My Family Begs for Seconds – This Apple Pie Is a Weekend Winner!
Oh, friends, let me tell you about a baking breakthrough! For years, I’ve chased the elusive perfect apple pie. You know, the kind that evokes childhood memories, smells like autumn in a cabin, and makes everyone fight over the last slice? I tried countless recipes, tweaking and adjusting, but always falling short. Either the crust was soggy, the filling was bland, or the apples turned to mush. Sigh.
Then, a couple of weeks ago, I stumbled upon a seemingly simple recipe online. I was skeptical, naturally, but the glowing reviews lured me in. Little did I know, this apple pie recipe would change everything. My kids, usually picky eaters, devoured it. My husband, who claims he “doesn’t really like dessert,” had two slices! And me? Well, I practically licked the plate clean.
The proof, as they say, is in the apple pie. And this pie? This pie is pure magic. So much so, that this time, I’m doubling the recipe. One just won’t cut it with this hungry bunch! Let me share the secret.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This isn’t just any apple pie; it’s the apple pie. Here’s why you’ll be hooked:
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: Sweet, tart, and spiced to perfection.
- Easy to Make: No fancy techniques required; perfect for beginner bakers.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Seriously, everyone loves this pie.
- Impressive Presentation: Looks as good as it tastes!
- Freezer-Friendly: Make ahead and bake later for a stress-free dessert.
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece. Don’t skimp on the good stuff!
For the Crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- ½ cup ice water
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (this is my little secret for a flaky crust!)
For the Filling:
- 8 medium apples (I like a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for the best flavor) – peeled, cored, and sliced
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Egg Wash (Optional, but recommended for a shiny crust):
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon milk or water
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get baking! Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll be enjoying your own slice of heaven in no time.
1. Make the Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Gradually add the ice water and apple cider vinegar, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don’t overmix!
3. Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 days).
4. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and lemon juice. Toss to coat evenly.
5. Assemble the Pie: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer it to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges.
6. Pour the apple filling into the pie crust. Dot with the butter pieces.
7. Roll out the second disc of dough and cut into strips for a lattice top, or place the whole sheet over the filling and cut slits into it. Crimp the edges to seal.
8. Brush the top crust with the egg wash (if using) and sprinkle with a little extra sugar (optional).
9. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the heat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for another 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil.
10. Cool and Enjoy: Let the apple pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. (I know, it’s torture, but it allows the filling to set up.)
Presentation Ideas
Want to take your apple pie to the next level? Here are a few ideas:
- Serve Warm with Ice Cream: A classic pairing that never fails.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: A simple and elegant touch.
- Add a Caramel Drizzle: Elevates the sweetness and adds a decadent flavor.
- Make Mini Pies: Cut the crust into smaller circles and bake in muffin tins for individual servings.
Pro Tips & Apple Pie FAQs
Got apple pie questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few common issues and how to solve them:
- Q: My crust is always soggy! What am I doing wrong? A: Make sure your butter is very cold, and don’t overmix the dough. Also, blind-bake the bottom crust for 10-15 minutes before adding the filling.
- Q: My apple filling is too runny! A: Add an extra tablespoon or two of flour to the filling to help absorb excess moisture. Also, make sure to let the pie cool completely before slicing.
- Q: Can I use different types of apples? A: Absolutely! Experiment with different varieties to find your perfect blend. I recommend using a mix of tart and sweet apples for the best flavor.
- Q: Can I freeze this apple pie before baking? A: Yes! Assemble the pie as directed, but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
Conclusion
And there you have it – my family’s new favorite apple pie! I still can’t believe how easy it is to make something so delicious. This recipe has truly brought so much joy to our family and I hope it does for yours too! I’m already planning my next baking adventure with this recipe, thinking maybe some caramel apple variations!
Let me know in the comments if you tried this Apple pie recipe! I’d love to hear what you think and any tips you might have! Don’t forget to share this with your friends and family who love baking!