There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a freshly baked apple pie filling your home. With its buttery, flaky crust and warm, cinnamon-spiced apple filling, apple pie is a timeless classic that never fails to impress.
Whether you're baking for a special occasion or just craving a comforting dessert, making an apple pie from scratch is easier than you might think. Let’s dive into the delicious world of homemade apple pie with this simple, step-by-step guide!
<h3>Ingredients You’ll Need</h3>
<b>For the Pie Crust:</b>
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
6-8 tablespoons ice water
<b>For the Apple Filling:</b>
6-7 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
<b>For the Egg Wash:</b>
1 egg, beaten
1 tablespoon milk or water
<h3>Step-by-Step Guide to Making Apple Pie</h3>
<b>1. Prepare the Pie Crust:</b>
Combine the flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough begins to come together. Form the dough into two discs, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least an hour.
<b>2. Make the Apple Filling:</b>
While the dough is chilling, peel, core, and slice the apples into thin slices. In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with lemon juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and flour. Let the apples sit for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the juices to release.
<b>3. Roll Out the Pie Crust:</b>
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take one disc of the chilled dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer the rolled dough to a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it gently into the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges.
<b>4. Add the Apple Filling:</b>
Pour the apple mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly. Dot the filling with small pieces of butter to add richness to the pie as it bakes.
<b>5. Prepare the Top Crust:</b>
Roll out the second disc of dough into a 12-inch circle. You can either cover the pie with the rolled-out dough for a traditional look or cut the dough into strips to create a lattice design. If using a full crust, cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
<b>6. Assemble and Seal the Pie:</b>
If you're using a full crust, place it over the apple filling and trim any excess. Pinch the edges together to seal the pie, and crimp with a fork or your fingers for a decorative finish. For a lattice crust, weave the strips over and under each other, and trim the excess dough.
<b>7. Brush and Bake:</b>
Brush the top crust with the beaten egg wash, which will give your pie a beautiful golden-brown color as it bakes. Sprinkle a little granulated sugar over the top for extra sparkle and sweetness. Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly.
The Only APPLE PIE Recipe You'll Need
Video By Natashas Kitchen
<h3>Enjoying Your Apple Pie</h3>
Let the pie cool for at least an hour before serving. This allows the filling to set and makes it easier to slice. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate dessert experience.
Making a homemade apple pie is a delightful and rewarding experience. With its comforting aroma and classic taste, this pie is sure to become a favorite at your table. So, Lykkers grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and enjoy baking this timeless dessert that brings joy to every bite!
