Apple Pie: A Classic, Sweet Delight

Apple Pie is a timeless classic, known for its flaky, buttery crust and sweet, spiced apple filling. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or a cozy dessert at home, this Apple Pie recipe will take you through every step to ensure your pie comes out perfect every time.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter (chilled and cubed)
• 1/4 cup ice water
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Apple Filling:

• 6-7 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon butter (for dotting)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon sugar (for sprinkling on top)

Making Apple Pie

Prepare the Pie Crust

A perfectly flaky crust is the foundation of a delicious Apple Pie.

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Cut in the Butter: Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
3. Add Ice Water: Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
4. Form the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape them into discs, and wrap each in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before rolling out.

Prepare the Apple Filling

The filling is the heart of any Apple Pie, and this combination of sweet and tart apples with warm spices is simply irresistible.

1. Peel and Slice Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into 1/4-inch thick slices. Place them in a large bowl.
2. Add Sugars and Spices: Sprinkle the apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss the apples to coat them evenly.
3. Thicken the Filling: Add the flour to the apple mixture and toss again. This will help thicken the juices as the pie bakes.

Assemble the Pie

1. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish, letting the excess hang over the edges.
2. Fill the Pie: Pour the apple filling into the crust and dot with small pieces of butter for extra richness.
3. Top the Pie: Roll out the second disc of dough and place it over the apple filling. Trim the excess dough and crimp the edges together to seal the pie. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.

Bake the Pie

1. Egg Wash: In a small bowl, beat the egg with a tablespoon of water. Brush the egg wash over the top crust, then sprinkle with sugar for a golden finish.
2. Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the pie for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
3. Cool: Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours before slicing to ensure the filling sets properly.

Tips

• Chill the Dough: Keep the pie dough cold before baking to ensure a flaky crust. You can even chill the assembled pie for 10-15 minutes before baking.
• Variety of Apples: Using a mix of tart and sweet apples (like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp) gives the filling a balanced flavor.
• Prevent Soggy Crust: Tossing the apple filling with flour prevents the pie from becoming too runny as it bakes.

Apple Pie pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a comforting fall beverage, try serving it with a warm cup of Spiced Apple Cider.