Apple Pie

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 Classic Apple Pie Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide


Apple pie is one of the most iconic desserts in American cuisine, symbolizing warmth, tradition, and the comforts of home. With its flaky, buttery crust and a perfectly spiced apple filling, this pie is a favorite for holidays, special occasions, or even a weekend treat. If you’ve ever wanted to master the art of making a homemade apple pie, this step-by-step guide will help you achieve that classic flavor and texture.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

  • 2 ½ 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 Filling:

  • 6-7 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a combination)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup light brown sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

For the Egg Wash:

  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 tablespoon water

Optional Toppings:

  • Coarse sugar for sprinkling
  • Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

  1. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.

  2. Cut in the butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter (or your hands), cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You want small, pea-sized bits of butter throughout the dough, as this will help create a flaky crust.

  3. Add ice water: Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork or spatula until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.

  4. Form the dough: Divide the dough in half and form two discs. Wrap each disc in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This allows the butter to firm up and the gluten in the flour to relax, which will result in a tender, flaky crust.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

  1. Peel and slice the apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into ¼-inch thick slices. A mix of tart (like Granny Smith) and sweet (like Honeycrisp) apples works best for flavor balance.

  2. Toss with sugar and spices: In a large bowl, combine the apples with both sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Gently toss the apples to coat them evenly in the mixture. Let the filling sit for 15-20 minutes to allow the juices to release.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

  1. Roll out the crust: On a floured surface, roll out one of the dough discs into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it gently into the bottom and sides.

  2. Fill the pie: Pour the apple mixture into the pie crust, arranging the apples as evenly as possible. Dot the top of the filling with small pieces of butter to add richness.

  3. Roll out the top crust: Roll out the second dough disc into another 12-inch circle. You can either place the crust over the apples as is, or create a lattice top by cutting the dough into strips and weaving them over the filling.

  4. Seal and crimp the edges: If using a solid top crust, trim any excess dough hanging over the edges and crimp the edges with your fingers or a fork to seal. If you’re using a lattice, trim and tuck the ends of the strips into the edges of the bottom crust. Make sure to cut a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

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

  2. Egg wash and sprinkle: Brush the top of the pie with the beaten egg wash (egg and water mixture) to give it a golden shine. If desired, sprinkle coarse sugar over the top for extra crunch and sweetness.

  3. Bake: Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips, then bake for 20-25 minutes at 425°F. After that, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

  4. Cool: Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the filling to set. If served too early, the filling may be runny, so patience is key.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once your apple pie has cooled, slice and serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast of the warm pie with the cold ice cream is a timeless pairing that elevates this dessert to another level.

Tips for the Perfect Apple Pie

  • Choose the right apples: For the best texture and flavor, use a mix of tart and sweet apples. Varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp hold their shape well and provide a balance of flavors.

  • Chill the dough: Always keep your pie dough cold, especially when working with it. If the butter melts before baking, the crust won’t be as flaky.

  • Avoid a soggy bottom: To prevent a soggy crust, consider blind-baking the bottom crust for a few minutes before adding the filling. Alternatively, you can sprinkle a thin layer of flour or breadcrumbs on the bottom crust to absorb excess juices from the apples.

  • Let it cool: Cooling is crucial for the filling to set properly. If you slice the pie too soon, the filling may be too runny.

Conclusion

Making an apple pie from scratch is a rewarding experience that brings comfort and warmth to any occasion. With a buttery, flaky crust and a filling full of tender apples and fragrant spices, this classic dessert is sure to impress. Follow this recipe, and you’ll have a homemade apple pie that tastes just like grandma used to make. Happy baking!


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