Classic Apple Pie Recipe

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
• 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water

For the Filling:

• 6 to 8 cups apples (about 6–8 medium apples), peeled, cored, and sliced
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch

Instructions

Prepare the Crust:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt together.
2. Cut in Butter: Add the chilled, diced butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Ice Water: Sprinkle ice water over the mixture, one tablespoon at a time, stirring gently until the dough begins to hold together. Do not overmix.
4. Form and Chill Dough: Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Prepare the Filling:

1. Prepare Apples: Place the sliced apples in a large bowl.
2. Add Sugars and Spices: Add lemon juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Toss to coat the apples evenly.
3. Thicken Filling: Sprinkle the flour or cornstarch over the apple mixture and mix thoroughly to combine.

Assemble the Pie:

1. Roll Out Bottom Crust: On a floured surface, roll out one dough disk into a 12-inch circle. Fit it into a 9-inch pie dish, pressing gently into the bottom and sides.
2. Add Filling: Pour the apple filling into the crust, spreading it evenly.

Choose a Topping Option:

Option 1: Double Crust

1. Roll Out Top Crust: Roll out the second dough disk into a 12-inch circle.
2. Cover Pie: Place the rolled dough over the filling.
3. Seal and Vent: Trim excess dough, crimp edges to seal, and cut several small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.

Option 2: Lattice Crust

1. Cut Strips: Roll out the second dough disk and cut into ½-inch-wide strips.
2. Create Lattice Pattern: Lay half the strips horizontally over the pie. Weave remaining strips vertically over and under to form a lattice.
3. Seal Edges: Trim excess dough and crimp edges to seal.

Option 3: Streusel Topping

1. Make Streusel: In a bowl, combine ½ cup flour, ½ cup brown sugar, and ¼ cup cold, diced butter. Mix until crumbly.
2. Top Pie: Sprinkle streusel evenly over the apple filling.

Bake the Pie:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat to 425°F (220°C).
2. Bake Initially: Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch drips. Bake for 20–25 minutes until the crust is starting to turn golden.
3. Reduce Temperature: Lower oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 30–35 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
4. Cool Pie: Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm or at room temperature.
• Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.

Enjoy your delicious homemade apple pie!