Apple Pie

by

Introduction

Apple Pie is a classic American dessert that evokes feelings of warmth, comfort, and nostalgia. With its flaky crust, tender apple filling, and warm spices, it’s no wonder this timeless treat is a favorite at gatherings, holidays, and cozy family dinners. In this guide, we’ll explore how to make the perfect apple pie from scratch, covering everything from selecting the best ingredients to mastering the art of flaky pastry and flavorful filling.

Video instructions available below 👇

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust:

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 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 brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Instructions

  • Prepare the Pie Crust:
    • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
    • Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork, until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
    • Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disk, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight.
  • Make the Apple Filling:
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice. Toss until the apples are evenly coated with the sugar mixture.
  • Assemble the Pie:
    • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of pie dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it gently into the bottom and sides.
    • Pour the apple filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly. Dot the top of the filling with small pieces of butter.
    • Roll out the second disk of pie dough and place it over the filling. Trim any excess dough from the edges and crimp the edges together to seal the pie.
    • Use a sharp knife to make several small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
  • Bake the Pie:
    • Place the assembled pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly and thickened.
    • If the edges of the crust begin to brown too quickly, you can cover them with strips of aluminum foil to prevent burning.
  • Serve and Enjoy:
    • Allow the apple pie to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate indulgence.

Conclusion

Apple Pie is a timeless dessert that captures the essence of homemade goodness and simple pleasures. With its buttery crust, sweet and spiced apple filling, and irresistible aroma, it’s a dessert that brings joy to any occasion. By following this guide and incorporating the suggested ingredients, instructions, and tips, you can create a homemade apple pie that’s sure to impress friends and family alike. Enjoy the comforting flavors and delicious nostalgia of this beloved American classic, and savor every bite of its tender, flaky goodness.

 

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