The Ultimate Apple Pie Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the sweet aroma of a freshly baked apple pie wafting through your home. It’s a classic dessert that brings back warm memories of family gatherings, holidays, and cozy evenings spent around the table. And it’s no wonder why—this timeless treat is as delicious as it is comforting. Today, I’m going to share with you the ultimate apple pie recipe that will truly make your taste buds sing. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this mouthwatering masterpiece!

Apple Pie Recipe Ingredients

A delicious apple pie starts with the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create your mouthwatering masterpiece:

Pie Crust:

·   2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

·   1 teaspoon salt

·   1 teaspoon sugar

·   1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

·   6 to 8 tablespoons ice water

Apple Filling:

·   8 cups (about 8 to 10 medium-sized) apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced

·   2/3 cup granulated sugar

·   1/4 cup all-purpose flour

·   1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

·   1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

·   1/4 teaspoon salt

·   2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

·   1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Egg Wash:

·   1 large egg

·   1 tablespoon milk or water

Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, let’s move on to preparing the perfect pie crust.

Preparing the Perfect Pie Crust

A flaky, tender crust is the foundation of any great apple pie. Here’s how to prepare the perfect pie crust for your apple pie recipe:

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or two forks to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork until the dough starts to come together. Be cautious not to overwork the dough, as this can result in a tough crust.
3. Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disk, and wrap each disk in plastic wrap. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to 2 days.
4. When you’re ready to assemble your pie, remove one dough disk from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This will make it easier to roll out.
5. 5On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle, about 1/8 inch thick. Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it gently into the bottom and sides of the dish. Trim any excess dough, leaving about 1/2 inch of overhang.

With our pie crust prepped, it’s time to create the delicious apple mixture.

Filling: Creating the Delicious Apple Mixture

The apple filling is the star of the show in any apple pie recipe. Follow these steps to create the perfect apple mixture:

1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice. Toss the ingredients together until the apples are evenly coated with the spices and sugar.
2. Allow the apple mixture to sit for about 30 minutes to draw out the natural juices and flavors from the apples. This will help create a more flavorful filling and prevent the pie from becoming too soggy.
3. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), and position a rack in the lower third of the oven.
4. Now that our apple filling is ready, let’s move on to assembling the apple pie.

Assembling the Apple Pie

To assemble your apple pie, follow these steps:

1. Spoon the apple filling into the prepared pie crust, mounding it slightly in the center. Dot the top of the filling with the small pieces of unsalted butter.
2. Roll out the second dough disk on a lightly floured surface, just as you did with the first, and carefully place it over the filling. Trim any excess dough, leaving about 1/2 inch of overhang. Press the edges of the top and bottom crusts together, and crimp the edges with your fingers or a fork to seal them.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk or water to create the egg wash. Brush the top crust with the egg wash, and use a sharp knife to cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.

With our pie assembled, let’s move on to baking tips for a flawless finish.

Baking Tips for a Flawless Finish

To ensure your apple pie recipe turns out perfectly, follow these baking tips:

1. Place the assembled pie on a baking sheet to catch any juices that may bubble over during baking.
2. Bake the pie at 425°F (220°C) for 20 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for an additional 35 to 45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
3. If the edges of the pie crust start to brown too quickly, you can cover them with a pie shield or aluminum foil to prevent them from burning.
4. Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving. This will give the filling time to set and make it easier to slice.

Now that our pie is baked to perfection, let’s address some frequently asked questions about apple pie baking.

Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Pie Baking

What type of apples should I use for my apple pie recipe?

Choose a mix of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor and texture. Some great options include Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, and Golden Delicious.

Can I freeze my apple pie?

Yes, you can freeze a baked or unbaked apple pie. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply bake the frozen pie in a preheated oven, adding a few extra minutesto the baking time until the crust is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.

How do I prevent my apple pie from becoming too runny?

To prevent a runny apple pie, make sure to let the apple mixture sit for at least 30 minutes before assembling the pie. This will allow the apples to release some of their juices, which can then be thickened with the flour and sugar in the filling. Additionally, avoid overfilling the pie crust, as this can cause the filling to overflow and become too watery.

How do I store my apple pie?

To store your apple pie, cover it loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the pie as described above.

Now that we’ve covered some of the most common questions about apple pie baking, let’s wrap things up.

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