There’s nothing quite as comforting as the aroma of a freshly baked apple pie wafting through the house. This quintessential American dessert is perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual family dinners. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a delicious homemade apple pie that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
For the crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 1/4 cup ice water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
For the filling:
- 6 to 8 cups thinly sliced, peeled apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions:
- Prepare the Crust:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar.
- Add the diced butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough holds together without being sticky.
- Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour.
- Make the Filling:
- In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice.
- In a separate bowl, mix the sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sprinkle over the apples and stir to coat.
- Roll Out the Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- On a floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Transfer the dough to the pan, gently pressing it into the bottom and sides.
- Roll out the second disk of dough for the top crust.
- Assemble the Pie:
- Pour the apple mixture into the prepared pie crust, mounding slightly in the center.
- Dot the apples with small pieces of butter.
- Cover with the top crust. Trim excess dough, leaving a 1-inch overhang. Fold the edge under and crimp to seal.
- Cut several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Bake the Pie:
- Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown.
- If the edges of the crust brown too quickly, cover them with strips of aluminum foil.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least two hours before serving. This helps the filling set properly.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat.
Enjoy your homemade American apple pie, a timeless dessert that’s sure to delight everyone at your table!