Description
This Homemade Apple Pie recipe combines a flaky, buttery crust with a perfectly spiced apple filling, using a mix of tart Granny Smith and sweet Honeycrisp apples for balanced flavor. It’s an ultimate classic dessert that serves 8 people, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pie Crust
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling
- 6 to 8 medium-sized apples (mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon butter, diced (for topping the filling)
For the Topping
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients for Crust: In a large bowl, combine 2 ½ cups flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon sugar.
- Cut in Butter: Add chilled diced butter to the dry ingredients and cut it in using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Ice Water: Gradually stir in ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing just until the dough forms a ball. Avoid overworking the dough.
- Chill Dough: Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour to firm up.
- Prepare Apple Filling: Peel, core, and slice apples into thin wedges. In a large bowl, toss the apples with ¾ cup sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, and 2 tablespoons flour until evenly coated.
- Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 425°F (220°C) for initial baking.
- Roll Out Bottom Crust: On a floured surface, roll out one dough disc to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Transfer it to the pan and let the edges hang over.
- Fill Pie: Pour the apple mixture into the crust evenly and dot with 1 tablespoon diced butter over the filling.
- Roll Out Top Crust: Roll out the second dough disc and lay it over the filling. Trim excess dough, seal edges, and flute the edges decoratively. Cut slits in the top crust for steam to escape.
- Apply Egg Wash: Beat the egg and brush it over the entire top crust to achieve a golden, shiny finish after baking.
- Bake the Pie: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes to set the crust, then reduce temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 35-45 minutes until the crust is golden brown and apples are tender.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and allow the pie to cool for 20-30 minutes before slicing and serving. Cooling helps the filling set properly for clean slices.
Notes
- Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for the best flavor and texture.
- Ensure the butter and water are cold to achieve a flaky crust.
- Chilling the dough prevents shrinkage and tough crust.
- Adjust sugar amount based on apple sweetness.
- Egg wash gives the crust a beautiful golden color and sheen.
- Allow the pie to cool completely before serving to let the filling set.
