Classic Homemade Apple Pie
There’s nothing quite like the cozy embrace of a warm slice of apple pie, with its flaky crust, tender spiced apples, and the sweet aroma that fills your kitchen. This traditional dessert is a staple at family gatherings, especially during the holiday season. If you’re looking to create a comforting, homemade apple pie from scratch, this recipe will guide you through the process step-by-step.
Ingredients:
- Crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water
- Filling:
- 6 to 8 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices)
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, diced
- Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water)
- Additional sugar for sprinkling on top
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pie Crust: In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar. Add chilled diced butter and cut in using a pastry cutter or two knives until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, stirring just until the dough comes together. Divide the dough in half, shape into discs, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, toss together sliced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice. Let sit for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and juices to release.
- Assemble the Pie: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out one disc of chilled dough on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Transfer to the pan, trimming any excess dough. Fill with the apple mixture and dot with pieces of butter. Roll out the second disc of dough and place over the filling. Trim, seal, and crimp the edges. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Add Finishing Touches: Brush the top crust with egg wash and sprinkle with a little sugar. This will create a golden, shiny finish.
- Bake the Pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake for about 50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil.
- Cool Before Serving: Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving. This gives the filling time to set.
Additional Tips:
- For a spicier kick, you can add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to your filling.
- Using a mix of apple varieties can give your pie a more complex flavor.
- For a crumb topping instead of a top crust, mix equal parts flour, sugar, and cold butter until crumbly and sprinkle over the filling before baking.