How to Make Apple Pie: A Classic Homemade Recipe


How to Make Apple Pie: A Classic Homemade Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the warm, comforting taste of a classic homemade apple pie. With its buttery, flaky crust and sweet, spiced apple filling, this dessert is a timeless favorite for family gatherings, holidays, or just a cozy treat at home. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make the perfect apple pie from scratch.

🥧 Ingredients

For the Pie Crust (makes a double crust):

  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 6–8 tbsp ice water

For the Apple Filling:

  • 6–7 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
  • ¾ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (to thicken the filling)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (to prevent browning and add tang)
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter (to dot on top of the filling)

Optional for finishing:

  • 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
  • 1 tbsp sugar (for sprinkling on top)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Make the Pie Crust

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar.
  2. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together.
  4. Divide dough in half, shape into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

  1. While the dough chills, peel and slice the apples.
  2. In a large bowl, combine sliced apples with sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and lemon juice. Toss to coat evenly.
  3. Let the filling rest for 15–20 minutes to allow the juices to mix and thicken slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Roll out one dough disc on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish.
  3. Pour the apple filling into the crust, and dot with small bits of butter on top.
  4. Roll out the second dough disc and place over the filling. You can make a full top crust, a lattice, or use decorative cutouts.
  5. Trim excess dough, crimp the edges, and cut slits (if using a full crust) to allow steam to escape.
  6. Brush the top crust with beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar for a golden, crispy finish.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

  1. Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
  2. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 35–45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
  3. If the crust browns too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before slicing. This allows the filling to set properly. Serve warm or at room temperature, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

📝 Tips for Success

  • Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for the best flavor and texture.
  • Keep your ingredients cold, especially the butter and water, for a flakier crust.
  • Don’t skip the resting and cooling steps – they make a big difference!

Enjoy your delicious homemade apple pie — a true comfort dessert that never goes out of style!

Comments

Post a Comment