Apple pie is a quintessential dessert that brings warmth and comfort to any occasion. With its flaky, buttery crust and sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple filling, apple pie is a classic that never goes out of style.
Whether you’re making it for a holiday, a family gathering, or just because you crave something sweet, making the perfect apple pie is easier than you think.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making a delicious apple pie from scratch, from preparing the crust to baking the pie to golden perfection.
What Makes a Perfect Apple Pie?
A perfect apple pie has a combination of a tender, flaky crust and a filling that’s both sweet and tangy with just the right amount of spice. The apples should hold their shape while still being soft and flavorful, and the crust should be crisp and golden.
Achieving this balance requires the right ingredients and technique, but with the right steps, you can easily make a perfect apple pie every time.
Ingredients for Making Apple Pie
To make a delicious apple pie, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Pie Crust:
- All-purpose flour – 2 1/2 cups
- Granulated sugar – 2 tablespoons (optional, for sweetness)
- Salt – 1/2 teaspoon
- Unsalted butter – 1 cup (chilled and cut into small cubes)
- Ice water – 6-8 tablespoons
For the Apple Filling:
- Apples – 6-8 medium-sized (a mix of tart and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
- Granulated sugar – 3/4 cup
- Brown sugar – 1/4 cup
- Ground cinnamon – 1 1/2 teaspoons
- Ground nutmeg – 1/4 teaspoon
- Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon
- Cornstarch – 2 tablespoons (to thicken the filling)
- Butter – 2 tablespoons (for dotting on top of the filling)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Apple Pie
Now that we have the ingredients, let’s dive into the process of making the perfect apple pie.
1. Prepare the Pie Crust
- Start by making the pie crust. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
- 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 with pea-sized bits of butter remaining. The key to a flaky crust is to not overwork the dough.
- Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to add too much water, as this can make the crust tough.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions, flatten them into discs, and wrap them in plastic wrap. Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling
- While the dough is chilling, prepare the apple filling. Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin slices, about 1/4 inch thick.
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss the apples until they are evenly coated with the sugar and spice mixture. Let the filling sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
3. Roll Out the Pie Dough
- Once the dough has chilled, remove one disc from the refrigerator and roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a circle that is about 12 inches in diameter, enough to fit into a 9-inch pie dish.
- Transfer the rolled-out dough to the pie dish, gently pressing it into the bottom and up the sides. Trim any excess dough, leaving about 1 inch around the edges.
4. Assemble the Pie
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the apple filling is ready, pour it into the prepared pie crust, spreading the apples evenly.
- Dot the filling with small pieces of butter.
- Roll out the second disc of dough in the same way as the first. Place the second crust over the apples, trimming any excess dough. You can either create a full top crust or make a lattice pattern with the dough for a decorative look. If using a full top crust, make sure to cut a few slits to allow steam to escape.
- Crimp the edges of the top and bottom crusts together to seal the pie. Brush the top crust with a little water or milk, and sprinkle with a bit of sugar for a golden finish.
5. Bake the Apple Pie
- Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the crust is browning too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil and continue baking until the pie is done.
- You can check for doneness by gently tapping the pie with a spoon. The filling should be thickened and bubbling, and the crust should be golden and crispy.
6. Let the Pie Cool
- Once the pie is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for at least 1 hour. This allows the filling to set and makes it easier to slice.
Tips for Perfect Apple Pie
- Use a mix of apples: A combination of tart apples (like Granny Smith) and sweet apples (like Honeycrisp) provides a great balance of flavor and texture.
- Chill the dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! Cold dough is key to achieving a flaky, tender crust.
- Don’t overfill the pie: Be sure to mound the apples slightly in the center of the pie, as they will shrink during baking.
- Brush with egg wash: For an extra golden, shiny crust, brush the top of the pie with an egg wash (a beaten egg mixed with water) before baking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not chilling the dough: If the dough is too warm when you bake it, the crust may not be as flaky.
- Using only one type of apple: Using only sweet or only tart apples can result in an unbalanced filling. A combination of both is ideal.
- Skipping the cornstarch: Cornstarch helps thicken the filling and prevents it from becoming runny. Don’t skip this step!
Conclusion
Apple pie is a classic dessert that everyone can enjoy, and with this recipe, you can create a delicious, perfectly balanced pie with a tender, flaky crust and a flavorful, spiced apple filling.
Whether you’re making it for a holiday, a family gathering, or just because you love dessert, this homemade apple pie will be a hit.
Enjoy a slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate treat!