Apple Pie Recipe

Introduction

Apple Pie Recipe Overview

Apple pie is a timeless classic loved across generations. Its soft, flavorful apple filling paired with a flaky crust makes it the ultimate dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re baking it for a family gathering or as a comforting treat for yourself, this apple pie recipe delivers incredible results every time. Follow along to create this irresistible masterpiece in your own kitchen.

Detailed Ingredients with Measures

Crust Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1/4 cup ice water

Filling Ingredients

6-7 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and sliced thinly
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup light brown sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Prep Time

Preparation Steps

Start by preparing the pie crust. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing just until the dough comes together. Divide the dough into two equal parts, flatten each into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

For the filling, toss the apple slices with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice in a large mixing bowl. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cooking and Serving Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the chilled dough disks into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer the rolled dough to a 9-inch pie plate, pressing it gently into the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges.

Fill the crust with your prepared apple mixture, spreading it evenly. Add small pieces of butter across the top of the filling. Roll out the second dough disk into another 12-inch circle and place it over the filling. Trim any excess and crimp the edges to seal the pie. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.

Bake the pie in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours before serving. This recipe yields one 9-inch apple pie, perfect for serving 8 people. Enjoy your homemade dessert!
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Detailed Directions and Instructions

Prepare the Apple Filling

1. Peel, core, and slice the apples uniformly for even cooking. Aim for slices that are approximately 1/4 inch thick.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the apple slices, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. Toss the mixture gently to ensure the apple slices are evenly coated.
3. Allow the mixture to sit for 15-20 minutes at room temperature. This will allow the apples to release their natural juices, creating a flavorful filling.

Prepare the Pie Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is ready once the pie is assembled.
2. Roll out the pie dough into two circles, ensuring both are about 1/8 inch thick. One will serve as your bottom crust, while the other will be your top crust.
3. Carefully place one rolled-out dough circle into a pie dish, pressing it gently into the bottom and up the sides. Trim any excess overhang, but leave a small amount to help seal the pie later.

Assemble the Pie

1. Spoon the prepared apple filling into the pie crust-lined dish, spreading it evenly. Avoid over-packing, but ensure the filling is uniformly distributed.
2. Dot the top of the filling with butter pieces to enhance the richness of the filling.
3. Place the second round of rolled dough over the filling.
4. Tuck the top crust edges under the bottom crust edges, pinching them together to create a seal. You can crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
5. Use a sharp knife to cut slits or decorative patterns into the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.

Bake the Pie

1. Place the assembled pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips during baking.
2. Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the slits.
3. If the edges of the crust are browning too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil or a pie crust shield during baking.

Cool and Serve

1. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set.
2. Once cooled, slice and serve the pie as desired. It pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Notes

Note on Apples

Use firm and tart apples like Granny Smith for the best results. Mixing different apple varieties can also add depth to your pie’s flavor.

Note on Spices

Adjust the cinnamon and nutmeg quantities to suit your preference. You can increase or decrease based on how spiced you want the pie to be.

Note on Crust

Make sure to keep the pie dough cold while working with it to ensure it bakes up flaky and tender.

Note on Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Note on Freezing

The pie can be frozen after baking. Once completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven before serving.
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Cook Techniques

Properly Preparing the Apples

Peel, core, and slice the apples to ensure even cooking and avoid them becoming overly mushy in the pie.

Chilling the Dough

Chill the dough before rolling it out to make it easier to handle and to achieve a flakier crust.

Blind Baking the Bottom Crust

Blind bake the bottom crust partially to prevent it from becoming soggy once the filling is added.

Using Cold Butter in Dough

Incorporate cold butter while making the crust to create layers and a flaky texture.

Mixing the Filling Evenly

Mix the apples with sugar, cinnamon, and other ingredients thoroughly to distribute flavors in every bite.

FAQ

How do I keep the bottom crust from getting soggy?

Blind bake the bottom crust and ensure the filling isn’t overly moist to prevent sogginess.

Can I make the pie crust ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pie crust a day before and keep it refrigerated until ready to use.

What type of apples are best for apple pie?

Apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work great due to their ability to hold shape and provide a balance of tartness and sweetness.

How do I know when the pie is done baking?

The pie is ready when the crust is golden brown, and the filling is bubbling around the edges.

Can I freeze the apple pie?

Yes, you can freeze the pie either before or after baking. Make sure it is properly wrapped to avoid freezer burn.

How can I create a shiny crust?

Brush the crust with an egg wash before baking to achieve a golden and shiny finish.

Should I cool the pie before slicing?

Allow the pie to cool for at least an hour to help the filling set, making it easier to slice cleanly.

Conclusion

The apple pie recipe brings together the comforting taste of baked apples and the flakiness of a golden pie crust to make a treat everyone can enjoy. Whether for a holiday, a family gathering, or simply as a dessert to treat yourself after a long day, this pie is a wonderful combination of flavors and textures. With options to tweak and adapt the recipe to personal preferences, it’s an inviting way to showcase the timeless charm of homemade desserts.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Pear and Cinnamon Pie

Try replacing apples with pears and complementing them with a dash of cinnamon for a sweet-spiced variation of the classic pie.

Berry Medley Pie

Combine strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a tangy and colorful pie. Perfect for summer occasions or to brighten your meals.

Caramel Apple Pie

Add a layer of caramel sauce over the apples to bring a rich, creamy sweetness to your pie.

Maple Pecan Apple Pie

Incorporate pecans and a hint of maple syrup for added crunch and a nutty, fall-inspired flavor.

Apple and Cheddar Hand Pies

Turn the apple pie into individual hand pies by pairing apples with sharp cheddar cheese for a savory-sweet twist.

Spiced Pumpkin-Apple Pie

Mix pumpkin puree with your apple filling and sprinkle in some nutmeg and cloves for a delightful seasonal pairing.

Apple and Cranberry Crumble

Swap out the traditional pie crust with a buttery crumble topping and add some cranberries for a tart balance.