Apple pie is a classic dessert that brings comfort and joy with every bite. With its flaky crust and sweet, spiced apple filling, it’s no wonder this treat is a favorite for many. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this ultimate homemade apple pie recipe will guide you through creating a delicious pie from scratch. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients:
For the Pie Crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water
For the Apple Filling:
- 6-7 cups of sliced and peeled apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
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- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
- Cut in Butter: Add the chilled butter cubes to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.
- Add Water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing.
- Chill Dough: Divide the dough into two equal parts, flatten each into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
- Slice Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into 1/4-inch thick slices.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, lemon juice, flour, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Mix until the apples are evenly coated.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the dough disks into a 12-inch circle. Fit it into a 9-inch pie dish, allowing the excess dough to hang over the edges.
- Add Filling: Pour the apple filling into the crust-lined pie dish. Dot the top with the butter pieces.
- Top Crust: Roll out the second dough disk and place it over the filling. Trim the excess dough, leaving about 1/2 inch overhang. Fold the edges under and crimp to seal.
- Vent and Egg Wash: Cut slits or a small hole in the top crust to allow steam to escape. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. Brush the top crust with the egg wash.
Step 4: Bake the Pie
- Initial Bake: Place the pie on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 20 minutes.
- Reduce Temperature: After 20 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Cool: 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.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Slice the cooled pie and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy the perfect blend of flaky crust and spiced apple filling!
Tips for the Best Apple Pie
- Apple Variety: Using a mix of tart and sweet apples adds depth of flavor. Granny Smith apples are tart and hold their shape well, while Honeycrisp apples add sweetness and juiciness.
- Chill Ingredients: Keeping the butter and water cold helps create a flaky crust.
- Don’t Overwork Dough: Overworking the dough can result in a tough crust. Mix just until the dough comes together.
- Vent the Top Crust: Proper ventilation allows steam to escape and prevents a soggy crust.
With this ultimate homemade apple pie recipe, you’ll impress your family and friends with a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Happy baking!
FAQ’s
1. Can I use store-bought pie crust instead of making it from scratch?
Yes, you can use store-bought pie crust if you prefer. However, making your own crust from scratch gives the pie a fresher and flakier texture.
2. What are the best apples to use for apple pie?
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are excellent choices. Granny Smith apples are tart and hold their shape well during baking, while Honeycrisp apples are sweet and juicy. You can also mix different types of apples for a more complex flavor.
3. How can I prevent the bottom crust from becoming soggy?
To prevent a soggy bottom crust, you can:
- Pre-bake (blind bake) the crust for about 10 minutes before adding the filling.
- Brush the bottom crust with a beaten egg white before adding the filling to create a barrier.
- Make sure to vent the top crust to allow steam to escape.
4. Can I prepare the apple pie in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the pie in advance. You can assemble the pie and refrigerate it for up to one day before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the unbaked pie and bake it directly from frozen, adding an additional 15-20 minutes to the baking time.
5. How do I store leftover apple pie?
Store leftover apple pie covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the pie for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
