Apple pie is a classic American dessert that’s enjoyed
throughout the United States and has
become a symbol of American culinary tradition. It’s a simple yet
delicious pie made with a flaky crust
and a sweet and spiced apple filling. Here’s a basic recipe for
making apple pie:
Ingredients:
For the Pie Crust:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small
pieces
6-8 tablespoons ice water
For the Apple Filling:
6-7 cups of peeled, cored, and sliced apples (such as Granny
Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix of varieties)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
For Finishing:
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions:
Prepare the Pie Crust:
In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry
cutter or your hands,
work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse
crumbs.
Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until
the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to overwork the
dough.
Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disk, wrap them in
plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, lemon juice, granulated
sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch.
Toss the apples until they are well coated with the sugar and
spices.
Roll Out the Pie Crust:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the dough disks into
a 12-inch circle.
Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie pan, allowing the excess
dough to hang over the edges.
Assemble the Pie:
Add the prepared apple filling to the pie crust.
Dot the top of the apples with small pieces of butter.
Roll Out the Top Crust:
Roll out the second dough disk into a 12-inch circle. Place it over
the apples.
Seal and Decorate:
Trim any excess dough from the edges and crimp the edges of the
crust to seal the pie.
Cut small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
Bake:
Brush the top crust with beaten egg and sprinkle with granulated
sugar.
Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake in the
preheated oven for 45-55 minutes,
or until the crust is golden brown, and the filling is
bubbling.
Cool:
Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for a few hours before
serving.
Serve your homemade apple pie warm or at room
temperature, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a
dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy the classic, comforting flavors of
this beloved American dessert.
