Classic Apple Pie

The Classic All-American Apple Pie is more than just a dessert; it’s a symbol of comfort, nostalgia, and celebration. This beloved pie, with its flaky crust and sweet, spiced apple filling, has been a staple in American kitchens for generations. The very mention of apple pie evokes memories of family gatherings, holiday festivities, and warm summer afternoons spent in the kitchen. Whether served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed on its own, this pie captures the essence of home-cooked goodness. In this article, we will explore the history, ingredients, and step-by-step process for creating this iconic dish, ensuring you can impress family and friends with your baking prowess.

Discover the timeless joy of baking with the Classic All-American Apple Pie—a dessert that embodies comfort and nostalgia. This article takes you through its rich history, from medieval roots to its status as a cultural icon in America. Learn how to create the perfect flaky crust and flavorful apple filling using fresh ingredients. Whether enjoyed at family gatherings or holiday celebrations, this classic pie is sure to warm hearts and delight taste buds. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this simple yet beloved recipe!

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Ingredients

For the Pie Crust:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp salt

1 tbsp granulated sugar

1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

6-8 tbsp ice water

For the Apple Filling:

6-8 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced

¾ cup granulated sugar

½ cup brown sugar, packed

2 tbsp all-purpose flour

1 tsp ground cinnamon

¼ tsp ground nutmeg

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

Prepare the Pie Crust:

- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.

- Add the cold, cubed butter and mix with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

- Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough begins to come together.

- Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Make the Apple Filling:

- In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Toss until the apples are well coated. Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes to release some juices.

Roll Out the Dough:

- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one dough disc into a circle about 12 inches in diameter for the bottom crust. Transfer to a 9-inch pie pan.

Assemble the Pie:

- Pour the apple filling into the prepared pie crust, ensuring even distribution. Dot the filling with small pieces of butter.

- Roll out the second dough disc to cover the pie, about 12 inches in diameter. You can either place it whole on top or cut into strips for a lattice pattern.

- Trim and crimp the edges to seal the pie. Cut a few slits in the top crust for steam to escape.

Brush with Egg Wash:

- Brush the top crust with the beaten egg for a golden finish. Sprinkle a bit of sugar on top for added sweetness and crunch.

Bake the Pie:

- Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.

- Reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 45-55 minutes, until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown. If the edges start to brown too quickly, cover them with foil.

Cool and Serve:

- Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set.

- Serve warm or at room temperature, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 mins | 2 hrs 30 mins | 8 slices