Apple pie is an all-time classic dessert that brings warmth and comfort to any gathering. With its flaky crust and spiced apple filling, this pie is perfect for fall, but its timeless flavor can be enjoyed year-round. This recipe focuses on creating a tender, buttery crust that complements the sweet and slightly tart apple filling. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a memorable dessert experience.
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 30 minutes
- Cook time: 1 hour
- Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Servings: 8
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 cups sliced and peeled apples (a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp works well)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (to thicken the filling)
Optional for Topping:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar. Add chilled, cubed butter.
- Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter pieces should be about the size of small peas.
- Slowly add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough starts to hold together. Be careful not to overwork the dough to ensure a flaky crust.
- Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disk, and wrap them in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the apple slices, granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the flour over the apples and gently stir. This flour will help thicken the filling as it bakes, preventing a soggy pie.
- Set the filling aside while you roll out the dough.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
- On a floured surface, roll out one of the dough disks to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Carefully transfer the dough to the pie pan, pressing it into the bottom and sides.
- Pour the apple filling into the crust, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
- Dot the filling with the 2 tablespoons of butter, cut into small pieces. This adds a rich flavor to the filling.
- Roll out the second disk of dough and place it over the apples. Trim any excess dough and pinch the edges together to seal. You can crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative touch.
- Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape, or make a lattice top if you prefer.
Step 4: Bake the Pie
- Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes. The crust should be golden brown, and the filling should be bubbly.
- If the crust begins to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
- Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least an hour. This allows the filling to set, making it easier to slice.
- Dust the top of the pie with powdered sugar, if desired, for a touch of sweetness and a beautiful finish.
Presentation
Serve the apple pie warm or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. A drizzle of caramel sauce can also enhance the flavors, adding a hint of sweetness to the tart apple filling. Slice carefully to showcase the apple layers within, and watch your guests’ faces light up as they take that first bite.
This classic apple pie recipe is a beautiful representation of comfort food. The buttery, flaky crust paired with the perfectly spiced apple filling brings back memories of family gatherings and warm, cozy kitchens. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can make this timeless dessert. Whether it’s for a holiday, a family dinner, or just because, apple pie is always a hit. Try this recipe and create a delightful experience with each bite of this beloved classic.
Enjoy baking and sharing this apple pie with friends and family!