Perfect Apple Pie is not just a dessert; its a warm embrace of nostalgia that fills your home with the comforting aroma of baked apples and cinnamon. Growing up, I remember my grandmother meticulously preparing her famous apple pie, a recipe passed down through generations. This dish holds a special place in many hearts, often served during family gatherings and holiday celebrations, symbolizing togetherness and love. What makes this Perfect Apple Pie truly irresistible is its flaky, buttery crust that cradles tender, spiced apples, creating a delightful contrast in texture. People adore this pie not only for its incredible taste but also for its convenienceit’s a dish that can be made ahead of time and enjoyed warm or cold. Join me as we dive into the secrets of crafting the Perfect Apple Pie that will surely become a cherished recipe in your home!
Ingredients:
- For the Pie Crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water
- For the Apple Filling:
- 6 to 8 medium-sized apples (a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp works great)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- For Assembly:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (for sprinkling on top)
Preparing the Pie Crust
Lets start with the pie crust, as it needs some time to chill. I find that a flaky crust is the key to a perfect apple pie!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Mix them together until well combined.
- Add the chilled, diced butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You want to see small pea-sized pieces of butter throughout.
- Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork after each addition. Stop adding water when the dough begins to come together. You may not need all the water.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into two equal halves. Shape each half into a disk, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This resting time helps the gluten relax, making the dough easier to roll out later.
Preparing the Apple Filling
While the dough is chilling, lets prepare the delicious apple filling. The combination of sweet and tart apples with spices is what makes this pie so irresistible!
- Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges. I usually aim for about ¼-inch thick slices to ensure they cook evenly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples with the granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss everything together until the apples are well coated. The lemon juice not only adds flavor but also helps prevent the apples from browning.
- Let the apple mixture sit for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the apples to release some of their juices, which will help create a delicious filling.
Rolling Out the Dough
Now that the dough has chilled and the apples are ready, its time to roll out the dough for our pie!
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Take one disk of dough out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes. This will make it easier to roll out.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. Make sure to keep the thickness even, about ? inch thick.
- Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough into a 9-inch pie pan. Gently press the dough into the pan, making sure there are no air bubbles. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges, leaving about 1 inch for crimping later.
- Repeat the rolling process with the second disk of dough, but this time, set it aside for the top crust.
Assembling the Pie
Now comes the fun partassembling the pie! This is where all your hard work pays off.
- Pour the apple filling into the prepared pie crust, making sure to distribute the apples evenly. Dot the filling with small pieces of butter for added richness.
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Conclusion:
In summary, this Perfect Apple Pie recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves the comforting flavors of fall and the joy of homemade desserts. The combination of sweet, tart apples with a hint of cinnamon, all enveloped in a flaky, buttery crust, creates a delightful experience that is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy it cold with a dollop of whipped cream, this pie is versatile enough to suit any occasion. Feel free to get creative with your own variations! You can experiment with different types of apples for a unique flavor profile, add a splash of caramel for extra sweetness, or even incorporate nuts for a delightful crunch. The possibilities are endless, and I encourage you to make this recipe your own. I can’t wait for you to try this Perfect Apple Pie! Once you do, please share your experience and any personal twists you added. Your feedback not only inspires me but also helps others discover the joy of baking. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and lets make some delicious memories together! PrintPerfect Apple Pie: The Ultimate Recipe for a Delicious Dessert
- Total Time: 150 minutes
- Yield: 1 pie (9-inch) 1x
Description
least 2 hours before slicing to allow the filling to set. This classic apple pie, with its flaky crust and sweet-tart apple filling, is perfect for any occasion and pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
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- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water
- 6 to 8 medium-sized apples (a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp works great)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (for sprinkling on top)
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Instructions
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- In einer großen Schüssel Mehl, Salz und Hefe vermengen.
- Wasser hinzufügen und zu einem Teig verrühren.
- Knoblauch und Olivenöl unterrühren.
- Teig 12 Stunden ruhen lassen.
- Den Teig auf einer bemehlten Fläche ausrollen.
- Die Äpfel schälen, entkernen und in dünne Spalten schneiden.
- Die Apfelspalten mit Zucker, Mehl, Zimt, Muskatnuss und Zitronensaft vermengen und 15-20 Minuten ruhen lassen.
- Den Ofen auf 425°F (220°C) vorheizen.
- Eine Teigscheibe in eine 9-Zoll-Pie-Form legen und den Rand trimmen.
- Die Apfelfüllung in die vorbereitete Kruste geben und mit Butterstückchen belegen.
- Die zweite Teigscheibe ausrollen und über die Apfelfüllung legen. Überstehenden Teig trimmen und die Ränder zusammendrücken.
- Einige Schlitze in die obere Kruste schneiden, damit der Dampf entweichen kann.
- Die obere Kruste mit dem verquirlten Ei bestreichen und Zucker darüber streuen.
- Die Pie für 15 Minuten bei 425°F backen, dann die Temperatur auf 350°F (175°C) reduzieren und weitere 35-45 Minuten backen, bis die Äpfel zart und die Kruste goldbraun ist.
- Die Pie aus dem Ofen nehmen und auf einem Kuchengitter mindestens 2 Stunden abkühlen lassen, bevor sie geschnitten wird.
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Notes
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- For the best flavor, use a mix of sweet and tart apples.
- Feel free to add additional spices like allspice or ginger for a unique twist.
- This pie can be served warm or at room temperature, and it pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream!
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- Prep Time: 90 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
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