Apple Pie – This delicious Apple Pie Recipe is the epitome of a classic American dessert. It’s all, about that crust embracing a luscious filling of apples. This pie is dream-worthy. So come along with me as we embark on an adventure to create this mouthwatering masterpiece.
I can still vividly recall the first time I made this Apple Pie. The sweet scent of apples, cinnamon, and butter infused my kitchen instantly taking me back to my childhood days. This recipe has been passed down from my grandmother. As I prepared it for the first time myself memories flooded in of all those wonderful moments when my family savored this delightful dessert. It was a hit with my husband and our child; their eyes filled with joy as they took that first bite. This Apple Pie quickly became a tradition in our household.
What makes this Apple Pie truly special?
What makes this Apple Pie truly special is its balance between sweetness and tartness the tender slightly crispy apple slices and the flaky crust enriched with butter that lovingly holds everything together. With an abundance of apple slices generously layered inside this pie bursts, with flavors that bring back warm memories of homemade goodness. The true highlight is the handcrafted crust carefully made to create a texture that melts in your mouth ensuring each bite is an unforgettable moment.
What You Need To Make This Apple Pie Recipe?
Apple Filling:
Apples: Use 6 to 8 peeled apples weighing around 3.5 pounds. It’s best to choose a mix of apple varieties, like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp or Fuji for a rounded flavor. Make sure to slice them at a thickness of 1/4 inch to ensure they cook evenly.
Vanilla Extract: Add 1 teaspoon of Vanilla Extract which will enhance the aroma and flavor of the filling giving it a sweetness and warmth.
All-Purpose Flour: Include 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour in the filling as it helps absorb any moisture from the apples and prevents the crust from becoming soggy. Additionally, it thickens the filling during baking.
Granulated Sugar: Adjust the amount of Granulated Sugar between 1/4 to 1/2 cup according to your desired level of sweetness. Less sugar will bring out the tartness of the apples while more sugar will create a sweeter filling.
Brown Sugar: For added richness and depth of flavor add 1/4 cup of Brown Sugar which imparts a caramel sweetness to the filling.
Ground Cinnamon: Enhance the taste with 1 teaspoon of Ground Cinnamon which adds an aromatic note that perfectly complements the apples.
Ground Nutmeg: Finally add a hint (1/4 teaspoon of Ground Nutmeg), for its earthy and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with both apples and cinnamon.
Salt: To make the filling more balanced, in terms of sweetness and to enhance the flavor complexity a small amount of salt (1/4 teaspoon) is added.
Pie Crust:
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the pie crust consists of All Purpose Flour (2¼ cups) which gives it structure and a texture.
Granulated Sugar: To add a touch of sweetness and promote browning during baking, Granulated Sugar (1 tablespoon) is incorporated into the crust.
Salt: To enhance the flavor of the crust and balance out the sweetness in the filling, salt (½ teaspoon) is included.
Cold Unsalted Butter: Achieving a tender crust requires Cold Unsalted Butter (1 cup or 16 tablespoons). It’s important to cut it into cubes so that it can be evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Ice-Cold Water: Ice Cold Water (7 tablespoons) is used to bind the dough. It should be added sparingly to achieve the consistency without making it too wet.
Other Ingredients:
Milk: Before baking Milk (1 tablespoon) is brushed onto the pie crust. This helps with browning. Gives it a golden finish.
Coarse Turbinado Sugar: For a crunch and visual appeal you have an option to sprinkle some Coarse Turbinado Sugar on top of the crust.
Steps To Make Apple Pie:
Step 1: To make the apple filling start by placing the peeled and sliced apples into a bowl. Add in the vanilla extract, ¼ cup of flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. Set this mixture aside while you get ready to prepare the pie crust.
Step 2: Now let’s move on to creating the pie crust. In a food processor bowl combine 2¼ cups of all-purpose flour with 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar and ½ teaspoon of salt. Pulse the ingredients until they are mixed together. Next, add in the cold butter cubes and pulse about 10 times until you achieve butter pieces that are about the size of peas. Pour in some ice water and pulse again until the dough comes together.
