Ultimate Classic Apple Pie Recipe

Introduction

There’s nothing more comforting than a warm, slice of classic apple pie fresh out of the oven. This ultimate classic apple pie recipe brings together the perfect buttery crust and a harmonious blend of spiced apple filling. Whether you’re preparing it for holidays, parties, or just to satisfy a dessert craving, this recipe guarantees a crowd-pleaser!

Detailed Ingredients with Measures

For the buttery crust:

– All-purpose flour: 2 1/2 cups
– Cold unsalted butter (cubed): 1 cup
– Granulated sugar: 1 tablespoon
– Pinch of salt
– Ice water: 6-8 tablespoons

For the apple filling:

– Fresh apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced): 6 cups
– Granulated sugar: 3/4 cup
– Brown sugar: 1/4 cup
– Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
– Ground nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon
– Ground cloves: 1/8 teaspoon
– Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
– All-purpose flour (for thickening): 3 tablespoons

Optional topping:

– Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon milk)
– Granulated sugar for garnish

Prep Time

Preparing your classic apple pie requires a bit of time but is absolutely worth it. The prep work, which includes getting the buttery crust ready and the apples sliced and seasoned, takes approximately 45 minutes.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook time: Allow your pie to bake for 50-60 minutes until the crust reaches a beautiful golden color and the apple filling bubbles gently.

Total time: When you combine prep and cook time, your pie will be ready in about 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Yield: This recipe yields one standard 9-inch apple pie, perfect for serving 8 people.

Steps to the Perfect Apple Pie

Making this ultimate classic apple pie is a straightforward process:

1. Prepare the crust by mixing the flour, sugar, and salt. Gradually incorporate the cold butter, and add ice water until the dough comes together. Divide into two disks, wrap with plastic, and chill for an hour.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the apple slices with sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, lemon juice, and flour. Set aside.
3. Roll out the first disk of dough and place it in a pie dish. Add the apple filling. Then, cover the pie with the second rolled-out dough, seal the edges, and create 5-6 slits for steam.
4. Brush the crust with the egg wash and sprinkle with sugar if desired.
5. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 50-60 minutes and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy your ultimate classic apple pie—it’s guaranteed to bring smiles all around your table!

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

– In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Mix until evenly distributed.
– Cut the butter into small chunks and incorporate it into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
– Gradually add ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork until the dough begins to come together. Avoid overmixing.
– Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape each into a disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours or overnight.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

– Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin, even slices. Place them into a large mixing bowl.
– Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, lemon juice, and cornstarch or flour into the apples. Toss together until the apple slices are evenly coated. Allow the mixture to sit for 15-20 minutes to release juices.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

– Remove one disc of dough from the refrigerator and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes to slightly soften.
– On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a large circle approximately 12 inches in diameter.
– Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to a 9-inch pie pan, pressing it gently to fit the bottom and sides. Trim the edges, leaving about a 1-inch overhang.
– Refrigerate the lined pie pan while you roll out the second disc for the top crust.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
– Fill the lined pie crust with the prepared apple mixture, creating an even layer.
– Roll out the second disc of dough and cover the pie with it. If desired, create lattice strips or decorative patterns for the top crust.
– Seal the edges by pinching or crimping them using your fingers or a fork.
– Cut a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.

Step 5: Chill the Assembled Pie

– Place the assembled pie in the refrigerator and allow it to chill for 15-20 minutes. This helps ensure the dough remains cold, resulting in a flakier crust.

Step 6: Bake the Apple Pie

– Remove the chilled pie from the refrigerator. Brush the top crust lightly with an egg wash made by whisking one egg with a tablespoon of water. Sprinkle with granulated sugar for added texture and sweetness, if desired.
– Place the pie on the center rack of your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
– Check the pie midway through baking, and if the edges are browning too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil to prevent overcooking.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

– Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set.
– Slice and serve as is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

Notes

Note 1: Choice of Apples

– Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a well-balanced flavor. Common options include Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Golden Delicious.

Note 2: Preventing a Soggy Crust

– To avoid a soggy bottom crust, you can brush the bottom crust with a thin layer of beaten egg white before filling it.

Note 3: Storage

– Store leftover apple pie covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat slices in the oven for a freshly baked texture.

Note 4: Make-Ahead Tips

– The pie dough and apple filling can both be prepared 1-2 days in advance and stored separately in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Note 5: Freezing Instructions

– To freeze the unbaked pie, assemble the pie fully, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and place in a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding an additional 15-20 minutes to the baking time.

Cook Techniques

How to Prepare the Buttery Crust

To make your apple pie exceptionally flaky, ensure that the butter used in the crust is cold. Mix the butter into the flour gently to achieve a crumbly texture, as overmixing can lead to a tough crust. Refrigerate the dough after forming to help it set properly.

Slicing the Apples Evenly

For a balanced filling, slice the apples uniformly. Thin, even slices cook evenly and allow the pie to have a cohesive texture throughout.

Precooking the Apple Filling

Precook the apples before adding them to the crust. This step minimizes the risk of a soggy crust and enhances the apple flavor, as it allows the fruit to soften and release its juices beforehand.

Using Pie Weights for Blind Baking

Blind baking is critical for achieving a perfectly crisp base. Use pie weights or dried beans on parchment paper when prebaking, which helps prevent the crust from puffing up or shrinking.

Proper Lattice Design on the Crust

When creating a lattice crust, ensure the strips are evenly spaced and not too thick. Alternate the placement of the strips for a visually appealing appearance while also allowing steam to escape during baking.

Allowing the Pie to Cool Completely

Letting the pie cool entirely before serving ensures the filling sets properly, preventing it from spilling out when sliced.

FAQ

What kind of apples should I use for apple pie?

Select a mix of tart and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Golden Delicious, to balance the flavor and texture in your pie.

Why is my crust not flaky?

Ensure that your butter is cold and avoid overworking the dough. Overmixing can activate gluten, making the crust tough instead of flaky.

How can I prevent a soggy bottom crust?

Precook your apple filling to reduce excess moisture, and blind bake the crust before adding the filling.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Yes, peeling the apples removes the tough skin and allows for a smoother texture in the pie.

How should I store leftover apple pie?

Store leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered in plastic wrap or foil, for up to three days. Reheat slices in the oven for a crispy crust.

Can I freeze apple pie?

Yes, you can freeze an apple pie either before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.

How do I reheat the pie for serving?

To reheat, place the pie in a preheated oven at 350°F and heat for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid reheating in the microwave as it can make the crust soggy.

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Conclusion

The Ultimate Classic Apple Pie with Buttery Crust is a timeless dessert that captures the essence of comfort and tradition. Its flaky, golden crust pairs harmoniously with the sweet and slightly tart apple filling, delivering the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed on its own, this pie is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, worthy of any special occasion or casual gathering.

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