The Best Homemade Apple Pie
Why Make This Recipe
Homemade apple pie is a quintessential dessert that warms the heart and delights the taste buds. With its flaky crust and sweet, spiced apple filling, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion. Making apple pie from scratch not only allows you to customize flavors but also brings a sense of accomplishment. Whether it’s for a festive gathering, a family dinner, or simply a cozy night in, there’s nothing quite like a slice of homemade apple pie to make any moment special.
How to Make The Best Homemade Apple Pie
Creating the best homemade apple pie is a rewarding experience that involves preparing a buttery, flaky crust and a fragrant filling bursting with apple goodness. The following step-by-step guide will walk you through making this classic dessert from scratch.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced
- 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water
- 6 to 8 cups sliced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a mixed bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the cold, diced butter with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually stir in ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together to form a ball.
- Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible.
- Once chilled, roll out one disk on a floured surface to fit your pie pan and place it in the pan.
- In a separate bowl, toss the sliced apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Pour this apple mixture into the prepared pie crust, and dot with small pieces of butter.
- Roll out the second disk of dough and place it over the apple filling. Seal the edges by crimping them together with your fingers or a fork, and cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue to bake for an additional 35-45 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown. Let the pie cool before serving.
How to Serve The Best Homemade Apple Pie
Apple pie is best served warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. You can also sprinkle some additional cinnamon for extra flavor.
How to Store The Best Homemade Apple Pie
To store your apple pie, allow it to cool completely, then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be kept at room temperature for up to two days or stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing the pie. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, and store it in the freezer where it can last for about 3 months.
Tips to Make The Best Homemade Apple Pie
- Ensure that your butter is cold, as this is key to achieving a flaky crust.
- Don’t overwork the dough; handle it gently to avoid tough pie crust.
- Experiment with various apple varieties for different flavors; a mix of sweet and tart apples can enhance the overall taste.
- Taste your apple filling before sealing the crust to adjust sugar or spices according to your preference.
Variation
Feel free to get creative with the filling! You can add flavors like caramel, nuts, or even dried cranberries or raisins for a twist. Spices such as nutmeg or even a hint of vanilla extract can also take your apple pie to the next level.
FAQs
Q: Can I make the dough in advance?
A: Yes! The dough can be made and refrigerated for up to 3 days before using. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months.
Q: What is the best type of apple to use for apple pie?
A: Varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great for baking due to their balance of sweetness and tartness. Mixing several varieties can provide depth in flavor.
Q: How do I know when the apple pie is done baking?
A: The pie is ready when the crust is golden brown, and the apples are bubbling and soft. You can also insert a knife into the filling; it should slide in easily if the apples are tender.
Homemade Apple Pie
Ingredients
For the crust
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced Cold butter is key for a flaky crust.
- 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water Add gradually until dough holds together.
For the filling
- 6 to 8 cups sliced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) Mix of sweet and tart apples is recommended.
- 3/4 cup sugar Taste and adjust according to apple sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice Adds brightness to the flavor.
- 1 tablespoon butter Dot on top of apple mix before covering.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a mixed bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the cold, diced butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually stir in ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together to form a ball.
- Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible.
Assembling the Pie
- Once chilled, roll out one disk on a floured surface to fit your pie pan and place it in the pan.
- In a separate bowl, toss the sliced apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Pour this mixture into the prepared pie crust, and dot with small pieces of butter.
- Roll out the second disk of dough and place it over the apple filling. Seal the edges by crimping together and cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 35-45 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown.
- Let the pie cool before serving.
