss to coat.
Assembling the Pie
With the crust and filling prepared, it’s time to assemble the apple pie.
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. On a lightly floured surface, divide the dough into two equal portions. Roll out one portion into a 12-inch circle.
3. Transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate and trim the edges.
4. Pour the apple filling into the pie plate.
5. Roll out the remaining dough into an 11-inch circle. Cut the dough into strips and weave them over the filling.
6. Trim any excess dough and tuck the edges under.
7. Brush the crust with milk and sprinkle with granulated sugar.
Baking the Pie
Instructions:
1. Bake the pie for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
2. Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your homemade apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Variations
- Caramel Apple Pie: Add 1/2 cup of caramel sauce to the apple filling.
- Cranberry Apple Pie: Add 1 cup of dried cranberries to the apple filling.
- Dutch Apple Pie: Top the pie with a streusel topping made from oats, brown sugar, flour, and butter.
Tips for a Perfect Pie
- Use a variety of apples for a more complex flavor.
- Slice the apples thinly so they cook evenly.
- Don’t overfill the pie plate, or the filling will bubble over.
- If the edges of the crust start to brown too much, cover them with aluminum foil.
- Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the filling to set.
Popular Questions
1. What type of apples are best for apple pie?
The best apples for apple pie are those that hold their shape well when cooked, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Braeburn.
2. Can I use a store-bought crust?
Yes, you can use a store-bought crust if you’re short on time. However, homemade crust is much flakier and tastier.
3. How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
To prevent the crust from getting soggy, brush it with milk or egg wash before baking. You can also sprinkle the bottom crust with a layer of flour or bread crumbs.
4. Can I make the pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the pie ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, bake the pie as directed.
5. How do I reheat the pie?
To reheat the pie, place it in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.
