Apple Pie Recipes

Indulge in the timeless comfort of homemade apple pie with this classic recipe. Featuring a buttery crust and a perfectly spiced apple filling, this dessert is a favorite for gatherings and cozy evenings alike. Follow these simple steps to create a pie that will fill your home with warmth and the irresistible aroma of baked apples and cinnamon.

Ingredients

For the pie crust:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water

For the apple filling:

• 6-7 medium-sized apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

For assembly:

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork after each addition, until the dough just holds together when squeezed with your fingers.
4. Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disk. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 days.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. In a large bowl, combine sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss gently to coat the apples evenly.
2. Let the apple mixture sit for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the apples to release their juices.

Step 3: Roll out the Pie Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. Transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish, gently pressing it into the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough from the edges, leaving about a 1-inch overhang.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

1. Spoon the apple filling into the prepared pie crust, mounding it slightly in the center. Dot the filling with small pieces of butter.
2. Roll out the second disk of dough to a similar size and place it over the filling. Trim any excess dough, leaving a 1-inch overhang. Fold the overhanging dough under itself and crimp the edges to seal. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
3. Brush the top crust with beaten egg and sprinkle with granulated sugar.

Step 5: Bake the Pie

1. Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
2. If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, cover them loosely with foil.
3. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve slices of warm apple pie on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
2. Store any leftovers at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Warm slices briefly in the oven before serving if desired.

Tips for Perfect Apple Pie

• Apple Selection: Choose a mix of sweet and tart apples for a balanced flavor and texture.
• Thickening: If your filling is too runny, you can mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with the filling ingredients before cooking.
• Browning: Monitor the pie during baking and use foil to shield the crust if it browns too quickly.
• Variations: Experiment with adding cranberries, raisins, or nuts to the filling for extra texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Enjoy the classic taste of homemade apple pie with this delicious recipe. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a comforting dessert, this pie is sure to be a hit. Embrace the aroma of cinnamon-spiced apples and buttery crust as you share this timeless treat with family and friends!