As American as Apple Pie
Apple pie is the quintessential American dessert, perfect for holidays, special occasions, or any time you want to fill your home with the comforting aroma of cinnamon and baked apples. This recipe uses a combination of tart and sweet apples for the most flavorful filling.
Choosing the Right Apples
The best apple pies use a mix of apple varieties. Granny Smith apples provide tartness and hold their shape well, while Honeycrisp or Gala apples add sweetness and extra flavor. Avoid apples that turn mushy when cooked, like Red Delicious.
Apple Pie
Classic American pie with cinnamon-spiced apples
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1 Make the crust: In a food processor, pulse flour, salt, and 1 tablespoon sugar. Add cold butter and pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- 2 Add ice water 1 tablespoon at a time, pulsing until dough just comes together. Divide into two disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- 3 Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 4 Make the filling: In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, 3/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss until apples are evenly coated.
- 5 Roll out one dough disk on a floured surface to 12 inches. Transfer to a 9-inch pie pan, letting excess hang over the edges.
- 6 Pour apple filling into the crust, mounding slightly in the center. Dot with 2 tablespoons butter cut into small pieces.
- 7 Roll out second dough disk. Place over filling. Trim excess dough, leaving a 1-inch overhang. Fold edges under and crimp decoratively.
- 8 Cut several slits in the top crust for steam to escape. Brush with beaten egg.
- 9 Place pie on a baking sheet (to catch drips) and bake for 50-60 minutes until crust is golden and filling is bubbling.
- 10 If crust browns too quickly, cover edges with foil. Cool for at least 2 hours before slicing.
- 11 Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with vanilla ice cream.
Chef's Note
For a decorative lattice top, cut the second crust into 1-inch strips and weave them over the filling. The pie can be made a day ahead and reheated. To prevent a soggy bottom, brush the bottom crust with egg white before adding the filling. Apple pie freezes beautifully - freeze unbaked for up to 3 months and bake from frozen (add 15-20 minutes to baking time).
Servings: 8
Cuisine: American
Course: dessert
Nutrition (per serving): 8g protein · 28g total carbs