Name: Apple Pie Recipe: Classic and Flaky
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 70 min
Total time: 220 min
Ingredients: Crust:; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1 tbsp granulated sugar; 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes; 6-8 tbsp ice water.; Filling:; 6-7 medium tart apples (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, about 6 cups sliced); 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; Optional: 1/4 tsp ground allspice (for warmth); 1/8 tsp kosher salt; 1 tbsp unsalted butter (cut into small pieces.); Assembly:; 1 large egg (beaten with 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)); 1 tbsp coarse sugar (e.g., turbinado, for sprinkling.); For Serving:; Optional: Vanilla ice cream (whipped cream, or cheddar cheese slices); Suggested Pairings: Hot coffee (spiced tea, or warm cider)

Introduction

Table of Contents

Apple pie is an iconic, heartwarming dessert, celebrated for its flaky, buttery crust and tender, spiced apple filling. This timeless treat balances sweet and tart flavors with warm spices, perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or cozy evenings. Its straightforward ingredients and forgiving process make it ideal for cooks of all levels. This recipe delivers a classic double-crust apple pie, adaptable for dietary needs, best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a slice of cheddar cheese.

Ingredients

Crust:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tbsp granulated sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
6-8 tbsp ice water.

Filling:

6-7 medium tart apples (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, about 6 cups sliced)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Optional: 1/4 tsp ground allspice (for warmth)
1/8 tsp kosher salt
1 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces.

Assembly:

1 large egg, beaten with 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
1 tbsp coarse sugar (e.g., turbinado, for sprinkling).

For Serving:

Optional: Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or cheddar cheese slices
Suggested Pairings: Hot coffee, spiced tea, or warm cider

Step-by-Step Process

Make Crust: In a large bowl, whisk flour, salt, and sugar. Add cold butter cubes and cut into flour using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter pieces. Add ice water, 1 tbsp at a time, mixing until dough holds together. Divide into two discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days).
Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and slice apples into 1/4-inch thick wedges. In a large bowl, toss apples with sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice (if using), and salt until evenly coated. Set aside.
Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a baking sheet on the lower rack to catch drips.
Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll one dough disc into a 12-inch circle (about 1/8-inch thick). Transfer to a 9-inch pie dish, pressing gently into the edges. Trim excess, leaving a 1-inch overhang. Roll the second disc into an 11-inch circle for the top crust.
Assemble Pie: Pour apple filling into the crust, mounding slightly in the center. Dot with butter pieces. Place the top crust over the apples. Trim, fold, and crimp edges to seal. Cut 4-5 slits in the top for steam vents. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
Bake: Place the pie on the preheated baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes, then reduce to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 40-50 minutes more, until crust is golden and filling is bubbly. If edges brown too quickly, cover with a pie shield or foil. Check doneness by inserting a knife; apples should be tender.
Cool: Let pie cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours to set filling (it will thicken as it cools).
Serve: Slice and serve warm or at room temperature with optional ice cream, whipped cream, or cheddar cheese. Pair with suggested beverages like coffee or cider.

Tips for Better Apple Pie

Use a mix of tart (Granny Smith) and sweet (Honeycrisp) apples for balanced flavor; avoid soft varieties like Red Delicious.
Keep butter and water ice-cold for a flaky crust; chill dough if it softens during rolling.
Slice apples uniformly for even cooking; thinner slices cook faster but hold shape.
Taste filling before baking; adjust sugar if apples are very tart or sweet.
Prevent soggy crust by baking on a preheated sheet and avoiding overfilling with wet ingredients.
Let the pie cool fully to set juices; cutting too soon makes the filling runny.
Make dough ahead and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for 1 month; thaw in fridge overnight.
Use a glass pie dish to monitor crust browning.

Variations and Customization

Gluten-Free Apple Pie: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the crust; ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.
Vegan Apple Pie: Replace butter with vegan butter or coconut oil; use plant-based milk in place of egg wash.
Low-Sugar Apple Pie: Reduce sugar to 1/2 cup; use a natural sweetener like maple syrup or stevia.
Spiced Apple Pie: Add 1/4 tsp ground ginger or cardamom to the filling.
Caramel Apple Pie: Drizzle 1/4 cup caramel sauce over apples before adding the top crust.
Crumble-Top Apple Pie: Skip top crust; use apple crisp topping for a hybrid dessert.
Mini Apple Pies: Divide dough and filling into 4-6 small tart pans or muffin tins; adjust bake time to 25-30 minutes.
Savory Apple Pie: Reduce sugar to 1/4 cup, add 1/2 cup shredded cheddar to the crust, and serve with cheese.

Storage and Serving Tips

Store baked pie at room temperature for up to 1 day, then refrigerate covered for up to 4 days.
Reheat slices in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or microwave for 20-30 seconds.
Freeze baked pie (wrapped tightly) for up to 3 months; thaw in fridge overnight and reheat at 350°F. Freeze unbaked pie and bake from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to bake time.
Serve warm for the best flavor; cold pie is great for breakfast with coffee.
Use leftovers in milkshakes, as a topping for oatmeal, or in parfait layers.
Avoid leaving at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent spoilage.
Pair with a dessert wine like Sauternes, hot tea, or mulled cider.
Cut with a serrated knife for clean slices; dip in hot water for easier cutting.

Nutritional Information

Based on 8 servings (1 slice each, without optional toppings):

Calories: 420 kcal
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 320mg
Total Carbohydrates: 54g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 28g
Protein: 5g
Vitamin A: 15% Daily Value
Vitamin C: 12% Daily Value
Calcium: 4% Daily Value
Iron: 10% Daily Value

Note: Nutritional values vary based on ingredient brands and optional add-ins. This dessert is high in calories, fat, and sugar due to butter and sugar. For dietary needs, try gluten-free or vegan variations. Its fiber from apples adds nutritional value.

Conclusion

This apple pie recipe delivers a classic, flaky dessert that’s perfect for holidays, gatherings, or any sweet occasion. Its simple preparation and comforting flavors make it a favorite for home cooks. The buttery crust and spiced filling create a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing treat. This recipe is sure to become a staple, cherished for its warmth and tradition.