Homemade Apple Pie

Nothing fills your kitchen with the cozy, soothing scent of a freshly baked apple pie like it does. This traditional American dessert represents customs and get-togethers with family. To make your own little piece of apple pie paradise, just follow this easy recipe.

Tasting Notes

Expect a symphony of flavors in every bite – tender, cinnamon-spiced apples encased in a flaky, buttery crust. This apple pie is the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, with a hint of warmth from the spices.

Ingredients

For the Pie Filling:

• 6 cups peeled, cored, and sliced apples (a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp works well)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Pie Crust:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water

Kitchen Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Pastry cutter or food processor
• Rolling pin
• 9-inch pie dish
• Aluminum foil
• Baking sheet

Instructions

Pie Crust:

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt for the crust.
2. Add cold, cubed butter and cut it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
4. Divide the dough in half, shape each into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Pie Filling:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with lemon juice.
3. In a separate bowl, mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4. Combine the dry mixture with the apples, ensuring the slices are evenly coated.

Assembly:

1. Roll out one disc of pie crust on a floured surface and transfer it to the pie dish.
2. Add the apple filling, creating a mound in the center.
3. Roll out the second disc and place it over the filling. Trim excess crust and crimp the edges to seal.
4. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
5. Optional: brush the crust with milk and sprinkle sugar for a golden finish.

Baking:

1. Place the pie on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil to catch any drips.
2. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
3. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil.

Pro Tips

• Use a mix of apple varieties for a more complex flavor.
• Refrigerate the pie crust dough for optimal flakiness.
• Allow the pie to cool before slicing for cleaner cuts.

Variations

• Add a handful of cranberries or raisins to the filling for extra sweetness.
• Top the pie with a lattice crust for a decorative touch.

FAQs