Who doesn’t love the aroma of freshly baked apple pie wafting through the kitchen on a lazy summer afternoon? In this article, we’ll explore a simple yet delightful apple pie recipe that will elevate your baking skills and bring joy to your taste buds.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe promises to deliver a perfect slice of comfort and nostalgia.
Ingredients
To begin our culinary adventure, gather these ingredients:
Pie Crust:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
½ cup ice water
Apple Filling:
6 cups thinly sliced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Making the Pie Crust
Creating a flaky, buttery pie crust is the foundation of a great apple pie:
Mixing the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
Add the diced butter and blend using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Adding Water:
Gradually add ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just begins to hold together.
Divide the dough into two equal parts, shape into discs, and wrap each in plastic wrap.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Preparing the Apple Filling
A delicious apple filling is the heart of any apple pie:
Slicing the Apples:
Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples.
Mixing the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until evenly coated.
Assembling and Baking the Pie
Now comes the moment of truth—bringing everything together and baking your masterpiece:
Rolling Out the Dough:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a circle large enough to fit your pie dish.
Filling the Pie:
Transfer the rolled-out dough to a 9-inch pie dish.
Spoon the apple filling into the pie crust, mounding it slightly in the center.
Top Crust:
Roll out the second disc of dough and place it over the filling.
Trim the excess dough and crimp the edges to seal.
Baking:
Make several small slits in the top crust to vent steam.
Optionally, brush the top crust with milk and sprinkle with sugar for a golden finish.
Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Serving and Enjoying
Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing.
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.
Conclusion
In conclusion, baking an apple pie is not just about following a recipe—it’s about creating memories and sharing moments of joy with loved ones.
With this easy recipe, you can embrace the essence of summer and treat yourself to a slice of homemade happiness.
FAQs About Easy Apple Pie
1. Can I use store-bought pie crust instead of making it from scratch?
Absolutely! While homemade crust adds a personal touch, store-bought crusts work well too.
2. What is the best type of apple to use for apple pie?
Apples that are firm and slightly tart, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, hold their shape well during baking.
3. How do I prevent my pie crust from getting soggy?
You can blind bake the bottom crust for a few minutes before adding the filling, or sprinkle a bit of flour or breadcrumbs on the crust before adding the filling.
4. Can I freeze the unbaked pie for later?
Yes, you can assemble the pie, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze it.
Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
5. How should I store leftover apple pie?
Cover loosely with foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Warm in the oven before serving.