This Classic Apple Pie Recipe is a timeless dessert that showcases the natural sweetness of apples. With a flaky crust and a warm, spiced filling, it’s a favorite for family gatherings and holidays.
This homemade Classic Apple Pie is simple to prepare and can be customized with various apple varieties. Whether you prefer a traditional recipe or want to try an Apple Pear Pie, this recipe will guide you through making delicious Apple Pies.
The Allure of Classic Apple Pie
There’s something undeniably comforting about a freshly baked classic apple pie. This timeless dessert, often associated with family gatherings and cozy evenings, showcases the natural sweetness of apples, enhanced by a hint of cinnamon and sugar.
The golden brown crust, flaky and buttery, encases a warm filling that invites you to take a slice. Whether served alone or with a scoop of melting vanilla ice cream, this classic apple pie is sure to evoke feelings of nostalgia and warmth.
Creating the Perfect Pie Crust
The foundation of any great pie lies in its crust. For a classic apple pie, a flaky and buttery crust is essential. Begin by mixing all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. The key is to cut in chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
As you add ice water, do so gradually, forming the dough into a ball. After dividing it into discs, refrigerate for several hours. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect texture.
Choosing the Right Apples
The choice of apples significantly impacts the flavor of your pie. A mix of sweet and tart varieties creates a balanced filling. Popular options include Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp for sweetness.
Once you have your apples, peel, core, and cut them into cubes before tossing them with sugar, flour, cinnamon, and a splash of lemon juice. This mixture not only enhances the flavor but also helps to thicken the filling as it bakes.
Assembling Your Apple Pie
With your crust and filling ready, it’s time to assemble the pie. Roll out one disc of dough to fit your pie pan, then fill it generously with the apple mixture. Dotting the filling with butter adds richness and depth to the flavor.
Cover the pie with the second disc of dough, sealing the edges and cutting slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. This step is vital for a well-cooked pie, ensuring the apples soften perfectly while the crust achieves that golden brown hue.
Baking to Perfection
Preheat your oven to the right temperature to ensure even baking. Start by baking at a high temperature to set the crust, then lower it to allow the apples to cook through without burning the crust.
Patience is key here; allow the pie to cool for a couple of hours before slicing. This waiting period helps the filling set, making for cleaner slices and a more enjoyable presentation.
Serving Suggestions
Classic apple pie is delightful on its own, but pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream elevates the experience. The creaminess of the ice cream complements the warm, spiced filling beautifully.
For a special touch, consider drizzling caramel sauce or serving with whipped cream. No matter how you choose to serve it, this classic apple pie will surely be a hit at any gathering.
Easy Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
This Classic Apple Pie features a buttery crust filled with a mixture of sweet and tart apples, cinnamon, and sugar. The recipe takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish and serves 8 people.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water
- 6 to 8 apples, peeled, cored, and cubeb (a mix of sweet and tart varieties)
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter, to dot
- 1 egg yolk (optional, for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk (optional, for egg wash)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pie Crust: In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the mixture forms a ball. Divide in half, shape into discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, toss the cubed apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until well coated.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Place the crust in the pan and fill with the apple mixture. Dot with butter.
- Top the Pie: Roll out the second disc of dough and place over the filling. Seal and flute the edges. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Optionally, brush with egg wash for a golden finish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the apples are soft and the crust is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with vanilla ice cream.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 8 slices
- Calories: 320kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 45g