Apple pie is a classic dessert loved by many. It combines the sweetness of apples with the warmth of spices, all wrapped in a flaky crust. This best apple pie recipe is simple and delivers a pie that will impress your family and friends.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe for apple pie is perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a holiday gathering, a family dinner, or just a comforting treat at home, this pie brings smiles to everyone. With fresh apples, aromatic spices, and a buttery crust, you’ll find it hard to resist a slice. Plus, it’s easy enough for beginners but delicious enough to impress seasoned bakers.
How to Make Best Apple Pie
To create the best apple pie, follow these straightforward steps for the apple filling and pie crust. This recipe ensures that you’ll have a mouthwatering dessert ready to enjoy.
Ingredients
- 8 cups peeled apples, sliced ¼-inch thick (6-8 apples, 3.5 pounds)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup to ½ cup granulated sugar (amount depending on how sweet you want your pie)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter (16 tablespoons), cut into small cubes
- 7 tablespoons ice-cold water
- 1 tablespoon milk
- Coarse turbinado sugar (optional)
Directions
- Make the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with vanilla extract, flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well and set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Make the Pie Crust: In another bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter and mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice-cold water, mixing until the dough comes together. Divide the dough in half, shape into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Assemble the Pie: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out one dough disc and place it in a pie dish. Fill with the apple mixture. Roll out the second dough disc and place it over the filling. Seal the edges and cut slits in the top crust for steam to escape. Brush the top with milk and sprinkle with turbinado sugar if using. Bake for about 50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Let it cool before slicing.
How to Serve Best Apple Pie
Serve your apple pie warm or at room temperature. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top is a delightful addition. You can also top it with whipped cream for extra sweetness.
How to Store Best Apple Pie
Store any leftover apple pie in the refrigerator. Cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. It will last about 3-4 days. You can also freeze slices for longer storage—just wrap them tightly in plastic before placing them in the freezer.
Tips to Make Best Apple Pie
- Choose a mix of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor.
- If you like a thicker filling, add a bit more flour.
- Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing to help keep the filling intact.
Variation
You can add raisins or cranberries to the filling for a twist on the classic flavor. For a more modern take, consider adding caramel layers or a crumble topping instead of a top crust.
FAQs
Q: Can I use store-bought pie crust?
A: Yes, you can use store-bought pie crust to save time. Just follow the package instructions for baking.
Q: What types of apples are best for apple pie?
A: Some of the best apples for pie include Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji. Mixing different types can enhance the flavor.
Q: How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
A: To prevent a soggy crust, you can blind bake the bottom crust for about 10-15 minutes before adding the filling. Additionally, make sure your apples are not too wet from washing before slicing.
Enjoy your delicious homemade apple pie!
Apple Pie
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling
- 8 cup peeled apples, sliced ¼-inch thick (6-8 apples, 3.5 pounds) Choose a mix of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour Useful for thickening the filling.
- ¼ to ½ cup granulated sugar Adjust according to sweetness preference.
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Pie Crust
- 2 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter (16 tablespoons), cut into small cubes
- 7 tablespoon ice-cold water Add gradually until dough comes together.
- 1 tablespoon milk For brushing on top crust.
- to taste Coarse turbinado sugar (optional) Sprinkle on top before baking.
Instructions
Prepare the Apple Filling
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with vanilla extract, flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well and set aside to let the flavors meld.
Make the Pie Crust
- In another bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter and mix until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice-cold water, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Divide the dough in half, shape into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Assemble the Pie
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Roll out one dough disc and place it in a pie dish. Fill with the apple mixture.
- Roll out the second dough disc and place it over the filling. Seal the edges and cut slits in the top crust for steam to escape.
- Brush the top with milk and sprinkle with turbinado sugar if using.
- Bake for about 50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Let it cool before slicing.
