There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a freshly baked Old Fashioned Apple Pie wafting through your home, evoking memories of family gatherings and cozy autumn evenings. With its flaky crust and a sweet, spiced apple filling, this classic American dessert is sure to delight your taste buds and impress your guests. Ready to unlock the secrets to the perfect pie? Dive into this recipe and discover how to create a slice of nostalgia that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water
- 6 to 8 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt for the pie crust. Cut the chilled butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or food processor until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just begins to come together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the gluten to relax and the butter to chill.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Position a rack in the lower third of the oven.
- In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gently toss until the apples are evenly coated with the spice mixture.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 12 inches in diameter. Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie dish, allowing excess to hang over the edges.
- Fill the pie crust with the prepared apple mixture. Dot the top of the filling with small pieces of butter.
- Roll out the second disc of dough and create a top crust. You can either place it whole with slits cut for venting or create a lattice design.
- Trim the edges of the pie crust, leaving about a 1/2-inch overhang. Crimp the edges to seal, creating a decorative border.
- Optional: Brush the top crust with an egg wash (1 beaten egg with 1 tablespoon water) for a golden, shiny finish.
- Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any potential drips, and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for at least 2-3 hours to allow the filling to set completely.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Tips
- Chill Your Ingredients: For a flaky crust, make sure your butter is chilled and diced before mixing it with the flour. Additionally, refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes helps maintain that perfect texture.
- Choose the Right Apples: A mix of sweet and tart apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, will give your pie a balanced flavor. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different varieties!
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: When mixing the pie crust, be gentle. Overworking the dough can lead to a tough crust, so mix until just combined.
- Let It Cool: Allow your pie to cool for at least 2-3 hours after baking. This helps the filling set, making it easier to slice and serve.
- Serve with a Twist: For an extra indulgent treat, serve your pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It’s the perfect finishing touch!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 489kcal
Carbohydrates: 74g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 83mg
