Crispy Apple Pie Recipe
Apple pie is a classic dessert, perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. This recipe focuses on achieving a deliciously crispy crust, balancing sweet and tart flavors in the filling, and infusing warm spices. Let’s dive into how you can make this classic pie with a crispy twist.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 6-8 tablespoons ice water
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
For the Filling:
- 6-8 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a balance of tartness and sweetness)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
For the Topping:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
- Incorporate the Butter: Add the chilled, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your hands, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter pieces should be about pea-sized.
- Add Ice Water and Vinegar: Gradually add 6 tablespoons of ice water and the apple cider vinegar to the flour mixture. Stir gently with a fork, adding more water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough begins to come together. The dough should be slightly crumbly but hold together when pressed.
- Form the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal parts. Shape each part into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days). Chilling the dough ensures a crispy, flaky crust.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
- Peel and Slice the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into ¼-inch thick slices. Granny Smith apples are preferred for their tartness, while Honeycrisp adds a sweet crunch.
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the apple slices, granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, flour, and vanilla extract. Toss the apples until they are evenly coated with the sugar and spice mixture. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes to allow the apples to release some of their juices.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a 12-inch circle, about ⅛ inch thick. Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it gently into the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough, leaving a 1-inch overhang.
- Fill the Pie: Pour the apple filling into the prepared crust, mounding it slightly in the center. Dot the filling with the cubed butter.
- Add the Top Crust: Roll out the second disc of dough as you did the first. Place it over the apple filling. Trim the excess dough, leaving about 1 inch of overhang. Fold the edges under and crimp them using your fingers or a fork to seal the pie.
- Decorate and Vent: If desired, cut small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking. You can also use any leftover dough to create decorative shapes like leaves or apples to place on top of the pie.
- Egg Wash and Sugar Topping: Brush the top crust with the beaten egg. This gives the pie a beautiful golden color. In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle it over the top crust for extra crunch and flavor.
Step 4: Bake the Pie
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the pie on the middle rack.
- Bake: Bake the pie at 425°F for 20 minutes. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Cool: Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. This allows the filling to set and ensures clean slices.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Slice the pie and serve it warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The crispy crust, combined with the tender, spiced apples, makes for a delightful treat.
This crispy apple pie is a perfect blend of textures and flavors. The key to the crispiness lies in the careful handling of the dough and the balance of ingredients in the filling. Enjoy your homemade apple pie, and share it with loved ones for a comforting dessert experience.