Apple Pie

Apple Pie: A Slice of Nostalgia

Getting ready for a cozy evening? Nothing quite says comfort like a homemade Apple Pie. With its flaky, buttery crust and warm, spiced apple filling, it’s the dessert that takes us back to family gatherings and holiday celebrations. Did you know that apple pie has been a staple in American cuisine since the early 19th century? Debates raged over the best apples to use, but one thing’s for sure: this pie is an all-time favorite!

What’s more, making Apple Pie is easier than you might think—perfect for beginners and a delightful project for families. Just throw on an apron, roll out some dough, and savor the warming aromas of cinnamon and baked apples wafting through your kitchen. If you love our popular Chocolate Chip Cookies, you’ll be smitten with this classic dessert as well. It’s time to grab those apples and embrace the joy of baking something spectacular right in your home.

What is Apple Pie?

Let’s talk about the name—Apple Pie. I bet you’ve never thought about how simple yet delightful that name is, right? One can’t help but think, “Isn’t it a bit like calling a dog a ‘furry friend’?” What gives this pie its allure is the inclusion of those charming little apples—nature’s candy! Over the years, the saying “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach” has truly held up, especially when it comes to desserts like this one. So why not dive into this timeless recipe? You might find yourself crafting a slice so delicious that it’ll sweep everyone off their feet!

Why You’ll Love This Apple Pie:

There are three standout qualities that make Apple Pie incredibly lovable. First, it’s the combination of sweet, tart, and spicy flavors that create a mouthwatering experience in every bite. Second, making it at home is a cost-effective way to enjoy this treat, avoiding expensive store-bought alternatives. Lastly, you can elevate your pie with delectable toppings—think vanilla ice cream melting into the warm apple goodness or a drizzle of caramel for that extra indulgence. If you’re a fan of our Crispy Apple Crumble, then you’ll find this traditional pie just as irresistible. Ready to channel your inner baker? Let’s delve into how to make this classic dessert right at home.

How to Make Apple Pie:

Quick Overview

Crafting Apple Pie is simple, satisfying, and surprisingly quick. With a preparation time of just around 30 minutes, followed by an hour of baking, you can whip up this crowd-pleaser without breaking a sweat. The simple yet rich flavors will make your taste buds dance!

Key Ingredients for Apple Pie:

• For the Pie Crust:
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon sugar
  • 6–8 tablespoons ice water
• For the Filling:
  • 6 to 8 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well!)
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (to thicken filling)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pie Crust:
   • In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and sugar.
   • Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Stir in the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough forms a ball.
   • Divide dough in half, shape into disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
2. Make the Filling:
   • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
   • In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. Toss to coat the apples.
3. Assemble the Pie:
   • Roll out one disk of dough and place it into a 9-inch pie pan.
   • Fill with the apple mixture. Roll out the second disk, place it over the apples, and seal edges. Cut slits in the top for ventilation.
4. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then reduce temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, until apples are soft and crust is golden.
5. Cool and Serve:
   • Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours before slicing. Enjoy it warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

What to Serve Apple Pie With:

To enhance your Apple Pie experience, consider serving it with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a topping of freshly whipped cream. For a special twist, pair it with a rich salted caramel sauce drizzled on top. You could even serve it as part of a charming dessert trio alongside a chocolate mousse or strawberry shortcake. The options are limitless, and they all lead to deliciousness!

Top Tips for Perfecting Apple Pie:

• Apple Variety: Use a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for the ideal sweet and tart balance.
• Dough Handling: Keep your dough cold for a flakier crust. If it gets too warm while working, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes.
• Thickening: If your apples release too much juice, add more flour to the filling to absorb the excess.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

To store leftover Apple Pie, ensure it cools completely, then wrap it loosely with plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Alternatively, freeze slices within a month for a quick treat later! To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through.

With each slice of Apple Pie, you’ll be sharing warmth, comfort, and love—perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. So, roll up your sleeves and don’t hesitate to make this classic dessert your own. Happy baking!

Apple Pie

A classic dessert featuring a flaky crust and spiced apple filling, perfect for cozy gatherings and family celebrations.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 300

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Pie Crust

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour Use for the pie crust.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced Ensure butter is chilled for a flakier crust.
• ½ teaspoon salt Adds flavor to the crust.
• ½ teaspoon sugar Enhances the crust flavor.
• 6–8 tablespoons ice water Cold water helps bind the dough.

For the Filling

• 6 to 8 pieces apples, peeled, cored, and sliced Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well.
• ¾ cup sugar Sweetens the apple filling.
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice Prevents browning of apples.
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon Adds warmth and spice.
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg Enhances the filling's flavor.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour Thickens the apple filling.

Method

 

Prepare the Pie Crust

1. In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Stir in the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough forms a ball.
4. Divide dough in half, shape into disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.

Make the Filling

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. Toss to coat the apples.

Assemble the Pie

1. Roll out one disk of dough and place it into a 9-inch pie pan.
2. Fill with the apple mixture. Roll out the second disk, place it over the apples, and seal edges. Cut slits in the top for ventilation.

Bake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then reduce temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, until apples are soft and crust is golden.

Cool and Serve

1. Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours before slicing. Enjoy it warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Notes

For an enhanced experience, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel. Leftover pie can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or frozen for later use.