Introduction

Nothing says comfort quite like a warm, homemade apple pie. With a flaky, buttery crust and a sweet, spiced apple filling, this Classic Apple Pie is a timeless dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting a dinner party, or just craving a cozy treat, this recipe will guide you to bake a delicious, all-American apple pie that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This

• Perfectly Balanced Filling: The combination of sweet and tart apples with warm spices creates a flavorful, comforting filling.
• Buttery, Flaky Crust: A homemade pie crust that is crisp and flaky, complementing the tender apple filling perfectly.
• Easy to Make: With simple, easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a beautiful pie ready in no time.
• Customizable: Add more spices, mix in different types of apples, or even throw in some nuts for added texture.
• Great for Any Occasion: This apple pie is ideal for family gatherings, holidays, or just as a comforting dessert any day of the week.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup of unsalted butter, chilled and diced into small cubes.
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water

For the Filling:

• 6 cups apples (a mix of Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and sliced
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, divided into small bits.

For the Top:

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon of coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling on top).

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pie Crust:

1. • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Use a pastry cutter or two forks to blend in the cold butter until the mixture forms pea-sized crumbs.
   • Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough starts to come together. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

2. Make the Apple Filling:

1. • In another large bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Toss the apples until they are fully coated with the mixture.

3. Assemble the Pie:

1. • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out one disc of the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Carefully transfer the dough to the pie dish, trimming any excess around the edges.
   • Pour the apple mixture into the crust, spreading it out evenly. Scatter small pieces of butter over the filling. Roll out the second dough disc and lay it over the apple filling. Trim the excess, seal the edges, and crimp them. Make a few slits in the top crust to release steam. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.

4. Bake the Pie:

1. • Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the edges begin to darken too much, shield them with aluminum foil.

5. Cool and Serve:

1. • Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving. This helps the filling to set. Cut a slice and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of whipped cream!

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving Suggestions: Apple pie is best served warm, topped with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
• Storage: Cover the pie loosely with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 2 days. After that, refrigerate it for up to 5 more days.
• Freezing Instructions: You can freeze the unbaked pie for up to 3 months. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then cover it with aluminum foil. When ready to bake, pop it straight into the oven from frozen and add an additional 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Nutritional Information & Health Benefits

While this classic apple pie is a treat, it still offers some benefits:

• High in Fiber: Apples are a good source of dietary fiber, which supports digestion and heart health.
• Rich in Antioxidants: Apples provide important antioxidants like vitamin C, which can help boost immunity.
• Customizable for Health: Use a whole wheat crust, reduce the sugar, or add nuts like walnuts or almonds for added nutrition.

FAQs

1. Can I use a store-bought pie crust instead of making my own?
   Yes, a pre-made crust can be a time-saver, though homemade crust usually has a better flavor and texture.
2. What type of apples are best for apple pie?
   A mix of tart and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, provides a balanced flavor and texture.
3. How can I prevent my pie crust from getting soggy?
   Blind baking the bottom crust for a few minutes before adding the filling can help keep it crisp.
4. Can I make the pie filling ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can prepare the filling a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator.
5. Is it okay to add other spices to the filling?
   Definitely! Feel free to adjust the spices or add others like ginger or cardamom for extra flavor.
6. Can I make this pie gluten-free?
   Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
7. What can I use instead of butter in the crust?
   You can use shortening or a dairy-free butter alternative for a different texture and flavor.
8. How do I know when my pie is done?
   The crust should be golden brown, and the filling should be bubbling through the vents.
9. Can I use other fruits in this pie?
   Sure! You can mix in pears, cranberries, or even berries for a twist on the classic.
10. How do I keep my pie crust edges from burning?
    Cover the edges with strips of aluminum foil or a pie shield during baking if they brown too quickly.

Bake this Classic Apple Pie to bring a taste of comfort and tradition to your table, and enjoy every delicious bite!