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Apple Pie Recipe





Homemade Apple Pie Recipe

Description

This homemade apple pie recipe is the perfect combination of tender, flaky crust and a spiced apple filling. It’s an all-time favorite dessert that’s perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or any time you want to treat yourself to something special. The aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and buttery crust baking in the oven will make your kitchen smell heavenly, and the taste is nothing short of pure comfort.

Ingredients – Apple Pie Recipe

For the Pie Crust:

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes
  • 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water

For the Apple Filling:

  • 6 to 7 cups sliced, peeled apples (a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

For the Top Crust:

  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional)

Instructions Step-by-Step for Making Apple Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients:
    • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
  2. Cut in Butter:
    • Add the chilled butter cubes to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Add Ice Water:
    • Gradually add ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough comes together. Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

  1. Prepare Apples:
    • Peel, core, and slice the apples. Place them in a large bowl and toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.
  2. Add Sugars and Spices:
    • In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and salt. Sprinkle this mixture over the apples and toss to coat evenly.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

  1. Roll Out Bottom Crust:
    • Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish, leaving a slight overhang. Transfer the dough to the pie dish.
  2. Add Apple Filling:
    • Pour the apple mixture into the crust, spreading it out evenly. Dot the filling with small pieces of butter.
  3. Roll Out Top Crust:
    • Roll out the second disk of dough and place it over the apples. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

  1. Egg Wash:
    • In a small bowl, beat the egg with milk. Brush this mixture over the top crust and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
  2. Bake:
    • Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Reduce the heat to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly.
  3. Cool:
    • Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving to let the filling set.

Tips and Variations for Apple Pie Recipe

Tips for a Perfect Apple Pie Recipe

  • Use a Mix of Apples:
    • Combining tart and sweet apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, provides a balanced flavor and texture.
  • Prevent a Soggy Crust:
    • To avoid a soggy bottom crust, sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs or crushed graham crackers on the bottom crust before adding the apple filling.
  • Chill the Dough:
    • Keeping the dough cold before rolling it out helps ensure a flaky crust.

Variations

  • Caramel Apple Pie:
    • Drizzle caramel sauce over the apple filling before adding the top crust for a decadent twist.
  • Apple Cranberry Pie:
    • Add a cup of fresh or dried cranberries to the apple filling for a tart contrast.
  • Streusel Topping:
    • Instead of a top crust, use a streusel topping made from flour, brown sugar, oats, and butter.
  • Cheddar Crust:
    • For a savory twist, add shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the crust dough.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Preparation Time: 45 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 320
  • Protein: 3g
  • Fat: 15g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 25g
  • Sodium: 200mg

Curiosities and Historical Facts about Apple Pie Recipe

Origins of Apple Pie

Apple pie has a storied history dating back to the 14th century in England. The earliest known recipes included apples, figs, raisins, pears, and a pastry shell, but no sugar. The dish evolved over the centuries and became a symbol of American culture.

Apple Pie in America

In the 1600s, English settlers brought apple pie recipes to America. By the 18th century, the dish had become firmly established in American cuisine. The saying “As American as apple pie” reflects its deep-rooted association with American identity and tradition.

Fun Facts

  • Not Always Sweet:
    • Early apple pies were often made without sugar because it was a luxury item. They relied on the natural sweetness of the apples and other fruits.
  • Symbol of Comfort:
    • During World War II, soldiers often said they were fighting for “Mom and apple pie,” cementing the dish’s status as a comfort food.
  • National Pie Day:
    • January 23rd is celebrated as National Pie Day in the United States, a day to honor and enjoy all kinds of pies, including apple pie.

Interesting Tidbits

  • Perfect Pairing:
    • Apple pie is often served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a combination known as “à la mode.”
  • Dutch Influence:
    • The lattice crust commonly seen on apple pies is influenced by Dutch baking traditions.
  • Seasonal Favorite:
    • Apple pie is particularly popular in the fall, coinciding with apple harvest season and holidays like Thanksgiving.

The Science Behind the Recipe

The perfect apple pie relies on the balance of moisture and starch. Apples release juice as they bake, and the flour in the filling helps thicken this juice to create a luscious, cohesive filling. The butter in the crust melts during baking, creating steam that puffs up the layers of dough, resulting in a tender, flaky texture.