How to Make Easy Classic Apple Pie: A Timeless Delight

Imagine the aroma of freshly baked apples, cinnamon, and buttery crust wafting through your kitchen. There's something inherently comforting about a classic apple pie. It's like a warm hug on a chilly autumn day. But don't be intimidated by the thought of making one from scratch. With our easy classic apple pie recipe, you'll be serving up this timeless delight in no time. So, let's dive in!

Gather Your Apple Pie Ingredients

Before we start, let's ensure you have everything you need. Here's your shopping list:

For the Apple Pie Filling:

• 6-7 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Jonagold work best)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt

For the Apple Pie Crust:

• 2 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/2 cup ice-cold water

Prepare the Apple Pie Crust

The key to a great apple pie is a flaky, buttery crust. Here's how to achieve that:

1. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Add the Butter: Toss in the cold, cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the dry ingredients until you have pea-sized crumbs.
3. Add Water: Drizzle the ice-cold water over the mixture. Using a fork, gently mix until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overwork it.
4. Chill: Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Create the Apple Pie Filling

While the dough chills, let's prepare the apple pie filling:

1. Peel and Slice Apples: Peel, core, and slice your apples. You should have about 6 cups.
2. Mix with Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well to ensure the apples are evenly coated.

Assemble Your Apple Pie

Now comes the fun part – putting it all together:

1. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the chilled dough disks into a 12-inch circle.
2. Line the Pie Dish: Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it into the sides.
3. Add the Filling: Spoon the apple pie filling into the crust, mounding it slightly in the center.
4. Top with Crust: Roll out the second dough disk. You can either place it on top as is, or get creative with a lattice design.
5. Seal and Crimp: Trim any excess dough, then seal and crimp the edges.
6. Vent: If you've opted for a full top crust, make sure to cut a few slits to allow steam to escape.

Apple Pie Baking: The Grand Finale

You're almost there! Here's how to bake your pie to perfection:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Bake: Place your pie on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
3. Cool: Allow your pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 3 hours before serving. This lets the filling set properly.

Serve and Enjoy

There's nothing quite like that first slice of homemade apple pie. Serve it warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It's the perfect finish to any meal.

Conclusion: Your New Go-To Apple Pie Recipe

And there you have it – an easy classic apple pie recipe that's sure to impress. With its flaky crust and perfectly spiced filling, it's a recipe you'll turn to time and time again. So, what are you waiting for? Get baking!

Remember, practice makes perfect. Don't be discouraged if your first pie isn't perfect. Each one will be better than the last. For more tips on pie baking, check out this guide from King Arthur Baking.

Happy baking!

FAQs

1. What are the best apples for apple pie?

   • Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Jonagold are popular choices due to their balance of sweetness and tartness, as well as their firm texture.

2. Can I make the pie dough ahead of time?

   • Yes! Pie dough can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator, or up to 3 months in the freezer.

3. How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?

   • Blind baking (pre-baking the crust before adding the filling) can help prevent a soggy bottom. You can also brush the bottom crust with a beaten egg white before adding the filling.

4. Can I use store-bought pie crust?

   • Absolutely! If you're short on time, store-bought crust can be a lifesaver. Just follow the package instructions for best results.

5. How do I store leftover apple pie?

   • Apple pie can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 10 minutes.

Share this post