Apple Pie Recipe

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Introduction

If you’re looking for the best apple pie recipe, you’ve just found it! This apple pie from Carlsbad Cravings is a delightful blend of buttery crust and perfectly spiced, tender apples for a taste of fall in every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at pie for the first time, this recipe walks you through each step to achieve pie perfection.

Detailed Ingredients with Measures

The beauty of this apple pie lies in its balanced and cozy flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Crust:

– All-purpose flour
– Granulated sugar
– Salt
– Unsalted butter (cold and cut into cubes)
– Ice water

For the Filling:

– Apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, peeled, cored, and sliced thinly)
– Granulated sugar
– Brown sugar
– Ground cinnamon
– Nutmeg
– Lemon juice
– Cornstarch
– Vanilla extract

For the Egg Wash:

– Egg yolk
– Milk

Prep Time

The preparation for this apple pie requires a bit of time and patience but is entirely worth it. From peeling the apples to creating the crust from scratch, the process is as rewarding as the finished product. Taking your time to perfect each step leads to a flavorful and beautiful pie you’ll be proud to serve.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time: The pie bakes in the oven until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling, bringing the total time of preparation and cooking together seamlessly.
Total Time: All things considered, this pie demands only a reasonable amount of effort for the amazing results you’ll achieve.
Yield: The pie serves as a treat that will generously provide enough slices for six to eight people – perfect for a family gathering or celebration.

Whether you’re baking this for the holidays or just to enjoy a comforting homemade dessert, Carlsbad Cravings’ apple pie recipe is a sure win for any occasion!

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Detailed Directions and Instructions

Prepare the Pie Dough

1. Begin by preparing your pie dough. If using store-bought dough, let it come to room temperature according to the package instructions before rolling it out.
2. For homemade dough, roll the bottom crust to about 12-13 inches in diameter and gently transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish.
3. Press the dough into the dish, ensuring there are no air pockets. Trim the edges to a ½-inch overhang and refrigerate until ready to use.

Prepare the Apple Filling

1. Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples, aiming for uniform thickness to ensure even baking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples with sugar, brown sugar, flour, lemon juice, lemon zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Toss well until the apples are evenly coated.
3. Allow the filling to rest for about 20 minutes, letting the juices release and blend with the spices.

Assemble the Pie

1. Retrieve the bottom pie crust from the refrigerator. Arrange the apple filling into the crust, heaping slightly in the center.
2. Roll out the top crust to a similar size (12-13 inches in diameter). Place the crust over the apples.
3. Trim the edges to match the bottom overhang, then fold and crimp the edges as desired to seal the pie.
4. Use a sharp knife to cut small slits or a decorative pattern in the top crust to allow steam to escape.

Prepare the Egg Wash

1. In a small bowl, whisk together an egg with a tablespoon of milk or water.
2. Brush the egg wash evenly over the top crust and edges of the pie.
3. If desired, sprinkle sugar lightly over the top for a glistening finish.

Bake the Pie

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Place the pie on the middle rack and bake for 20-25 minutes.
2. After the initial high-heat bake, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for another 40-50 minutes, checking periodically to prevent over-browning. If necessary, tent the edges with foil.

Cool and Serve

1. Once the pie is golden brown and the juices are bubbling through the slits, remove it from the oven.
2. Let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 2-3 hours to allow the filling to set properly.
3. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled with your choice of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Notes

Choosing the Right Apples

– Opt for a mix of sweet and tart apples for depth of flavor. Common choices include Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji.

Flavor Adjustments

– Adjust the sugar levels based on the sweetness of your apples. If they are particularly tart, you may wish to increase the sugar slightly.

Preventing a Soggy Bottom

– Place a baking sheet beneath the pie to catch any drips and to help create a crisp bottom crust.

Make-Ahead Tips

– The pie dough can be prepared and refrigerated up to 3 days in advance or frozen for up to 3 months.
– The apple filling can also be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Storage and Reheating

– Leftovers can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
– Reheat slices in the oven or microwave before serving, if desired.

Freezing the Pie

– Freeze the assembled, unbaked pie by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Bake directly from frozen, adding additional time as needed.
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Cook Techniques

How to Prevent a Soggy Crust

Make sure to blind bake your pie crust before adding the filling. This helps create a barrier to avoid sogginess when the juices from the apples start to seep through.

How to Make a Perfect Crust

Keep all your ingredients cold while making the pie dough – this ensures flaky layers. Chill the dough thoroughly before rolling it out and assembling the pie.

Layer Your Apples for Best Results

Fan the apple slices into the crust evenly, pressing down slightly to avoid air gaps. This prevents uneven filling and promotes even cooking.

Vent the Pie Properly

Cut slits into the top of the pie or use a lattice crust to allow steam to escape, preventing the filling from becoming watery.

Use a Flavorful Thickener

Add a thickener, such as cornstarch, to the apple filling. This helps to thicken the juices released by the apples while baking, creating that perfect consistency in your pie.

Brush the Crust

Brushing the pie crust with an egg wash before baking gives it a beautiful golden-brown color and an attractive shine.

Prevent Premature Browning

If the crust edges are browning too fast while baking, cover them with aluminum foil or a pie shield to prevent over-baking.

FAQ

What Are the Best Apples for Apple Pie?

The best apples for a pie are those that maintain their structure while baking and have a balance of sweet and tart flavors. A combination of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp is recommended for the perfect balance.

Can I Make the Pie Dough Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can make the dough in advance and keep it refrigerated for up to three days or freeze it for longer storage. Let it thaw before rolling it out if frozen.

Do I Have to Peel the Apples?

It’s recommended to peel the apples, as the skins can become tough and chewy during baking, which may affect the texture of the pie.

Why Is My Pie Runny?

Runny pies are often caused by underbaking or not using a proper thickener. Ensure the pie bakes long enough and use a thickener like cornstarch to help the juices set.

How Do I Store Leftover Apple Pie?

Leftover pie can be stored at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to five days. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil.

Can I Freeze Apple Pie?

Yes, you can freeze baked apple pie. Allow it to cool completely, wrap it tightly in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to three months. Reheat in the oven before serving.

How Do I Keep My Pie Crust from Shrinking?

To prevent shrinkage, don’t overwork the dough, chill it before baking, and avoid stretching it when placing it in the pie dish.

Why Does My Bottom Crust Stay Doughy?

A doughy bottom crust can be caused by not blind baking it first or by not baking the pie long enough. Make sure to fully pre-bake the crust and bake the pie until the filling is bubbly.

Conclusion

Apple pie is a timeless dessert that brings warmth and comfort to every table. By following this recipe, you can achieve the perfect harmony of tender, flaky crust and warmly spiced apple filling. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a cozy weekend treat, this homemade apple pie is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy every bite of this classic and indulgent dessert with friends and family!

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