Get ready to transform your kitchen into a slice of heaven with the most mouthwatering apple pie that will have your family and friends begging for seconds! This isn't just any ordinary apple pie - it's a carefully crafted masterpiece that combines the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and buttery flavors that will transport you to grandma's kitchen with every single bite. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe promises to deliver a golden, flaky crust and a luscious apple filling that will make your taste buds dance with pure delight!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 lbs apples, peeled and sliced
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This will ensure that the pie bakes evenly and has a nice golden crust.
- Prepare your apples by peeling, coring, and slicing them into thin wedges. Aim for uniform thickness to ensure even cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples with 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour. Stir gently until the apples are well coated with the mixture.
- Let the apple mixture sit for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sugar to draw out some of the moisture from the apples.
- If you're using a store-bought pie crust, unroll it and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan. If you're making a homemade crust, roll it out to fit the pan, making sure to leave some overhang for crimping later.
- Pour the apple filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly. Dot the filling with small pieces of butter, which will melt and add richness to the pie.
- Cover the pie with the second crust if you have one, or create a lattice pattern with strips of dough if you prefer. If using a top crust, cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
- Crimp the edges of the pie crust together to seal the filling inside. You can use your fingers or a fork to create a decorative edge.
- To prevent the edges from browning too quickly, you can cover them with strips of aluminum foil. This can be removed during the last 15 minutes of baking for a nice golden color.
- Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This allows the filling to set up a bit, making it easier to serve.
- Serve your apple pie warm or at room temperature, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Tips
- Choose the Right Apples: Select a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a more complex flavor profile.
- Keep Your Ingredients Cold: For the flakiest crust, ensure your butter and water are ice-cold when making the pie dough.
- Don't Rush the Cooling: Letting the pie rest for at least 30 minutes after baking allows the filling to set and makes slicing much easier.
- Prevent Soggy Bottom: Sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs or ground nuts on the bottom crust before adding filling to absorb excess moisture.
- Egg Wash Magic: Brush the top crust with a beaten egg for a gorgeous golden shine and professional-looking finish.
- Storage Tip: This pie can be stored at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days - if it lasts that long!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 310kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
