Homemade Apple Pie is a timeless dessert that brings warmth and comfort to any table. With a perfectly flaky crust and a sweet, spiced apple filling, this classic recipe is ideal for holidays, family gatherings, or casual indulgence. The combination of cinnamon and nutmeg enhances the natural sweetness of the apples, creating a filling that's both flavorful and aromatic.
INGREDIENTS- Apples: 6 cups thinly sliced peeled apples (about 6 medium), for a tender filling.
- Granulated sugar: 3/4 cup, to sweeten the apple mixture.
- All-purpose flour: 2 tbsp, to thicken the filling.
- Ground cinnamon: 3/4 tsp, for warm spice.
- Salt: 1/4 tsp, to balance the flavors.
- Ground nutmeg: 1/8 tsp, for an extra hint of spice.
- Lemon juice: 1 tbsp, to prevent the apples from browning and enhance flavor.
- Double pie crust: Homemade or store-bought, to encase the filling.
- Egg wash: 1 beaten egg mixed with 1 tsp water, for a golden crust.
- Sugar: Additional, for sprinkling on the crust.
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Prepare the apples by peeling, coring, and slicing them thinly.
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl, mix the sliced apples with granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice until evenly coated.
- Step 3:
- Roll out one pie crust and place it into a 9-inch pie plate. Trim the edges for a clean finish.
- Step 4:
- Pour the prepared apple mixture into the crust-lined pie plate.
- Step 5:
- Roll out the second pie crust, place it on top, and crimp the edges to seal. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Step 6:
- Brush the top crust with egg wash and sprinkle with additional sugar for a sweet, golden finish.
- Step 7:
- Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F and continue baking for 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
- Step 8:
- Cool the pie on a wire rack before slicing. Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent treat.
- For best results, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven to restore freshness.
- For a decorative touch, use cookie cutters to create shapes from the top crust before placing it over the pie.
- If the edges of the crust brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil during baking.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Use a mix of tart and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, for a balanced flavor.
- Chill the pie crust before baking to ensure a flaky texture.