There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm slice of Apple Pie. With its buttery, flaky crust and perfectly spiced apple filling, this classic dessert is a staple at family gatherings, holidays, and cozy nights at home. Whether you’re baking for Thanksgiving, a special occasion, or just because, Apple Pie is a delicious treat that never goes out of style.
Why You’ll Love Apple Pie
Here’s why Apple Pie is such a beloved dessert:
- Warm and Comforting: The combination of tender apples, cinnamon, and sugar baked in a flaky crust creates a dessert that’s both warm and comforting.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday, a family gathering, or just a regular day, Apple Pie fits any occasion.
- Simple and Timeless: With just a few basic ingredients, Apple Pie delivers timeless flavors that everyone loves.
Ingredients for Classic Apple Pie
This Classic Apple Pie recipe uses fresh apples and a few simple ingredients to create a delicious, homemade pie that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
- 1/4 cup ice water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 6-7 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, peeled and sliced)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Extra sugar (for sprinkling on top)
Instructions:
- Make the pie crust: In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your hands to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, mixing just until the dough comes together. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the filling: While the dough chills, peel and slice the apples. In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch (if using). Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes to release the juices.
- Roll out the dough: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish, trimming the excess dough around the edges.
- Assemble the pie: Pour the apple filling into the crust and dot the filling with small pieces of butter. Roll out the second disc of dough and place it over the filling. Trim and crimp the edges to seal the pie, and cut a few small slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
- Bake the pie: Brush the top of the pie with the beaten egg and sprinkle with a little sugar. Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Cool and serve: Let the pie cool for at least 1 hour before slicing. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the perfect dessert!
Why You’ll Love Apple Pie
Apple Pie is a comforting and classic dessert that everyone enjoys. Here’s why you’ll love making and serving this pie:
- Flaky Crust: The buttery, homemade crust is perfectly flaky and pairs beautifully with the sweet, spiced apples.
- Tender, Juicy Filling: The apples are tender yet slightly firm, with just the right amount of sweetness and spice.
- Perfect for Sharing: Apple Pie is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, or a cozy night at home.
Apple Pie Variations to Try
While Classic Apple Pie is delicious on its own, here are a few fun variations to try:
- Dutch Apple Pie: Top the pie with a crumbly streusel topping instead of a top crust for a crunchy, sweet finish.
- Caramel Apple Pie: Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples before adding the top crust for an extra decadent version of apple pie.
- Apple Pie with Cheddar Crust: Add shredded cheddar cheese to the pie crust dough for a savory twist that pairs perfectly with the sweet apples.
Conclusion
Apple Pie is a timeless dessert that brings warmth and comfort with every bite. Whether you enjoy it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or on its own, this classic dessert is always a hit. Try this recipe today and experience the delicious flavors of homemade Apple Pie!