Step 3: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface divide it into two parts and shape them into disks. Wrap one disk with plastic wrap. Put it in the refrigerator, for later use.
Step 4: Take out the disk from earlier. Roll it out on a floured surface to create a round pie crust that measures about 12 inches in diameter.
Step 5: Now let’s move on to assembling our pie! By now your apple mixture should have released some of its juices. Give it another stir to combine everything nicely before pouring it into your pie crust.
Step 6: Lastly roll out your pie dough disk so that it forms another shape measuring approximately 12 inches, in diameter.
Step 7: You have two options, for placing the pie crust; either on top of the pie or creating a lattice top. If you decide to use the dough round make slits in the upper crust to allow steam to escape while baking.
Step 8: To create a lattice top cut the dough round into strips that are about half an inch wide and weave them over the pie. Trim any edges. Fold them underneath crimping the crust as desired.
Step 9: Brush some milk onto the pie crust to enhance its browning. If you like, sprinkle it with sugar.
Step 10: Place the pie in the refrigerator for around 30 minutes to chill while preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) with one of its racks positioned in the section.
Step 11: Bake at 400°F (200°C), for 20 minutes initially then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C). Continue baking for 40 to 50 minutes or until you notice that the filling is bubbling. If you find that your crust is browning quickly cover it loosely with foil.
Step 12: Allow your pie to cool at room temperature for 2 hours before serving so that its filling can be set properly.
Tip:
For a flaky bottom crust place the pie in the oven on a preheated baking sheet or pizza stone before baking. This added boost of heat, from beneath will guarantee that the bottom crust is thoroughly cooked and doesn’t get soggy when working with a fruit filling such as apples.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Certainly! Using a store-bought crust is an option. If you have the time and inclination making your own crust really takes the flavor and texture of the pie to another level.
Can I freeze the pie for later?
Absolutely! Just make sure to wrap it and you can safely freeze it for, up to three months.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can actually make the pie a day ahead of time. Keep it covered with plastic wrap at room temperature. It will still taste great after being prepared so you don’t have to compromise on convenience or flavor.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Apple Pie Recipe
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling:
- 8 c. peeled apples sliced ¼-inch thick (approximately 6-8 apples, 3.5 pounds)
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- ¼ c. all-purpose flour
- ¼ to ½ c. granulated sugar adjust to taste
- ¼ c. brown sugar
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp. ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp. salt
For the Pie Crust:
- 2¼ c. all-purpose flour you can substitute up to half with white whole wheat flour
- 1 tbsp. granulated sugar
- ½ tsp. salt
- 1 c. cold unsalted butter cut into small cubes (16 tbsp.)
- 7 tbsp. ice-cold water
Remaining Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp. milk
- Coarse turbinado sugar optional
Instructions
To make the Apple Filling:
- Take 8 cups of sliced and peeled apples. Mix them with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, ¼ cup of flour ¼, to ½ cup of granulated sugar, ¼ cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg and a pinch of salt. Set this mixture aside.
For the Pie Crust:
- Using a food processor combine 2¼ cups of flour, 1 tablespoon of sugar and half a teaspoon of salt. Add in one cup of butter that has been cubed. Pulse the mixture until you see pea-sized pieces forming. Then add in 7 tablespoons of ice water and pulse again until the dough comes together.
- Divide the dough into two halves. Roll out one half to fit your pie pan and chill the half.
Assembling the Pie:
- Fill your pie crust with the apple mixture prepared earlier. Roll out the remaining dough. Place it on top to cover the filling completely. Seal the edges by pressing them
- Brush the crust with one tablespoon of milk. Sprinkle some coarse sugar over it if desired.
Baking:
- Let your pie chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) with a rack positioned in the lower third.
- Place your chilled pie in the oven at this temperature for 20 minutes. Then reduce the heat to 350°F (180°C). Continue baking for another 40 to 50 minutes or until you notice bubbling around the edges. If needed you can tent some foil, over it to prevent browning.
Cooling and Serving:
- Make sure to let the pie cool for a minimum of 2 hours, at room temperature before serving. Once it's properly cooled down you can enjoy your delicious homemade Apple Pie!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
