As the seasons change and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a freshly baked Classic Apple Pie wafting through the kitchen. With its flaky crust, tender apples, and warming spices, this beloved dessert holds a special place in the hearts of many. Today, I’m delighted to share with you my time-tested recipe for creating the perfect apple pie that’s sure to evoke memories of cozy gatherings and cherished family traditions.
Why Classic Apple Pie?
Classic Apple Pie is more than just a dessert—it’s a symbol of warmth, comfort, and nostalgia. With its simple yet irresistible combination of tart apples, sweet cinnamon, and buttery pastry, this timeless treat has been delighting taste buds for generations. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a slice of apple pie is sure to bring joy to any occasion.
The Perfect Pie
The key to a perfect apple pie lies in finding the right balance of flavors and textures. From selecting the right apples to achieving a flaky crust, each step plays a crucial role in creating a pie that’s as delicious as it is beautiful.
Recipe for Success
Now, let’s dive into the recipe for creating your own Classic Apple Pie:
Classic Apple Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pie crusts (homemade or store-bought), at room temperature
- 7 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place a baking sheet on the middle rack to catch any drips from the pie.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss until the apples are evenly coated with the sugar and spices.
- Assemble the Pie: Roll out one pie crust and gently place it into a 9-inch pie dish, allowing the edges to hang over the sides. Spoon the apple filling into the crust, spreading it out evenly. Dot the top of the filling with small pieces of butter.
- Top and Seal the Pie: Roll out the second pie crust and place it over the filling. Trim any excess dough from the edges, leaving about a 1-inch overhang. Fold the overhang under the bottom crust and crimp the edges to seal. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Brush with Egg Wash: Brush the top crust with the beaten egg, then sprinkle evenly with the remaining tablespoon of granulated sugar.
- Bake the Pie: Place the pie on the preheated baking sheet in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, you can cover them with aluminum foil halfway through baking.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving. This will allow the filling to set and prevent it from being too runny when sliced. Serve slices of apple pie warm or at room temperature, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
