Classic Apple Pie

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8
Equipment:
9-inch pie dish
mixing bowl
rolling pin
knife
oven
Cuisine Type: American
Classic Apple Pie is a quintessential dessert that evokes feelings of warmth and nostalgia, often associated with family gatherings and festive occasions. The combination of tender, sweet apples enveloped in a buttery, flaky crust creates a delightful contrast that makes each bite a true celebration of flavor.
This recipe isn’t only straightforward but also allows for customization with spices and sweetness, making it suitable for all palates. The secret to a perfect apple pie lies in the choice of apples and the balance of flavors. Tart apples like Granny Smith complement the sweetness of sugar and spices, while a touch of lemon juice brightens the filling.
Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed on its own, this Classic Apple Pie is sure to become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 6-8 tablespoons ice water
- 6 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (mix of tart and sweet varieties)
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter, to dot
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the chilled cubed butter and mix with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). On a floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to fit your 9-inch pie dish. Transfer the rolled dough into the dish, pressing gently into the bottom and sides.
- In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until well coated. Pour the apple mixture into the prepared pie crust, and dot with small pieces of butter on top.
- Roll out the second disc of dough and place it over the filling. You can either cut slits in the top crust for ventilation or create a lattice design. Crimp the edges to seal and brush the top with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 35-40 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil.
- Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing. This allows the filling to set properly.
Extra Tips:
To enhance the flavor of your apple pie, consider adding a tablespoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of ground ginger to the apple filling. For a beautiful glaze, you can sprinkle coarse sugar over the top crust before baking.
This classic dessert is best served at room temperature or slightly warmed, making it a versatile treat for any occasion.