Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Pie Crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes
- ¼ to ½ cup ice water
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 to 7 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
For Assembling:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for extra crunch)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Mix until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Cut in the Butter:
- Add the chilled butter cubes to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your hands, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should be the size of small peas.
- Add Ice Water:
- Gradually add the ice water, starting with ¼ cup. Mix the dough with a fork or your hands until it starts to come together. Add more water, a tablespoon at a time, if needed. The dough should be moist but not sticky.
- Form the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gather it into a ball. Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, and wrap them in plastic wrap. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
- Prepare the Apples:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Toss the apples until they are evenly coated with the sugar and spice mixture.
- Add Lemon Juice and Vanilla:
- Drizzle the lemon juice and vanilla extract over the apple mixture. Toss the apples again to incorporate the flavors. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
- Roll Out the Dough:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the dough discs into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. Carefully transfer the rolled dough into a 9-inch pie dish, letting the excess dough hang over the edges.
- Add the Apple Filling:
- Pour the apple filling into the pie crust, making sure it is evenly distributed. Dot the filling with small pieces of butter.
- Roll Out the Top Crust:
- Roll out the second dough disc into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. Place the rolled dough over the apples, covering the filling completely.
- Seal the Pie:
- Trim the excess dough, leaving about 1 inch hanging over the edge. Fold the overhang under itself to create a thick edge, then crimp the edges with a fork or your fingers to seal the pie.
- Add the Egg Wash:
- Brush the top crust with the beaten egg to give the pie a golden-brown finish. Sprinkle granulated sugar and coarse sugar (if using) over the top for extra sweetness and crunch.
- Cut Steam Vents:
- Using a sharp knife, cut a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
Step 4: Bake the Pie
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
- Bake:
- Bake the pie at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 45 to 50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool:
- Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving. This cooling time allows the filling to set, making it easier to slice.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the apple pie warm or at room temperature, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
Tips for Success:
- Choosing Apples: Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for a well-balanced flavor. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are excellent choices.
- Keeping the Crust Flaky: Ensure the butter is very cold when making the crust, and avoid overworking the dough to maintain its flakiness.
- Preventing a Soggy Bottom: To avoid a soggy crust, you can partially blind bake the bottom crust before adding the filling, or sprinkle a thin layer of flour or breadcrumbs on the crust before adding the apples.
This homemade apple pie recipe is a classic dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, from holidays to cozy family dinners. The combination of tender, spiced apples and flaky, buttery crust makes it an irresistible treat. Enjoy!