If you’ve ever enjoyed a warm slice of homemade apple pie, you know why it’s an American classic. One taste of this delightful dessert, and it’s no wonder my neighbor showed up at my door begging for the recipe! This is not just any apple pie; it’s a labor of love, filled with juicy apples, warming spices, and enveloped in a flaky crust. In this article, I’ll share how to make this incredible apple pie from scratch, guiding you through the process so you can impress your friends and family too!
Why Make This Recipe
You should make this recipe for several reasons. First, apple pie is a timeless dessert that evokes memories of family gatherings and special occasions. Second, it’s surprisingly easy to prepare, and you may already have many of the ingredients on hand. Lastly, there is nothing quite like the aroma of a freshly baked apple pie wafting through your home. This recipe can elevate any dinner party or casual get-together and surely make everyone ask for a slice—and the recipe!
How to Make Apple Pie
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ pounds apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 package (14 ounces) refrigerated pie crusts
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Prepare the Filling: Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples with granulated sugar, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and flour. Toss until the apples are evenly coated. Set this mixture aside to allow the flavors to meld.
Prepare the Pie Crust: Unroll one pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan. Make sure to gently press it into the bottom and up the sides of the pan.
Fill the Pie: Pour the apple mixture into the pie crust, and dot the top with small pieces of butter.
Top the Pie: Roll out the second pie crust and lay it over the filling. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges, leaving about an inch. Fold the edges under and crimp them to seal. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
Add the Egg Wash: Brush the top crust with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
Bake the Pie: Bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven. Then, lower the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for another 35 to 45 minutes or until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown.
Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool for about 2 hours before serving so that the filling can set.
How to Serve Apple Pie
Apple pie is best served warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. This makes for an exceptional dessert experience! You can also sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on top for extra flavor.
How to Store Apple Pie
To store your apple pie, wait until it has completely cooled. Cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to five days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months!
Tips for Success with Apple Pie
- Choose the Right Apples: For the best flavor, use a mix of tart and sweet apples.
- Don’t Overmix: When preparing the dough, be careful not to overmix; this helps maintain the flakiness of the crust.
- Chill Your Ingredients: Keep your butter and water cold when making the crust for the best texture.
- Use a Baking Sheet: Place your pie on a baking sheet while it bakes to catch any possible spills.
Variations
There are endless ways to customize apple pie. Here are a few ideas:
- Add Berries: Mix in some fresh blueberries or raspberries for added flavor.
- Caramel Apple Pie: Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples before topping with the crust for a decadent twist.
- Spiced Rum: Add a splash of spiced rum or bourbon to the filling for an adult version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen pie crusts for this recipe?
Yes! You can use store-bought frozen pie crusts if you’re short on time. Just follow the package instructions for baking.
What apples are best for baking?
A combination of tart apples like Granny Smith and sweet apples like Fuji works beautifully together in pies.
Can I make this pie dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter in the crust and filling with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
Now that you have this amazing apple pie recipe, it’s time to gather your ingredients and bake! Whether for a family dinner or a potluck, this pie will surely delight everyone’s taste buds. Don’t forget to share your experience with friends and ask them to check out similar recipes on Tastylabo. Happy baking!