All-American Apple Pie recipe

Apple pie is a classic American dessert, known for its flaky crust and deliciously spiced apple filling. Whether you’re making it for Thanksgiving, the Fourth of July, or just a cozy weekend treat, this homemade apple pie will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust:

• 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water

For the Apple Filling:

• 6-7 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced
• ¾ cup (150g) sugar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch or flour
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon milk

Instructions

1. Make the Pie Crust:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Add the cold butter cubes and cut them into the flour using a pastry cutter or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just starts to come together. Do not overwork the dough.
4. Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape each into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

2. Prepare the Apple Filling:

1. In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice to prevent browning.
2. Add sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch (or flour), and vanilla extract. Mix well to coat the apples evenly. Let sit for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

3. Assemble the Pie:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out one portion of dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch circle. Place it into a 9-inch pie pan, pressing it gently into the bottom and sides.
3. Pour the apple filling into the crust, spreading it evenly. Dot the top with small pieces of butter.
4. Roll out the second dough portion and place it over the filling. Trim the edges and crimp them together using your fingers or a fork.
5. Cut a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.

4. Bake the Pie:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk to create an egg wash. Brush it over the top crust for a golden finish.
2. Bake the pie for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
3. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil halfway through baking.

5. Cool and Serve:

1. Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before slicing. This helps the filling set properly.
2. Serve warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Tips for the Perfect Apple Pie:

• Use a mix of apples for the best flavor and texture. Granny Smith provides tartness, while Honeycrisp or Fuji adds sweetness.
• Chill the dough before rolling it out to ensure a flaky crust.
• Don’t overfill the pie, as apples release juice while baking, which can cause overflow.
• Bake on a lower oven rack to ensure the bottom crust cooks through and isn’t soggy.

This All-American Apple Pie is a timeless dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy its crisp, buttery crust and sweet, spiced apple filling with family and friends!