The Ultimate Apple Pie Recipe You'll Love

Apple pie is an all-time favorite dessert, celebrated for its warm, comforting flavors and the joy it brings to any occasion. Whether you're an experienced baker or trying your hand at it for the first time, this ultimate apple pie recipe will guide you to create a dessert that is loved by all. Here's how to make the perfect apple pie that will become a staple in your recipe collection.

Ingredients

• For the Pie Crust:
  • 2 ¹⁄₂ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into cubes
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water
• For the Apple Filling:
  • 8-10 medium apples (preferably a mix of sweet and tart varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
  • ¹⁄₂ cup granulated sugar
  • ¹⁄₄ cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ¹⁄₄ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ¹⁄₄ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¹⁄₈ teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Preparation Steps

Making the Pie Crust

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces.
3. Add ice water one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough begins to come together.
4. Divide the dough in half, form into disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Preparing the Filling

1. Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Place them in a large bowl.
2. Add the sugars, lemon juice, spices, salt, and cornstarch to the apples. Toss well to coat.
3. Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the apples to release their juices.

Assembling the Pie

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. On a floured surface, roll out one dough disk to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Place it in the dish, letting the edges overhang.
3. Pour the apple filling into the crust, mounding it slightly in the center.
4. Roll out the second disk for the top crust. You can either cover the pie completely or cut out shapes for a lattice top.
5. If using a full crust, cut vents to allow steam to escape. Seal and crimp the edges to secure the top crust.
6. Brush the top with the beaten egg for a glossy finish.

Baking the Pie

1. Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake at 425°F for 15 minutes.
2. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 45-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
3. If the crust edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil or a pie shield.

Serving and Storage

Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours before serving. This cooling period helps the filling to set. Serve warm or at room temperature. Here are some serving and storage tips:

• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
• Store leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days. Reheat slices in the oven or microwave.

🔍 Note: To prevent a soggy bottom crust, you might consider pre-baking the bottom crust for about 10 minutes before adding the filling. This step can significantly enhance the texture of your pie.

This apple pie recipe combines tradition with some modern techniques to ensure a pie that's both deliciously flavorful and beautifully presented. The key to a perfect pie lies in the balance of sweetness and tartness from the apples, complemented by the richness of the buttery crust. By following these detailed steps and tips, you're set to bake an apple pie that will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also create memories around the dining table.

Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?

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Yes, while Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are recommended for their balance of tartness and sweetness, you can experiment with other varieties like Fuji, Pink Lady, or even Braeburn for different flavor profiles. Just ensure they have a good balance to avoid an overly sweet or tart pie.

How do I prevent my pie crust from getting soggy?

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To avoid a soggy crust, pre-baking the bottom crust can help. Additionally, sprinkle a little sugar or cornstarch on the bottom before adding the filling to absorb excess moisture.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

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Definitely! You can assemble the pie a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Bake it just before serving for the best texture and flavor. If you’ve already baked it, simply reheat in the oven to crisp up the crust.