Apple Pie

Apple Pie

Apple Pie is a beloved dessert that embodies the warmth and comfort of homemade baking. This iconic dessert features a flaky pastry crust filled with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples, creating a delightful combination of sweet and tart flavors.

Whether enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or served at a holiday gathering, apple pie is a timeless treat that brings joy to every bite.

Ingredients:

For the Pie Crust:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water

For the Apple Filling:

• 6-7 medium-sized apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 1/2 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 cornstarch or all-purpose flour

For Assembly:

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces (for dotting)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling)

How to Make Apple Pie:

Prepare the Pie Crust:

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and granulated sugar.

Add cold cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.

Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape each into a disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight.

Prepare the Apple Filling:

In a large bowl, combine thinly sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, and cornstarch (or flour). Mix until the apples are evenly coated.

Roll Out the Dough:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of chilled pie dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. Carefully transfer the rolled dough to a 9-inch pie dish, gently pressing it into the bottom and up the sides. Trim any excess dough from the edges with a sharp knife.

Fill the Pie:

Spoon the prepared apple filling into the pie crust, mounding it slightly in the center. Dot the filling with small pieces of butter.

Top with Second Crust:

Roll out the second disc of chilled pie dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. Carefully place it over the filled pie.

Trim the excess dough from the edges, leaving about a 1-inch overhang. Fold the edges of the top crust under the bottom crust, then crimp the edges using your fingers or a fork to seal.

Ventilation and Egg Wash:

Cut several slits or create decorative vents in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.

Brush the top crust with beaten egg and sprinkle evenly with granulated sugar.

Bake the Pie:

Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, cover them loosely with foil.

Cool and Serve:

Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing. This allows the filling to set.

Serve slices of apple pie warm or at room temperature, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Chef’s Note:

Choosing Apples: Use a mix of apple varieties for a balanced flavor and texture in the filling. Tart apples hold their shape well during baking, while sweeter varieties add depth of flavor.

Pie Crust Tips: Keep all ingredients cold and handle the dough gently to ensure a flaky crust. Refrigerating the dough before rolling it out helps prevent shrinkage during baking.

Storage: Store leftover apple pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven or microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information (per serving, based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 400 kcal
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fat: 19g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 26g

Enjoy this classic Apple Pie recipe, where flaky crust meets cinnamon-spiced apples, creating a dessert that’s as comforting as it is delicious, perfect for sharing with family and friends!

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