Description
Apple Pie is a timeless dessert featuring a perfect balance of sweet and tart apples, aromatic cinnamon, and a buttery, flaky crust. This classic treat is both comforting and versatile, ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
- For the Pie Crust:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
6–8 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling:
6–8 medium apples (a mix of tart and sweet like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Pinch of salt
For the Topping:
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1 tablespoon milk or heavy cream (for brushing)
1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter.
- Add ice water: Slowly add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
- Chill the dough: Split the dough into two discs, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges. Place them in a large bowl.
- Mix the filling: Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, and salt to the apples. Toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Roll out the dough: Roll one dough disc into a 12-inch circle. Transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish and trim excess dough.
- Add the filling: Pour the apple filling into the crust and dot with butter pieces.
- Top the pie: Roll out the second dough disc and place it over the apples. Seal the edges and cut slits for steam to escape.
- Brush and sprinkle: Brush the top with milk or cream and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
- Bake the pie: Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, then reduce to 350°F and bake for 45-50 minutes until golden and bubbling. Cover the edges with foil if necessary.
- Cool the pie: Let the pie cool for 1-2 hours before slicing to help the filling set.
Notes
- Vegan Version: Use a vegan butter substitute and plant-based milk for brushing the crust.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the crust.
- Caramel Apple Pie: Add 1/2 cup of caramel sauce to the filling for added sweetness.
- Nutty Apple Pie: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
