Apple pie is a timeless dessert, perfect for any occasion! It’s a comforting, warm dessert with a buttery, flaky crust and a sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple filling. Here’s a simple recipe for a homemade apple pie:
Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
Ingredients:
For the crust (you can use store-bought pie crusts to save time or make your own):
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 6-8 tablespoons ice-cold water
For the filling:
- 6 cups apples (about 6 medium-sized apples, a mix of tart and sweet like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp works great)
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (to thicken the filling)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the topping (optional):
- 1 tablespoon butter (to dot the pie)
- 1 egg (for egg wash, optional for a golden crust)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pie Crust:
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs (with pea-sized pieces of butter).
- Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough just comes together. You might need 6-8 tablespoons of water.
- Split the dough into two equal portions, flatten each portion into a disc, and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using.
2. Prepare the Filling:
- Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin slices (about 1/4-inch thick).
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Toss until the apples are evenly coated and set aside.
3. Assemble the Pie:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the dough discs to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Carefully transfer the rolled dough to the pie dish and gently press it into place.
- Fill the pie shell with the apple mixture, mounding the apples in the center.
- Dot the filling with small pieces of butter.
- Roll out the second disc of dough and place it over the apples. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal the pie.
- If you want a decorative top, you can cut slits in the top dough to allow steam to escape, or use cookie cutters to make fun shapes.
- For a golden crust, beat the egg and brush it over the top of the pie.
4. Bake the Pie:
- Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil or a pie shield.
- You may also want to place a baking sheet underneath the pie to catch any drips from the filling.
5. Cool and Serve:
- Once the pie is golden and bubbly, remove it from the oven and let it cool for at least 2 hours before slicing. This allows the filling to set.
- Serve warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat!
Tips:
- For a deeper flavor, you can mix in a bit of maple syrup or honey with the filling.
- If you like your crust extra flaky, try using half shortening and half butter in the dough.
- For a more caramelized filling, toss in a handful of caramel bits with the apple mixture.
This homemade apple pie is sure to be a hit with anyone who loves a sweet, comforting dessert. Enjoy!