Best Ever Apple Pie

Apple pie is one of those timeless, treasured dishes that generally evokes memories of togetherness and the comforts of home. The inside is sweet and tender while the outside is flaky and slightly crisp, and the spices within give the whole thing an amazing warm and rustic flavor. It’s a true American classic.

Making apple pie from scratch can seem like an undertaking… and while it does take a bit of time, none of the steps are really difficult at all. (Especially if you decide to go with store-bought dough. We won’t tell anyone if you don’t.) The packaged stuff saves time for sure, but make your own and you’ll be rewarded with a perfectly buttery and flaky crust. And street cred, of course.

We like our crust with pure butter- no shortening here. We find the end result to be perfectly flaky and flavorful and totally worth any extra time it might take to mix up. A little extra sprinkling of sugar over the top crust is the perfect bit of extra sweetness against the ingredients below.

Our filling is pretty classic. It’s spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg and tossed in brown sugar for that caramelly sweet flavor. Lemon juice adds a hint of a tart contrast and keeps those apple slices looking pretty.

There’s nothing terribly innovative here, just timeless, quality ingredients prepared in a traditional way. This is the apple pie we all know and love, and this is how you make it in your own home. Happy baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This apple pie is a true celebration of classic flavors and textures. With a buttery, flaky crust and a sweet, spiced apple filling, it’s everything you want in a comforting dessert. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at pie-making for the first time, you’ll find this recipe delightful and rewarding.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Food processor or large bowl with a pastry blender/fork
• Rolling pin
• Pie pan
• Baking sheet
• Pastry brush
• Small bowl

Ingredients

Crust:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) cold, unsalted butter, cubed
• 1/2 cup ice water
• 3 teaspoons sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Filling:

• 8 cups cored, peeled, sliced apples (around 8; Granny Smith or Cortland)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2/3 cup sugar, plus 1 tablespoon for top of crust
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• Splash of water

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a food processor, using a metal blade, pulse your flour, sugar, and salt together.
2. Add in cold, cubed butter and pulse again until the mixture is coarse and crumbly.
3. Slowly drizzle in ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. If you don’t have a food processor, combine ingredients in a large bowl, using a pastry blender or a fork.
4. Before the dough has formed a ball, remove it from the processor, bring it together by hand, and form it into a disc. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
5. In a large bowl, toss apples in lemon juice, flour, sugars, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
6. Once the dough is cold, divide it in half. Return one half to the fridge.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one half of the dough into a circle, 12-14 inches round and about 1/4-inch thick.
8. Gently transfer the dough to a pie pan, pressing it lightly against the bottom and sides. Trim any overhanging dough to leave about 1/2-inch, then fold the excess under the edge of the pan.
9. Roll out the second half of the dough in the same manner.
10. Fill the pie with the apple mixture and dot with butter.
11. In a small bowl, beat the egg yolk with a splash of water. Brush the edges of the pie pan with this egg wash.
12. Cover the pie with the second rolled-out dough. Pierce holes in the top to allow steam to escape.
13. Seal the edges by fluting them with a fork or your fingers.
14. Brush the top with the remaining egg wash and sprinkle with sugar.
15. Bake for 50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.

Tips for Success

• Keep your dough cold throughout the process to ensure a flaky crust.
• Use a variety of apples for a more complex flavor.
• Don’t skip the egg wash—it gives the crust a beautiful golden color.

Additional Tips or Variations

For a twist, try adding a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for extra crunch. You can also experiment with different spices like cardamom or ginger for a unique flavor profile.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

• Calories: Approximately 400
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Protein: 4g
• Sugar: 25g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, feel free to use your favorite apple variety or a mix for different textures and flavors.

How do I store leftover pie?

Cover the pie with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze the pie?

Yes, you can freeze the baked pie for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Conclusion

This Best Ever Apple Pie is a delicious way to bring a touch of tradition and warmth to your table. We hope you enjoy making and sharing this classic dessert with your loved ones. Don’t forget to let us know how it turned out by leaving a comment or sharing a photo. Happy baking!