Ingredients:
For the Pie Crust:
- 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 6-8 tablespoons ice water
For the Apple Filling:
- 6-8 medium apples (about 3 pounds), a mix of tart and sweet varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (50g) packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 tablespoon milk or cream (for brushing the crust)
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (for sprinkling on top)
Instructions:
Making the Pie Crust:
1. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar. This will be the base for your pie crust.
2. Cut in the Butter: Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter, a fork, or your hands to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized chunks of butter. This step is crucial for creating a flaky, tender crust.
3. Add Ice Water: Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing the dough gently with a fork or your hands until it starts to come together. Be careful not to add too much water—just enough to bring the dough together. You should be able to pinch the dough and have it hold together.
4. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape each portion into a disk, and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 days) to let the dough firm up and rest. Chilling the dough helps prevent it from shrinking while baking.
Making the Apple Filling:
5. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin, even slices. Try to keep the slices uniform in size to ensure even cooking. You can use a mix of tart apples (like Granny Smith) for their tangy flavor and sweet apples (like Honeycrisp) for their natural sweetness.
6. Mix the Filling Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger (if using), lemon juice, and lemon zest. Toss everything together gently, making sure the apples are evenly coated with the sugar and spice mixture. Let the apples sit for 10-15 minutes, which will help release some of their juices.
Assembling the Pie:
7. Roll Out the First Dough Disk: After chilling the dough, take one of the dough disks out of the fridge. On a floured surface, roll the dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter, large enough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Transfer the rolled dough into the pie dish, pressing it gently into the corners. Trim any excess dough, leaving about an inch around the edge.
8. Add the Apple Filling: Pour the apple filling into the prepared pie crust, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Dot the filling with small pieces of butter to add richness to the pie filling.
9. Roll Out the Second Dough Disk: Take the second disk of dough and roll it out into a similar-sized circle. Place it over the apple filling and trim any excess dough, leaving a little overhang. Fold the edges of the top and bottom dough together and crimp them using your fingers or a fork to seal the pie. You can also create a decorative edge by using a pastry cutter or creating a simple rope-like design.
10. Cut Ventilation Slits: Cut several small slits or a pattern on top of the pie to allow steam to escape during baking. This helps prevent the crust from becoming soggy and ensures the filling cooks properly.
11. Brush and Sprinkle: Brush the top crust with a thin layer of milk or cream to give the pie a golden, glossy finish. Sprinkle the top with coarse sugar for a little extra crunch and sweetness.
Baking the Pie:
12. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
13. Bake the Pie: Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips, then bake it in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the slits. If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, you can cover them with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
14. Cool the Pie: Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. This cooling time helps the filling set, making it easier to slice the pie.
Serving Suggestions:
- With Ice Cream: Serve the warm pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or cinnamon ice cream for a classic pairing.
- With Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream is a simple but delicious topping.
- A Drizzle of Caramel: Drizzle some caramel sauce over each slice for added richness.
Tips for the Perfect Apple Pie:
- Use a Mix of Apples: A combination of tart and sweet apples creates the best flavor profile. Tart apples like Granny Smith provide balance to the sweetness of the other varieties.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Handle the dough as little as possible. Overworking it can result in a tough crust. Keep the dough cold and only add as much water as necessary to bring it together.
- Let the Pie Cool: Let your pie cool completely before slicing. This allows the filling to set properly, making clean slices easier.
- For Extra Flavor: You can add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for a warm, spiced kick in the filling.
Storage:
Store any leftover pie at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, you can refrigerate it for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave or the entire pie in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C) until heated through.
For longer storage, apple pie can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and reheat in the oven from frozen or after thawing in the refrigerator overnight.
Final Thoughts:
This classic apple pie recipe is the perfect dessert to celebrate the flavors of fall or enjoy year-round. With a buttery, flaky crust and a warm, spiced filling full of tender apples, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just as a comforting homemade treat, this apple pie will never disappoint!