Apple Pie Recipe

Apple pie is a quintessential dessert that’s perfect for beginners. With its flaky crust and spiced apple filling, it’s sure to impress. Here’s a detailed guide to making a classic apple pie from scratch:

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 2 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tbsp Granulated Sugar
• 1 cup Unsalted Butter: Cold and cut into small cubes
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup Ice Water

For the Filling:

• 6-7 cups Apples: Peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (about 6-7 medium apples; a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp is ideal)
• 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar
• 1/4 cup Brown Sugar: Packed
• 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp Ground Nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp Ground Allspice: Optional
• 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour: For thickening
• 1 tbsp Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract: Optional
• 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter: Cut into small pieces, for dotting on top of the filling

For Assembly:

• 1 Egg: Beaten, for egg wash
• 1 tbsp Granulated Sugar: For sprinkling on top

Equipment:

• Mixing Bowls: For the crust and filling
• Pastry Cutter or Food Processor: For making the crust
• Rolling Pin: For rolling out the dough
• 9-inch Pie Dish
• Peeler, Corer, and Slicer: For the apples
• Baking Sheet: To catch any drips while baking

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crust:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar.
   • Add the cold, cubed butter to the bowl. Using a pastry cutter or food processor, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough just comes together. It should be moist but not sticky.
   • Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
2. Prepare the Filling:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice (if using), flour, lemon juice, and vanilla extract (if using). Toss to coat the apples evenly. Set aside.
3. Roll Out the Dough:
   • Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
   • On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish, about 1/8-inch thick. Transfer the dough to the pie dish, gently pressing it into the bottom and sides.
   • Roll out the second disc of dough for the top crust, about 1/8-inch thick.
4. Assemble the Pie:
   • Pour the apple filling into the prepared pie crust, mounding slightly in the center. Dot the filling with the small pieces of butter.
   • Cover with the top crust. Trim the excess dough, leaving a 1-inch overhang. Fold the overhang under itself and crimp the edges to seal.
   • Cut a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
5. Apply Egg Wash and Sugar:
   • Brush the top crust with the beaten egg and sprinkle with granulated sugar.
6. Bake the Pie:
   • Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
   • If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil or a pie shield during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
7. Cool and Serve:
   • Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the filling to set.
8. Enjoy:
   • Serve the apple pie warm or at room temperature, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Tips for Success:

• Cold Ingredients: Ensure the butter and water for the crust are very cold to achieve a flaky texture.
• Apple Variety: Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for a well-balanced filling.
• Resting Time: Let the pie cool completely before slicing to prevent the filling from running.

Variations:

• Caramel Apple Pie: Drizzle caramel sauce over the apple filling before adding the top crust.
• Streusel Topping: Replace the top crust with a streusel topping made of flour, brown sugar, butter, and oats for a crumbly texture.
• Spiced Apple Pie: Add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger to the filling for extra warmth.

This beginner-friendly apple pie recipe is perfect for any occasion, bringing a warm and delicious homemade touch to your table. Enjoy the classic flavors and flaky crust with every bite!