Apple pie is the epitome of classic comfort food and a beloved dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its flaky, buttery crust and a sweet, spiced apple filling, it’s the ultimate dessert for gatherings, holiday celebrations, or a simple treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea. This recipe brings together tender apples, a touch of cinnamon, and a hint of sweetness, all encased in a golden, perfectly baked pie crust. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed on its own, this apple pie is a timeless dessert that never goes out of style.
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling:
- 500 grams apple (peeled and sliced) [around 4 cups]
- 1/2 tbsp [4 grams] cinnamon powder
- 1/3 cup [80 grams] unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup [150 grams] granulated sugar
- 1/8 cup [16 grams] cornstarch/corn flour (add more if using all-purpose flour)
- 1/4 cup [60 ml] water
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
For the Dough:
- 2 cups [256 grams] all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tbsp [6 grams] sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup [115 grams] butter
- 7 tbsp [105 ml] ice-cold water
Directions
1. Prepare the Apple Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the sliced apples and cook for about 5 minutes until they soften.
- Stir in the sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch, and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Add the water and cook for another minute, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and set aside to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add the cold butter to the flour mixture. Using your hands or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.
- Gradually add the ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough just begins to come together.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead briefly until smooth. Divide the dough in half, wrap both portions in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Assemble the Apple Pie:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out one portion of the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Place it in a 9-inch pie pan, trimming any excess dough from the edges.
- Pour the cooled apple filling into the pie crust, spreading it evenly.
- Roll out the second portion of dough and place it over the apples, covering the entire pie. Trim any excess dough, and crimp the edges together to seal the pie. You can create a decorative edge by pinching the dough or using a fork to crimp it.
- Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape while baking.
4. Egg Wash and Bake:
- Beat the egg and brush it over the top crust for a shiny, golden finish.
- Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the slits.
- Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 1 hour before slicing to allow the filling to set.
5. Serve:
- Serve the apple pie warm, optionally topped with whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delicious contrast of temperatures and textures.
- Enjoy with coffee or tea for a cozy dessert experience.
- Pair with a side of fresh berries for a light and refreshing addition to the rich, sweet pie.
Tips
- Use a mix of apples: For the best flavor and texture, use a combination of tart apples (like Granny Smith) and sweet apples (like Honeycrisp or Gala).
- Chill the dough: Be sure to chill the dough before rolling it out to ensure a flaky crust.
- Prevent a soggy crust: To prevent the bottom crust from becoming soggy, you can sprinkle a little flour or cornstarch on the bottom of the pie before adding the apple filling.
Nutritional Benefits
Apple pie, while a treat, can provide some nutritional benefits thanks to the apples, which are rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. The cinnamon in the filling also has anti-inflammatory properties and helps to regulate blood sugar levels. Though it’s a sweet indulgence, apple pie offers a warm, comforting dessert that can also provide a good amount of vitamins and minerals.
Conclusion
Apple pie is a timeless, beloved dessert that never goes out of style. With its perfectly spiced apple filling and buttery, flaky crust, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just because, this recipe will give you a delicious, homemade apple pie that’s sure to impress. Serve it warm with your favorite toppings for the perfect ending to any meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use store-bought pie crust? Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pie crust. Just make sure to follow the package instructions for baking times.
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Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can make the dough up to 2 days ahead of time. Wrap it tightly and refrigerate until ready to use.
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Can I use a different fruit for the filling? Yes, you can substitute apples with other fruits like pears, peaches, or berries. Adjust the sugar and spices to suit the fruit you choose.
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Can I freeze apple pie? Yes, apple pie can be frozen before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the pie, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze. When ready to bake, bake from frozen for 60 minutes.
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How can I prevent the crust from burning? If the edges of the crust start to burn before the pie is done, cover them with foil or a pie shield and continue baking.
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What kind of apples are best for pie? Tart apples like Granny Smith are great for balance, while sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Gala offer a naturally sweet flavor.
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Can I add a streusel topping to this pie? Yes, a streusel topping made from butter, flour, and sugar can be added for a crunchy, sweet finish.
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How long does apple pie last? Apple pie can be stored at room temperature for 2-3 days. Refrigerate any leftovers for up to 5 days.
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Can I make mini apple pies? Yes, you can make individual mini apple pies using a muffin tin or by cutting smaller rounds of dough and filling them with apple mixture.
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Can I make this apple pie gluten-free? Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the dough gluten-free and adjust the rest of the ingredients accordingly.