Sweet Indulgence: Classic Apple Pie

When it comes to timeless desserts, nothing beats a Classic Apple Pie. With its flaky crust and warm, cinnamon-spiced apple filling, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a weekend treat, this recipe will fill your home with the comforting aroma of baked apples and spices.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 tablespoon sugar

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

  • 6-8 tablespoons ice water

For the Filling:

  • 6-8 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced

  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Optional Topping:

  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

  • 1 tablespoon sugar (for sprinkling)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Pie Crust

  1. In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and sugar.

  2. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

  3. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together.

  4. Divide the dough into two disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

  1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice.

  2. Toss well to coat the apples evenly. Set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. Roll out one disk of dough on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Transfer the dough to the dish and trim the edges.

  3. Fill the crust with the prepared apple filling and dot with small pieces of butter.

  4. Roll out the second disk of dough and place it over the filling. Seal the edges and cut slits in the top for ventilation.

  5. For a golden crust, brush the top with the beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

  1. Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips.

  2. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

  3. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil halfway through baking.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

  1. Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set.

  2. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Tips for the Perfect Apple Pie

  • Choose the Right Apples: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a balanced flavor.

  • Don’t Skip the Ventilation: The slits on the top crust prevent the pie from becoming soggy.

  • Make It Ahead: Apple pie tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Try this Classic Apple Pie recipe and enjoy the ultimate comfort dessert. Share your baking stories and favorite tweaks in the comments below. Happy baking!

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