Apple Pie

 The Classic Apple Pie Recipe: A Slice of Timeless Comfort

Apple pie is more than just a dessert—it's a symbol of warmth, tradition, and comfort. Whether enjoyed during the holidays or as a year-round treat, apple pie brings the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with juicy apples wrapped in a flaky, golden crust. If you’ve ever wanted to make the perfect homemade apple pie from scratch, this step-by-step guide will take you there, from the buttery crust to the spiced apple filling.

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Ingredients

For the crust (double-crust pie):

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter (chilled and cut into small cubes)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water

For the filling:

• 6-8 medium-sized apples (a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp works well)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to prevent browning)
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice (optional for extra warmth)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch (for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)

For assembly:

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

Instructions

1. Prepare the pie crust:

Making the perfect pie crust is the foundation of a great apple pie. Start by whisking together the flour, salt, and sugar (if using) in a large mixing bowl. Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to combine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter bits.

Next, slowly add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork or your hands until the dough begins to come together. Avoid overworking the dough to keep it tender and flaky. Divide the dough into two equal discs, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days). This step ensures the butter stays cold and helps create a flaky crust.

2. Prepare the apple filling:

While your crust chills, peel, core, and slice your apples into thin, even slices (about 1/4 inch thick). A combination of tart Granny Smith apples and sweeter Honeycrisp apples creates the perfect balance of flavors. Toss the apple slices with lemon juice in a large bowl to prevent browning.

In a separate bowl, mix the sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice (if using), and flour (or cornstarch). Sprinkle this mixture over the apples and gently toss until the apples are evenly coated. Let the filling sit for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the juices to release.

3. Roll out the crust:

After the dough has chilled, take one disc out of the fridge and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Ensure the circle is large enough to fit into a 9-inch pie dish, with a bit of overhang. Carefully transfer the rolled dough to the pie dish, pressing it gently into the bottom and sides.

Roll out the second disc for the top crust in the same manner. If you want to create a lattice top, cut the dough into 1-inch wide strips using a knife or pastry cutter.

4. Assemble the pie:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pour the apple filling into the pie crust, arranging the apples so they form a slightly domed center. Dot the apples with the small pieces of butter, which will melt and enrich the filling.

If you’re making a traditional pie, place the second rolled-out crust over the apples. For a lattice top, lay the dough strips over the filling in a crisscross pattern. Trim any excess dough from the edges, then crimp or flute the edges to seal. Cut a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.

5. Add the finishing touches:

Brush the top crust or lattice strips with the beaten egg to give it a beautiful golden color when baked. Sprinkle with a tablespoon of sugar for added sparkle and crunch.

6. Bake the pie:

Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any potential drips and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for an additional 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the crust browns too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil.

7. Cool and serve:

Once baked, let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set. This step ensures your pie slices cleanly and doesn’t fall apart. Serve your apple pie warm or at room temperature, and consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Tips for Perfect Apple Pie

1. Use a mix of apples: Combining sweet and tart apple varieties, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, provides a well-rounded flavor and texture. Avoid overly soft apples like Red Delicious, as they tend to turn mushy when baked.

2. Don’t skip chilling the dough: Cold butter is crucial for creating a flaky pie crust. If the dough starts to warm up while you’re rolling it out, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes to chill.

3. Adjust sugar based on the apples: If your apples are particularly sweet, you can reduce the sugar slightly. Likewise, if they’re very tart, consider adding a bit more to balance the flavors.

4. Blind-bake the crust for extra crispness: For those who prefer an extra crispy bottom crust, you can blind-bake the bottom crust for 10 minutes before adding the apple filling.

5. Add thickeners to the filling: Apples release juice as they bake, so using a thickener like flour or cornstarch helps prevent a runny pie filling. Make sure to let the pie cool completely before cutting to ensure the filling sets properly.

Conclusion

Apple pie is the ultimate dessert for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive holiday gathering. Its buttery, flaky crust and perfectly spiced apple filling make it a timeless favorite that never disappoints. With this classic apple pie recipe, you’ll master the art of baking a pie that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. So roll up your sleeves, grab some apples, and get ready to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked pie!