Apple Pie

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this Apple Pie for its comforting flavors and textures. The combination of tart apples with cinnamon and sugar, nestled in a buttery, flaky crust, creates a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. The aroma of the pie as it bakes will fill your home, and the first bite will remind you of the cozy warmth of fall. It’s easy to make, versatile, and always a hit at the table. Plus, the crust is buttery and tender, while the filling is perfectly spiced and juicy.

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes

• 6-8 tablespoons ice water

For the filling:

• 6-8 medium apples (a mix of tart and sweet apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the crust:

1. Prepare the pie crust: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and cut them into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

2. Add the ice water: Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough begins to come together. You may not need all the water.

3. Chill the dough: Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days).

For the filling:

1. Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into 1/4-inch thick slices. Place them in a large bowl.

2. Make the filling: In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add the mixture to the apples and toss until the apples are evenly coated. Add lemon juice and mix gently.

Assembling the pie:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the dough discs into a 12-inch circle. Place it into a 9-inch pie pan and trim the edges, leaving about 1 inch of dough overhang.

3. Add the filling: Pour the apple mixture into the pie crust and spread it out evenly. Dot the filling with small pieces of butter.

4. Top the pie: Roll out the second dough disc and place it over the apples. Trim any excess dough, then crimp the edges of the pie crust to seal. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.

5. Bake the pie: Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil to prevent burning.

6. Cool the pie: Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours before slicing to allow the filling to set.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8

• Prep Time: 30 minutes (for crust and filling)

• Cook Time: 50 minutes

• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including cooling time)

Variations

• Add caramel: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the filling before covering with the top crust for an added layer of sweetness.

• Use a lattice crust: Instead of a solid top crust, cut the second dough disc into strips and weave them into a lattice pattern on top of the pie for a beautiful presentation.

• Add raisins or cranberries: For a twist, mix in some raisins or dried cranberries into the apple filling for extra flavor and texture.

• Make it vegan: Substitute the butter in the crust and filling with dairy-free butter or coconut oil for a vegan version.

• Add a streusel topping: For a crunchy topping, sprinkle a streusel made of flour, sugar, butter, and oats over the pie before baking.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover apple pie in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, place slices of pie in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual slices for 20-30 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pie crust for this recipe?

Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pie crust. However, homemade crust will give you a flakier, more flavorful result.

Can I freeze apple pie?

Yes, you can freeze an unbaked pie. Assemble the pie, then cover it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, bake directly from frozen at 425°F (220°C) for about 60-70 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.

What apples are best for apple pie?

A mix of tart apples (like Granny Smith) and sweet apples (like Honeycrisp or Gala) works best for a balanced flavor. The tart apples hold their shape while the sweet apples soften and become juicy.

How do I keep the crust from becoming soggy?

To prevent a soggy bottom crust, you can brush the crust with a thin layer of beaten egg or melted butter before adding the filling. This helps create a barrier between the crust and the wet filling.

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the apple filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid before adding the filling to the pie crust.

Conclusion

Apple Pie is the epitome of comfort food, with its flaky crust, perfectly spiced apple filling, and irresistible aroma. This homemade version is simple to make, yet delivers a deliciously satisfying dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed on its own, this Apple Pie is sure to become a beloved favorite in your dessert repertoire.