Nothing says fall quite like the aroma of a freshly baked apple pie wafting through your home. This classic apple pie recipe captures the essence of autumn and is perfect for any gathering or cozy night in. With its flaky crust and warm, spiced apple filling, it’s a must-try among apple dessert recipes. Plus, it’s an ideal opportunity to showcase your baking skills and impress your friends and family.
Imagine slicing into a perfectly golden crust, revealing tender, caramelized apples that are lightly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. The sight alone is enough to evoke feelings of nostalgia, reminding you of family gatherings and holiday celebrations. This recipe can also be adapted into mini apple pies for a charming presentation at parties or as individual treats. Whether enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or at room temperature, this apple pie promises to delight your taste buds.
The Essence of Fall in a Pie
There’s something truly special about the smell of a freshly baked apple pie filling the air, especially as the leaves begin to turn. This classic apple pie recipe encapsulates the essence of autumn, making it an ideal choice for gatherings or a cozy evening at home.
With its flaky, buttery crust and a warm filling of spiced apples, this dish stands out among various apple dessert recipes. The combination of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples offers a delightful balance of tartness and sweetness, inviting everyone to take a slice and savor the moment.
Crafting the Perfect Crust
The foundation of any excellent apple pie lies in its crust. A buttery, flaky crust envelops the scrumptious apple filling, adding texture and richness to every bite. The process starts by mixing flour, salt, and sugar, before incorporating chilled butter for that light, crumbly quality.
After forming the dough, it requires some time to chill, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. This step is crucial for achieving a flaky crust that complements the warm filling. Consider enjoying the process—it’s an opportunity to hone your baking skills and enjoy the anticipation of the final product.
Preparing the Flavorful Filling
The apple filling is where the magic happens. Using a mix of apples provides depth of flavor and a range of textures. Tossing the sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and a touch of lemon juice brings out their natural sweetness and adds a zing that elevates the entire dish.
Whether you choose to make a traditional apple pie or opt for mini apple pies, the filling remains a key highlight of the recipe. It’s also versatile—this filling can inspire variations like apple cobbler or apple crisp pie recipes, showcasing the adaptability of this beloved fruit.
Assembling Your Masterpiece
Once the crust is ready and the filling is prepared, it’s time to assemble your pie. Rolling out the dough to fit your pie dish is an important step, ensuring that the crust hugs the filling snugly. Pour the apple mixture into the prepared crust, dot with butter, and cover with a second layer of dough.
Creating a lattice top not only enhances the pie’s aesthetic appeal but also allows steam to escape during baking. It’s a charming finishing touch that makes your pie look inviting, and it’s a nod to traditional baking methods.
Baking to Golden Perfection
The baking process transforms the raw ingredients into a warm, inviting pie. Starting with a high temperature helps to achieve that initial golden crust, while lowering the temperature ensures the apples cook through without burning the crust.
As the pie bakes, the aroma wafting from the oven is truly something to behold. Allowing the pie to cool before slicing helps the filling set, providing clean, beautiful slices that are perfect for serving. Enjoying it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream elevates the experience, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
While this classic apple pie is delicious on its own, there are numerous ways to enhance your serving experience. Pairing it with a scoop of melting vanilla ice cream not only adds creaminess but also complements the spiced apple filling beautifully.
For those looking to experiment, consider adapting the recipe into mini apple pies for charming portion sizes at parties, or serving it alongside a drizzle of caramel sauce for a decadent twist. Each variation brings a personal touch to this timeless dessert.
The Best Classic Apple Pie Recipe
This easy apple pie recipe features a buttery, flaky crust enveloping a sweet and tangy apple filling, made from a delightful mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples. Each bite is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, making it a standout among fall pies.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup sugar
- 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water
- 6 to 8 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- ¾ cup sugar (adjust based on apple sweetness)
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons butter, diced
- 1 egg yolk (for egg wash, optional)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Divide in half, shape into discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Make the Filling: In another bowl, combine sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Toss to coat the apples well.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to fit your pie dish. Place it in the pie dish, then fill with the apple mixture and dot with butter. Roll out the second disc and place over the filling. Seal and flute the edges, then cut slits in the top crust for ventilation.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). If using, brush the top crust with egg wash. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then reduce temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 35 to 45 minutes, until apples are soft and the crust is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature, ideally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 8 slices
- Calories: 300kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
