When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the warm, sweet aroma of freshly baked apple pie. This classic dessert, with its flaky crust and deliciously spiced apple filling, is perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or just a cozy night at home. Follow this simple recipe to create a pie that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6 to 8 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes 8 servings. Preparation time is approximately 30 minutes, and cooking time is about 45-50 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 slice) contains approximately 250 calories, 12g of fat, 35g of carbohydrates, 2g of protein, and 5g of fiber.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add diced butter and mix until crumbly.
- Gradually add cold water until the dough forms.
- Divide the dough into two balls and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Roll out one dough ball to fit your pie dish.
- In another bowl, mix sliced apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, and sugar.
- Pour the apple filling into the pie crust.
- Roll out the second dough ball and create a lattice top.
- Brush the lattice with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute the apples with pears or peaches for a different flavor. Additionally, use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of the crust.
Serving and Pairings
This apple pie pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Serve warm for the best experience, or enjoy it cold the next day.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover pie in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can reheat individual slices in the microwave or warm the entire pie in an oven set to 350°F (175°C). Apple pie can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overworking the dough can lead to a tough crust.
- Not chilling the butter before mixing may result in a dense crust.
- Using too many watery apples can make the filling soupy.
- Failing to vent the top crust can cause bubbling over.
- Not preheating the oven can lead to uneven baking.
Helpful Tips
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for depth of flavor.
- Chill the pie before baking for a flakier crust.
- Experiment with spices like allspice or ginger for a twist.
- Let the pie cool before slicing to help it set.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought crust for this recipe?
Yes, you can use store-bought crust to save time. Just follow the package instructions for baking.
What apples are best for apple pie?
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are excellent choices due to their balance of sweetness and tartness, maintaining texture when baked.
How do I prevent my pie from getting soggy?
To prevent a soggy bottom, you can pre-bake the crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling or sprinkle a layer of flour or breadcrumbs on the bottom.
Can I make this pie in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the pie a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and bake it just before serving.
What should I do if my pie crust tears?
If your crust tears, just patch it with some extra dough. It will still bake beautifully and taste great!
Conclusion
This apple pie recipe is a delightful addition to any dessert table. With its flaky crust and sweet, spiced filling, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy it warm with a scoop of ice cream for a comforting treat!
Apple Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter chilled and diced
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6 to 8 apples peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 egg for egg wash
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add diced butter and mix until crumbly.
- Gradually add cold water until the dough forms.
- Divide the dough into two balls and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Roll out one dough ball to fit your pie dish.
- In another bowl, mix sliced apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, and sugar.
- Pour the apple filling into the pie crust.
- Roll out the second dough ball and create a lattice top.
- Brush the lattice with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown.
