Making an apple pie from scratch can seem daunting for many, but with this easy homemade apple pie recipe, you'll find it's quite straightforward and immensely rewarding. Whether it's for a special occasion or just a treat for your family, this pie promises to delight everyone with its perfect balance of sweet and tart, encased in a flaky, buttery crust. Let's get started with how to create this beloved dessert.
Ingredients for Apple Pie
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, requiring ingredients that are likely already in your pantry or easily obtainable:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water
For the filling:
- 6-8 cups sliced, peeled and cored apples (mix of tart and sweet like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
- 2/3 to 3/4 cup sugar (depending on the sweetness of apples)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch or flour
Making the Pie Crust
Preparing a good pie crust can make or break your apple pie:
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, salt, and sugar in a food processor or by hand.
- Cut in Butter: Add cold butter and process or cut with pastry blender until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
- Add Water: Gradually add ice water, mixing until dough begins to clump together. Form the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Preparing the Apple Filling
While the crust chills, focus on the filling:
- Slice Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples evenly.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss apples with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, lemon juice, and cornstarch or flour.
Assembling and Baking Your Apple Pie
Now comes the fun part:
- Roll Out Dough: Divide the dough in half. Roll out one piece to fit your pie dish.
- Add Filling: Pour the apple mixture into the crust, dot with butter, and top with remaining crust. Seal the edges, crimp, and make slits in the top for steam to escape.
- Baking: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C), then bake for 15 minutes at this temperature. Reduce heat to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for another 45 to 55 minutes or until the crust is golden and filling is bubbling.
Finishing Touches and Serving
Let the pie cool to room temperature or until it’s just warm. This will help the filling set and make slicing easier:
- Consider a brush of egg wash before baking for a shiny crust.
- A dusting of coarse sugar on top adds a nice sparkle and a hint of sweetness.
- Serve slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the perfect finish.
Your family and friends are sure to appreciate the effort and the delicious results of your homemade apple pie.
⭐ Note: For a crisper bottom crust, place the pie on a baking sheet and preheat a baking stone or metal sheet in the oven to help conduct heat to the bottom of the pie.
Remember, the journey of making an apple pie can be as delightful as its consumption. Every step, from choosing the perfect apples to that golden moment when you take it out of the oven, contributes to a delicious experience. Enjoy this homemade apple pie with your family, or share it with friends, knowing that you've crafted something special from scratch.
Can I use store-bought pie crust for this apple pie recipe?
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Yes, you can certainly use a store-bought pie crust to save time. Just make sure to follow the instructions on the packaging for preparation before filling it with your homemade apple filling.
How do I know when the apple pie is done?
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The pie is done when the crust turns a deep golden brown, and the filling begins to bubble through the slits in the top crust. This usually takes about an hour in total.
What can I do to prevent my pie crust from burning?
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To prevent burning, you can cover the edges of the pie with aluminum foil or use a pie shield after about 30 minutes of baking. This will protect the edges while allowing the rest of the pie to continue cooking.
