Easy Apple Pie Recipe - Delicious & Simple Steps

Baking an apple pie is not just a delicious endeavor but a delightful journey into the heart of American cuisine. With its golden, flaky crust and the sweet, spiced apple filling, an apple pie embodies comfort and warmth. Here, we’ll guide you through an easy apple pie recipe that keeps the essence of this classic dessert intact while simplifying the process for home bakers of all levels.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To start with our easy apple pie, gather these ingredients:

• For the Pie Crust:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup butter (cold, cut into cubes)
• ¹⁄₄ cup ice water
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar
• For the Apple Filling:
• 6-8 medium-sized apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• ¹⁄₂ cup sugar
• ¹⁄₄ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¹⁄₄ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¹⁄₄ tsp ground allspice
• ¹⁄₂ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp butter (for dotting on top of apples)
• Additional:
• 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
• Turbinado sugar (for sprinkling on the top crust)

Steps to Create Your Apple Pie

Make the Pie Crust

Begin by making your pie crust:

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add ice water one tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough just comes together.
4. Divide the dough into two parts, one slightly larger for the bottom crust. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Prepare the Apple Filling

While the dough chills, prepare your apple filling:

1. Peel, core, and slice the apples to about ¹⁄₈-inch thick.
2. Toss apples with lemon juice, then add sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
3. Mix well to coat all the apple slices evenly.

🍏 Note: Soaking apple slices in a bit of lemon juice helps prevent browning.

Assemble the Pie

Now, it’s time to bring it all together:

1. Roll out the larger dough disc on a floured surface into a circle larger than your pie dish. Carefully place it into the dish, pressing the dough gently into the corners.
2. Fill with the apple mixture, ensuring it’s evenly spread.
3. Dot the top with small pieces of butter.
4. Roll out the second piece of dough and place over the apple mixture. Trim excess, then crimp or flute the edges to seal. Make vents for steam to escape.
5. Brush the top with egg wash and sprinkle with turbinado sugar for a golden, crunchy top.

Baking Your Apple Pie

To achieve the perfect apple pie:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any spillover.
3. Bake for about 50-60 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the vents.

🌟 Note: If the edges of the crust start browning too quickly, cover with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

Serving Suggestions

Here are some serving ideas to elevate your apple pie:

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the classic pairing.
• Top with whipped cream or a slice of sharp cheddar cheese for a surprising twist.
• A drizzle of caramel sauce can add extra sweetness and richness.

In summary, this easy apple pie recipe ensures that you can enjoy the delights of homemade apple pie without overwhelming complexity. With the right combination of ingredients and careful attention to the baking process, you'll master the art of making this classic dessert that's sure to delight. The journey from gathering ingredients to serving a slice of warm, fragrant apple pie is an experience that encapsulates the spirit of baking.

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

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Absolutely, while Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are recommended for their tartness and firmness, you can experiment with other apples like Gala or Fuji for a sweeter pie.

What if I don’t have all the spices listed in the recipe?

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If you’re missing some spices, you can still make the pie. Cinnamon is key, but if you’re missing nutmeg or allspice, you can increase the cinnamon or add a bit of ginger or cloves.

Can I freeze this apple pie?

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Yes, you can freeze the pie before or after baking. If unbaked, bake it directly from the freezer, adding an extra 10 minutes to the baking time. If baked, thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven to crisp up the crust again.