Why Make This Recipe
Classic apple pie is a timeless dessert loved by many. It brings warmth and comfort, making it the perfect treat for family gatherings, holidays, or just a cozy night at home. The combination of sweet and tart apples, warm spices, and a flaky crust comes together to create a dish that is not only delicious but also fills your home with a delightful aroma.
How to Make Classic Apple Pie
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (2 sticks) cold butter, cut into cubes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 6-8 tablespoons ice water
- 6-7 cups sliced apples (Granny Smith or a mix of tart and sweet)
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Directions:
- For the crust, mix flour, salt, and sugar in a bowl. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add ice water one tablespoon at a time until the dough comes together.
- Divide the dough in half, form into disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with both sugars, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Roll out one disk of dough and place it in a 9-inch pie pan.
- Fill the crust with the apple mixture and dot it with pieces of butter.
- Roll out the second disk of dough and place it over the filling.
- Trim the excess dough, crimp the edges to seal, and cut several slits in the top for steam to escape.
- Brush the top with beaten egg.
- Bake for 20 minutes at 425°F, then reduce the heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 35-45 minutes until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool for at least 2 hours before slicing. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream!
How to Serve Classic Apple Pie
Classic apple pie is best served warm, right out of the oven or reheated if made ahead. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top adds a delicious touch. You can also pair it with caramel sauce for an extra sweet twist.
How to Store Classic Apple Pie
If you have leftover apple pie, store it at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator, where it will last up to a week. You can also freeze apple pie. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to keep it fresh for up to three months.
Tips to Make Classic Apple Pie
- Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for a balanced flavor.
- Chill your tools, such as the mixing bowl and rolling pin, to keep the butter cold and ensure a flaky crust.
- Don’t skip the chilling time for the dough; this helps achieve the right texture.
- Make sure to cut slits in the top crust for steam to escape while baking.
Variation
You can try adding raisins or nuts to the apple filling for added texture. Some people also enjoy a crumb topping instead of a full crust for a different twist on the classic recipe.
FAQs
Can I use pre-made pie crusts?
- Yes, you can use store-bought pie crusts to save time. Just follow the package’s directions for baking.
What apples are best for apple pie?
- Granny Smith apples are a great choice for their tartness, but you can also mix them with sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji.
How can I tell when the pie is done?
- The pie is ready when the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. A knife or fork should easily pierce the apples.
Classic Apple Pie
Ingredients
For the crust
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cold butter, cut into cubes Use 2 sticks
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 6-8 tablespoons ice water Add one tablespoon at a time until dough comes together.
For the filling
- 6-7 cups sliced apples (Granny Smith or a mix of tart and sweet)
- ¾ cup sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 egg for egg wash
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, mix flour, salt, and sugar for the crust.
- Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add ice water one tablespoon at a time until the dough comes together.
- Divide the dough in half, form into disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with both sugars, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Roll out one disk of dough and place it in a 9-inch pie pan.
- Fill the crust with the apple mixture and dot it with pieces of butter.
- Roll out the second disk of dough and place it over the filling.
- Trim the excess dough, crimp the edges to seal, and cut several slits in the top for steam to escape.
- Brush the top with beaten egg.
- Bake for 20 minutes at 425°F, then reduce the heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 35-45 minutes until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool for at least 2 hours before slicing. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream!
