The Ultimate Apple Pie

Imagine the comforting aroma of The Ultimate Apple Pie wafting through your kitchen, filling your home with the warmth and sweetness that only a homemade pie can provide. Well, my dear friend, today is the day we make that dream a reality!

As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite like a freshly baked apple pie to bring friends and family together. So let’s embark on this delicious journey together and create a dessert that will be remembered for years to come.

First, let’s talk about the apples. The secret to a perfect apple pie lies in the variety of apples you choose. Look for a mix of sweet and tart apples, such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Golden Delicious, to create a balanced and flavorful filling.

Tip: Choose firm apples that hold their shape during baking for a pie that’s picture-perfect.

Next, let’s discuss the crust. A flaky, buttery crust is the foundation of any great pie, and The Ultimate Apple Pie is no exception. To achieve this, we’ll use a combination of cold butter and shortening, which will create those dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth layers.

Tip: Be sure to chill your dough before rolling it out for easier handling and to prevent shrinkage during baking.

Now, we’ll focus on the filling. Along with our carefully chosen apples, we’ll add just the right amount of sugar, spices, and a touch of lemon juice to enhance the natural flavors of the fruit. It’s this delicate balance of flavors that sets The Ultimate Apple Pie apart from the rest.

Tip: Toss your apple slices with a bit of flour to help thicken the filling as it bakes.

Finally, we’ll assemble our pie, taking care to vent the top crust to allow steam to escape, ensuring a perfectly baked filling. A quick brush of egg wash and a sprinkle of coarse sugar will give our pie a beautiful, golden finish.

Tip: Place a baking sheet on the rack below your pie to catch any juices that may bubble over during baking.

And there you have it – The Ultimate Apple Pie that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight! Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a dessert that’s sure to impress.

So gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and let’s make some memories in the kitchen with this irresistible apple pie!

The Ultimate Apple Pie

Course: DessertCuisine: American

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

1

hour 

Calories

450

kcal

Total time

90

minutes

A classic dessert with a heavenly blend of flavors and textures that will have you craving more.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

• 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water

• 8 cups peeled and sliced apples (about 6-8 apples)

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 egg, beaten

• 1 tbsp granulated sugar for sprinkling

Directions

• In a large bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups flour and 1 tsp salt. Add cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough starts to hold together. Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, combine peeled and sliced apples, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 tbsp flour, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Mix well to combine.
• Roll out one of the dough discs on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Transfer the rolled-out dough to the pie dish and gently press it into the bottom and sides of the dish. Trim any excess dough. Spoon the apple filling onto the pie crust, mounding it slightly in the center.
• Roll out the second dough disc to form the top crust. Place it over the apple filling, and trim any excess dough. Pinch the edges of the top and bottom crusts together to seal, and flute the edges as desired. Cut slits in the top crust for steam to escape. Brush the top crust with beaten egg, and sprinkle with 1 tbsp granulated sugar.
• Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for an additional 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the edges of the pie start to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil.
• Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the filling to set and makes it easier to slice.

Notes

• You can use a mix of apple varieties for a more complex flavor. Good choices include Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, and Honeycrisp.
• For a more decorative top crust, try a lattice pattern or use cookie cutters to create shapes.
• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.

The Ultimate Apple Pie pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Serve it after a classic American meal, featuring dishes such as roasted turkey, garlic mashed potatoes, and green beans. If you’re going for a more casual, comfort food vibe, the pie is the perfect accompaniment to a meal of fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, and coleslaw.

Additionally, it complements a brunch menu featuring items like quiche, fruit salad, and savory scones. The possibilities are endless!