There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a freshly baked apple pie wafting through your home. This classic apple pie recipe, with its perfectly spiced filling and buttery, flaky crust, is a timeless dessert that brings warmth and joy to any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or simply indulging in a cozy treat, this apple pie is sure to impress.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Apple Filling:

• 500 grams apples (peeled & sliced) [around 4 cups]
• 1/2 tbsp cinnamon powder [4 grams]
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter [80 grams]
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar [150 grams]
• 1/8 cup cornstarch/corn flour (or all-purpose flour) [16 grams]
• 1/4 cup water [60 ml]
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

For the Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour [256 grams]
• 1/2 tbsp sugar [6 grams]
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup butter, cold and cubed [115 grams]

Step-by-Step Directions

Prepare the Dough

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 tbsp of sugar, and 1/4 tsp of salt.
2. Add Butter: Add 1/2 cup of cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Water: Gradually add cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Be careful not to add too much water; the dough should just hold together.
4. Divide and Chill: Divide the dough into two portions, shape into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps it relax and makes it easier to roll out.

Prepare the Apple Filling

5. Melt Butter: In a large saucepan, melt 1/3 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat.
6. Combine Ingredients: Add 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 tbsp of cinnamon powder, and 1/8 cup of cornstarch (or all-purpose flour) to the melted butter. Stir until well combined.
7. Thicken Mixture: Add 1/4 cup of water and continue stirring until the mixture thickens.
8. Cook Apples: Add the peeled and sliced apples to the saucepan and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the apples are slightly tender. Remove from heat and let cool.

Assemble the Pie

9. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
10. Roll Out Dough: Roll out one portion of the chilled dough on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Place the dough into the pie pan, pressing gently to fit.
11. Add Filling: Pour the cooled apple filling into the pie crust.
12. Create Lattice Top: Roll out the second portion of the dough and cut into strips to create a lattice top. Weave the strips over the apple filling to form a lattice pattern.
13. Brush with Egg Wash: Beat the egg and brush the egg wash over the lattice crust. This will give the crust a beautiful golden color as it bakes.

Bake

14. Bake Pie: Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
15. Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack before serving. This helps the filling to set and makes slicing easier.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To make this classic apple pie, you’ll need the following kitchen equipment:

• Large mixing bowl
• Pastry cutter or fingers for blending
• Rolling pin
• 9-inch pie pan
• Saucepan
• Pastry brush (for egg wash)
• Wire rack

Tips and Variations

• Apple Varieties: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a more complex flavor. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji are great choices.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the apple filling for extra warmth and depth of flavor.
• Butter Substitute: For a dairy-free version, use a vegan butter substitute in the dough and filling.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the dough and filling a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake the pie the next day for a stress-free baking experience.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover pie in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat slices in the oven for a few minutes to enjoy warm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I freeze the pie?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pie. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, do not thaw. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?

To prevent a soggy bottom crust, you can blind bake the bottom crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling. Another option is to brush the crust with a beaten egg white before adding the filling.

What can I use instead of cornstarch?

If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use all-purpose flour or arrowroot powder as a thickening agent for the apple filling.

Can I use a store-bought crust?

Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use a store-bought crust. However, the homemade crust adds a special touch and flavor to the pie.

Conclusion

This classic apple pie is a delicious and heartwarming dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its buttery crust and flavorful apple filling, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the timeless taste of homemade apple pie!