Why Make This Recipe
There’s something truly magical about a homemade apple pie. Is it the flaky crust? The warm, gooey apple filling? Or maybe it’s just that they make the whole house smell like a cozy bakery! 🍏 Whether you’re trying to impress your guests or just craving a classic dessert, apple pie is always a hit. Plus, it’s a great way to put those apples to good use and channel your inner baker!
How to Make Apple Pie
Making an apple pie might sound intimidating, but I promise you, it’s simpler than it seems. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Prepare the crust: A good crust is key! Use a perfect pie crust that suits your taste.
- Cook the filling: Toss those apples with some sugar, spices, and a bit of love.
- Assemble: Fill the pie crust and top it off. Vent it, or braid it, it’s your call!
- Bake: Let that baby bake until golden brown and bubbly.
- Cool and serve: You’ll be the star of your own dessert show soon enough!
Now let’s dive into the nitty-gritty details.
Ingredients:
- 1 Perfect Pie Crust Recipe
- ¼ cup butter
- 8 cups thinly sliced apples (peeled and cored)
- 2/3 cup lightly packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon water
- Coarse sugar (optional, but let’s be real, who doesn’t love a little sparkle?)
Directions:
- Set aside a 9-inch pie plate and preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add the apples, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, lemon juice, and salt. Stir together and cook until the apples soften (about 8 to 10 minutes). Remove from heat and let it cool.
- Divide the prepared pie dough into two (if you didn’t get it cut already) and lightly flour your surface. Roll one disc out to around 1/8-inch thick—make it a bit larger than your pie plate.
- Transfer the rolled dough to the pie plate, gently pressing it in.
- Whisk together the egg and water to make the egg wash and set aside.
- Pour the cooled apple mixture into the prepared crust. Roll out the second disc and place it over the filling. If you’re feeling fancy, cut it into strips and create a lattice top! If not, just cut a few vents in the crust.
- Trim any excess dough hanging over the sides and crimp the edges to seal.
- Brush the top with the egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar if you want it to look extra snazzy.
- Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F, then reduce the temperature to 350°F and continue baking for about 40 minutes until it’s golden and bubbly.
- If the crust gets too brown, cover with foil. Let it cool before you slice it up like a pro!
How to Serve Apple Pie
Alright, here’s the fun part! You can serve apple pie all on its own, but why not level up? A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top creates the perfect contrast with the warm filling. If you’re feeling super extra, drizzle some caramel sauce for that chef’s kiss moment. Seriously, who can resist?
How to Store Apple Pie
If by some miracle, you have leftover pie (I mean, really?), store it in an airtight container at room temperature for about 2 days. If you want it to last longer, pop that bad boy in the fridge, and it should be fine for a week. Just reheat it before serving to bring back that lovely warmth.
Tips to Make Apple Pie
- Choose your apples wisely: Go for a mix of tart and sweet varieties for depth of flavor. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp work well together!
- Don’t skip the lemon juice: It helps to balance the sweetness and keeps those apples looking fresh.
- Baking time: Every oven is different. Check your pie a bit earlier than the suggested time to avoid over-baking.
- Cooling: Let the pie cool before slicing—it helps the filling set up nicely!
Variation
Feeling adventurous? Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a twist. You could also swap out some apples for pears if you’re in the mood. And if you’re aiming for a super easy way out, use store-bought pie crust. No judgment here! 😄
FAQs
How do I know when my apple pie is done?
Look for a golden-brown crust and bubbling filling peeking through the vents. If it’s a little too brown before the filling starts bubbling, cover it with foil.
Can I freeze apple pie?
Absolutely! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It can last for up to 4 months. Bake it straight from the freezer by adding extra time to your cooking!
What should I do if my crust shrinks?
Let your dough rest before you roll it out! This helps relax the gluten and keeps it from shrinking too much during baking. If that doesn’t work, just embrace the rustic look!
Now that you’ve got the lowdown on making a fabulous apple pie, what are you waiting for? Get baking and enjoy those delicious smells wafting through your kitchen! 🍏🥧
Apple Pie
Ingredients
Method
- Set aside a 9-inch pie plate and preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add the apples, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, lemon juice, and salt. Stir together and cook until the apples soften (about 8 to 10 minutes). Remove from heat and let it cool.
- Divide the prepared pie dough into two and lightly flour your surface. Roll one disc out to around 1/8-inch thick, making it a bit larger than your pie plate.
- Transfer the rolled dough to the pie plate, gently pressing it in.
- Whisk together the egg and water to make the egg wash and set aside.
- Pour the cooled apple mixture into the prepared crust.
- Roll out the second disc and place it over the filling. Cut it into strips for a lattice top or just cut a few vents in the crust.
- Trim any excess dough hanging over the sides and crimp the edges to seal.
- Brush the top with the egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
- Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F, then reduce the temperature to 350°F and continue baking for about 40 minutes until it’s golden and bubbly.
- If the crust gets too brown, cover it with foil.
- Let it cool before slicing.