Grandma’s Classic Apple Pie Recipe
Picture this: the aroma of warm cinnamon and fresh apples wafts through your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around to indulge in a slice of homemade pie. This year, instead of opting for a store-bought dessert, why not conquer your pastry fears and treat your loved ones to a deliciously flaky, homemade apple pie?
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 ½ cups |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Butter (cold) | 1 cup (2 sticks) |
| Ice water | 6-8 tablespoons |
| Apples (peeled, cored, sliced) | 6-8 cups |
| Sugar | ¾ cup |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Nutmeg (optional) | ¼ teaspoon |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Egg (for egg wash) | 1 |
Instructions
-
Make the Pie Crust:
- In a large bowl, mix together flour and salt.
- Cut in chilled butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
- Slowly add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough barely comes together.
- Form into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 45 minutes.
-
Prepare the Filling:
- In another bowl, combine sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and lemon juice. Toss well to coat.
-
Roll Out the Dough:
- After chilling, divide the dough in half. Roll out one half and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan. Trim edges.
- Pour the apple filling into the crust.
-
Top the Pie:
- Roll out the second half of the dough and place it over the filling. Cut slits for steam and crimp the edges to seal.
-
Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Brush the top with egg wash for a golden finish.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown.
-
Cool and Serve:
- Allow the pie to cool before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Pie Crust
- Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality butter for rich flavor. European-style butter is recommended for better flakiness.
- Keep It Cold: Ensure all ingredients are chilled before mixing to maintain the dough’s flakiness.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to keep the crust tender.
- Let It Rest: After forming the dough, let it rest in the refrigerator to relax the gluten.
Enjoy!
The joy of homemade apple pie lies not just in its taste but in the love and effort that goes into making it. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and make some delicious memories!