Apple pie is a beloved dessert that evokes feelings of home and warmth. With its flaky crust and sweet, spiced apple filling, this classic dish is perfect for any occasion. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making a delicious homemade apple pie from scratch.
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced (2 sticks)
- 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 to 8 medium apples (about 3 pounds), a mix of sweet and tart varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (adjust based on the sweetness of the apples)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces (for dotting on top of the filling)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pie Crust
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar.
- Cut in Butter: Add chilled, diced butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Ice Water: Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two discs, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days).
2. Prepare the Apple Filling
- Peel and Slice Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges. You should have about 6-8 cups of sliced apples.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and lemon juice. Let the mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the apples to release some juices.
3. Assemble the Pie
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to fit your pie pan. Place it in the pie pan and trim the edges.
- Add the Filling: Pour the apple mixture into the crust and dot with small pieces of butter.
- Top with Second Crust: Roll out the second disc of dough and place it over the filling. You can cut slits in the top crust to create a lattice effect or leave it whole for a classic look. Trim and crimp the edges to seal.
- Apply Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. Brush the egg wash over the crust for a golden finish.
4. Bake the Pie
- Initial Baking: Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- Lower the Temperature: After 15 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with strips of aluminum foil.
- Check for Doneness: The filling should be bubbling, and the apples should be soft when pierced with a fork.
5. Cool and Serve
- Cool the Pie: Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours to set the filling.
- Serve: Serve warm or at room temperature. Apple pie is delicious on its own or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips for the Perfect Apple Pie
- Apple Variety: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a more complex flavor. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji are excellent choices.
- Thickening Agent: If you prefer a thicker filling, increase the flour slightly or use cornstarch instead.
- Spices: Experiment with spices such as ginger or allspice for added flavor.
- Make Ahead: The dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or frozen for up to a month. Just make sure to thaw before rolling out.
Enjoy your homemade apple pie—a delightful treat that’s sure to impress family and friends!