Classic Apple Pie Recipe

Apple pie is a quintessential dessert that evokes the comforts of home and the warmth of family gatherings. With its flaky, buttery crust and sweet, spiced apple filling, it’s a classic treat that has been enjoyed for generations. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or on its own, apple pie is a timeless dessert that never fails to delight.

This recipe provides step-by-step instructions for making a traditional apple pie from scratch, including a homemade pie crust and a delicious apple filling seasoned with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of lemon juice for brightness.

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water

For the Apple Filling:

• 6-8 medium apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon milk

Optional Topping:

• Turbinado sugar (for sprinkling)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Cut in Butter: Add the cold butter pieces to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.
3. Add Water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
4. Form Dough: Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disk. Wrap each disk in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

1. Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie pan, pressing it gently into the bottom and up the sides.
2. Add Filling: Pour the apple filling into the pie crust, spreading it evenly. Dot the filling with small pieces of butter.
3. Top Crust: Roll out the second disk of dough into a 12-inch circle. Place it over the apples. Trim the excess dough, leaving a 1-inch overhang. Fold the overhang under and crimp the edges to seal.
4. Cut Slits: Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
5. Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and milk. Brush the top crust with the egg wash. If desired, sprinkle with turbinado sugar.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Bake: Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the edges start to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil.
3. Cool: Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing. This helps the filling to set.

Step 5: Serve

1. Slice and Enjoy: Serve the apple pie warm or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Tips for the Perfect Apple Pie

• Apple Variety: Using a mix of tart and sweet apples provides a balanced flavor. Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness and firmness.
• Prevent Soggy Crust: For a crisp bottom crust, consider pre-baking the bottom crust for about 10 minutes before adding the filling.
• Flavor Enhancements: A pinch of ground ginger or cardamom can add a unique twist to the traditional spices.
• Cooling Time: Allowing the pie to cool completely ensures the filling sets properly and makes slicing easier.

A classic apple pie is a beloved dessert that brings the comforting flavors of sweet, spiced apples and flaky crust to any table. Whether for a holiday feast or a casual family dinner, this apple pie recipe is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the timeless delight of homemade apple pie!