Homemade Apple Pie

Introduction

Homemade apple pie is a timeless dessert that evokes the warmth of home and family gatherings. With its flaky, buttery crust and a sweet, spiced apple filling, this classic recipe is perfect for any occasion, from holiday celebrations to casual dinners. The delightful aroma of baking apples and cinnamon fills the air, making it hard to resist a warm slice. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this comforting homemade treat!

Detailed Ingredients with measures

315g all-purpose flour

230g unsalted butter, cold and cubed

5g salt

10g granulated sugar

120ml ice water

6 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (about 900g)

150g granulated sugar

50g brown sugar

15g cornstarch

5g ground cinnamon

1g ground nutmeg

2g salt

15ml lemon juice

5ml vanilla extract

30g unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

15ml milk (for egg wash)

Prep Time

30 minutes

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Yield: 8 servings

Enjoy baking your homemade apple pie, and may each slice bring joy to your table!

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, salt, and granulated sugar. Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter and use a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 2: Form the Dough

Gradually add the ice water to the mixture, mixing until the dough comes together. Divide the dough into two disks, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Step 3: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).

Step 4: Prepare the Apple Filling

In a bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix well and set the filling aside.

Step 5: Roll Out the First Dough Disk

On a floured surface, roll out one of the dough disks until it is large enough to fit into a 23cm pie dish. Fit the rolled dough into the pie dish without stretching it.

Step 6: Add Apple Filling

Pour the apple filling into the prepared pie crust and dot the filling with small pieces of unsalted butter.

Step 7: Roll Out the Second Dough Disk

Roll out the second dough disk on a floured surface and place it over the apple filling. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges and crimp the edges to seal the pie.

Step 8: Apply Egg Wash

In a small bowl, mix the beaten egg and milk together to create an egg wash. Brush this mixture over the top crust of the pie. Make a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.

Step 9: Bake the Pie

Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

Step 10: Cool Before Serving

Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool before serving. This will allow the filling to set.

Notes

Tip for Flakiness

Ensure that the butter is very cold before mixing it into the flour for a flakier crust.

Apple Varieties

For the best flavor, consider using a mix of sweet and tart apple varieties, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your apple pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.

Storage Instructions

Leftover pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature

Freshly baked apple pie can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days. Simply cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap to keep it moist.

Refrigerator

For longer storage, keep the pie in the refrigerator. It can last for about 4-5 days. Cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing odors.

Freezer

Apple pie can be frozen for up to 3 months. It's best to freeze it unbaked. Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. To bake, preheat your oven and bake from frozen, adding about 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your homemade apple pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat. Pair it with a drizzle of caramel sauce for added sweetness. For a twist, try serving slices with a sprinkle of cheddar cheese on top or alongside a hot cup of spiced cider.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (1 slice, based on 8 servings):
Calories: 320
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 57mg
Sodium: 200mg
Total Carbohydrates: 40g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 15g
Protein: 2g

Please note that nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

Ingredient Substitutions

Flour

For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.

Butter

Use vegan butter or coconut oil as a dairy-free alternative.

Sugars

For a lower-sugar option, consider using a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Adjust according to sweetness preference.

Apples

If you don’t have the recommended apple types, you can use any baking apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.

Lemon Juice

In place of lemon juice, use apple cider vinegar or omit it if not available; it helps to control browning and adds a bit of tartness.

Egg Wash

For a vegan egg wash, use a mixture of plant-based milk and maple syrup or simply brush with almond milk.

Cook Techniques

Making the Pie Crust

To achieve a flaky and tender pie crust, keep your butter cold and be careful not to overwork the dough. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the ingredients until they resemble coarse crumbs before adding ice water.

Preparing the Apple Filling

Ensure that the apples are peeled, cored, and sliced evenly to ensure uniform cooking. Toss them with sugar and spices immediately after slicing to maintain freshness and flavor.

Rolling Out the Dough

Flour your surface generously to prevent sticking, and roll out the dough evenly. Aim for a thickness of about ⅛ inch for optimal baking.

Crimping the Edges

After placing the top crust over the filling, trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal in the filling. This will prevent overflow and create a decorative look.

Preparing the Egg Wash

Combine beaten egg and milk for the egg wash. This adds a golden sheen to the crust as it bakes and helps create a beautiful finish.

Baking the Pie

Bake the pie in a preheated oven to ensure proper cooking. The crust should be golden brown, and the filling should be bubbling to indicate it is fully cooked.

Cooling the Pie

Allow the pie to cool for at least 30 minutes after baking. This helps the filling set, making it easier to slice and serve.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of apple for the pie?

Yes, you can use a mix of apples for a more complex flavor. Popular choices include Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji.

How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

To prevent a soggy crust, you can brush the bottom crust with a thin layer of melted butter or egg wash before adding the filling, or pre-bake the crust slightly.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough can be made and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to a month. Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge before rolling it out.

What should I serve with apple pie?

Apple pie is delicious on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

How should I store leftover apple pie?

Store leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze slices for longer storage; just wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.

Conclusion

Homemade apple pie is a timeless dessert that brings warmth and joy to any gathering. With its flaky crust and aromatic apple filling, it is a perfect way to showcase the flavors of fresh apples and spices. Whether served on its own or accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this apple pie is sure to delight your family and friends.

Apple Crisp

A warm and comforting dessert that combines baked apples with a crunchy topping of oats, flour, and brown sugar.

Apple Galette

A rustic alternative to the classic pie, this free-form tart allows for a beautiful presentation and is easy to make.

Caramel Apple Pie

Enhance your apple pie by drizzling it with rich caramel sauce for an extra layer of sweetness and indulgence.

Apple Pie Bars

Transform your apple pie into convenient finger food with these delicious bars featuring a crumbly crust and sweet apple filling.

Spiced Apple Muffins

Use your favorite apple pie spices to make moist and flavorful muffins perfect for breakfast or a snack.

Apple Pie Smoothie

Blend apples, oats, yogurt, and spices for a nutritious and refreshing smoothie that captures the essence of apple pie.