There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a freshly baked apple pie wafting through your home. This classic dessert, with its flaky crust and sweet, spiced apple filling, is a favorite for many. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special occasion, or just because, this homemade apple pie recipe will guide you to perfection.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, very cold and cut into small cubes
- 6-8 tablespoons ice water
For the filling:
- 6-7 cups thinly sliced, peeled apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
For the egg wash:
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough begins to come together. Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and flour. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Transfer the dough to the pie dish, gently pressing it into the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough, leaving a slight overhang.
- Assemble the pie: Pour the apple filling into the crust-lined pie dish. Dot the filling with small pieces of butter. Roll out the second disk of dough and place it over the filling. Trim the excess dough, fold the edges under, and crimp to seal. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Apply the egg wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. Brush the top crust with the egg wash to give it a beautiful golden color when baked.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil.
- Cool and serve: Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving. This helps the filling to set. Serve warm or at room temperature, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
FAQs
1. What are the best apples for apple pie? Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are excellent choices for apple pie. Granny Smith apples are tart and hold their shape well during baking, while Honeycrisp apples are sweet and juicy. A mix of both can provide a balanced flavor and texture.
2. Can I make the pie crust ahead of time? Yes, you can make the pie crust ahead of time. The dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 3 months. If freezing, wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag.
3. How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust? To prevent a soggy bottom crust, make sure to bake the pie on the lower rack of the oven. You can also brush the bottom crust with a thin layer of beaten egg white before adding the filling to create a barrier that helps keep the crust crisp.
4. Can I use store-bought pie crust? Yes, you can use store-bought pie crust if you’re short on time. Follow the package instructions for best results.
5. How should I store leftover apple pie? Store leftover apple pie covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the pie for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the pie for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm the pie in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.
6. Can I make apple pie without a top crust? Yes, you can make an apple pie without a top crust, often referred to as a Dutch apple pie. Instead of a top crust, you can use a crumb topping made from flour, sugar, and butter.
7. What can I serve with apple pie? Apple pie is delicious on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Enjoy baking and savoring this classic homemade apple pie! If you have any other questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask. Happy baking!