Apple pie is a beloved classic dessert that has stood the test of time. With its flaky, buttery crust and warm, spiced apple filling, it’s a comfort food that never goes out of style. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, a holiday feast, or just enjoying a slice with a cup of tea, a perfect apple pie is always a hit. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to make a delicious, homemade apple pie from scratch.
1. Gather Your Ingredients
To make a perfect apple pie, you’ll need fresh apples, a buttery pie crust, and a few simple spices. Here’s what you’ll need for the filling and crust:
For the Pie Crust:
- 2 1/2 cups (320g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup (60-120ml) ice water
For the Apple Filling:
- 6-8 medium apples (preferably a mix of tart and sweet, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter (for dotting the filling)
Tip: The key to a perfect apple pie is using a mix of tart and sweet apples. The tart apples balance the sweetness of the sugar, while the sweet apples add flavor and depth.
2. Make the Pie Crust
Start by making the pie crust. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.
Tip: The key to a flaky pie crust is to keep the butter cold. If the butter warms up too much, the crust will be tough rather than flaky.
Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, stirring with a fork until the dough begins to come together. You may not need all of the water, so be careful not to add too much.
Tip: Avoid overworking the dough. Once it holds together, stop mixing.
Once the dough is ready, divide it into two equal portions, shape each into a disk, and wrap them in plastic wrap. Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to chill and firm up.
3. Prepare the Apple Filling
While the dough is chilling, prepare the apple filling. Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin, even slices. Place the slices in a large bowl and toss them with the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. The flour will help thicken the filling as it bakes, and the lemon juice will add a touch of brightness.
Tip: Toss the apples gently so they are evenly coated with the sugar and spice mixture. This ensures each bite has a balanced flavor.
Let the apple mixture sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the sugars to draw out the juice from the apples.
4. Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and roll out one disk of dough on a floured surface. Roll the dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish, making sure it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Place the rolled dough into the pie dish, pressing it gently into the bottom and sides.
Tip: If the dough cracks or tears while rolling it out, don’t worry. Simply patch the cracks with extra dough and press gently to seal it.
5. Add the Apple Filling
Once the crust is in the pie dish, pour the apple filling into the crust, spreading the apples evenly. Dot the filling with small pieces of butter, which will melt into the apples as they bake, adding richness to the flavor.
Tip: If you like a bit of extra sweetness and flavor, you can sprinkle a small amount of cinnamon or brown sugar on top of the filling before adding the top crust.
6. Add the Top Crust
Roll out the second disk of dough and place it over the filled pie. Trim any excess dough, leaving about 1 inch of overhang. Fold the overhanging dough under itself, crimping the edges to seal the pie. You can use your fingers or a fork to crimp the edges, giving the pie a decorative finish.
Tip: For a rustic look, you can leave the top crust in large, uneven pieces, allowing some of the filling to peek through. If you prefer a more traditional look, cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape while the pie bakes.
7. Bake the Pie
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips, and bake it in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Tip: If the edges of the crust begin to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil or a pie shield to prevent burning.
8. Let the Pie Cool
Once the pie is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the filling to set and makes it easier to slice.
Tip: If you’re in a hurry, you can cool the pie for about an hour before serving, but it’s best to let it cool completely for the best texture and flavor.
9. Serve and Enjoy
Once the pie has cooled, slice it into generous portions and serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The warm, spiced apples and flaky, buttery crust will be a delightful treat for everyone.
Tip: Serve the pie warm for a comforting dessert, or enjoy it chilled for a refreshing option during warmer months.