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!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pie Crust:
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
For the Apple Filling:
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
For the Egg Wash:
1 egg, beaten
1 tablespoon milk or water
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Apple Pie
1. Prepare the Pie Crust:
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.
2. Make the Apple Filling:
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.
3. Roll Out the Pie Crust:
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.
4. Add the Apple Filling:
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.
5. Prepare the Top Crust:
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.
6. Assemble and Seal the Pie:
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.
7. Brush and Bake:
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.
Enjoying Your Apple Pie
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!
