Classic Homemade Apple Pie

$- 6 cups of thinly sliced apples - 3/4 cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1 egg (for egg wash) - Pre-made pie crusts or homemade pie crust - Pinch of salt To make a classic homemade apple pie, you need fresh apples. I like using a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. This blend gives a good sweet and tart flavor. You also need sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg to spice up the filling. Adding lemon juice brightens the taste. Cornstarch helps thicken the filling. It keeps the pie from being too runny. You will also need butter to make the filling rich. For the crust, you can use pre-made pie crusts or make your own from scratch. An egg wash adds a nice golden color to the top. Finally, don’t forget a pinch of salt. It balances all the sweet flavors in your pie. Gather these ingredients, and you’re ready to start making a pie that will impress everyone! First, you need to preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat helps set the crust just right. Next, grab a large mixing bowl. Add 6 cups of thinly sliced apples. I like using a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples for a great taste. Add 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Then, squeeze in 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. This brightens the flavor. Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and a pinch of salt. Toss everything gently. You want to coat the apples well. Let this sit for about 10 minutes. This lets the flavors mix and the juices flow. Now, roll out one of your pie crusts. Use a lightly floured surface to keep it from sticking. You want it to fit into your 9-inch pie pan. Let it hang over the edges a bit. Pour your apple filling into the crust. Spread the apples evenly for the best taste. Dot the filling with small pieces of 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. This makes the pie rich and tasty. Roll out the second pie crust. Carefully place it on top of the apple filling. Trim any extra dough from the edges. Crimp the edges together to seal it well. Make several slits in the top crust. This helps steam escape while baking. Brush the top crust with 1 beaten egg for a golden look. Put the pie on a baking sheet. This catches any spills. Place it in your preheated oven. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes. After that, lower the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 30-35 minutes. Watch for the pie to turn golden brown. The filling should bubble up through the slits. When done, take it out and let it cool on a wire rack. Allow at least 2 hours before slicing. This waiting time helps the filling set, making it easier to serve. To make a flaky crust, use cold ingredients. Cold butter and water help create layers. Cut the butter into the flour until it looks like crumbs. Then, add cold water little by little. Mix until just combined. Avoid overworking the dough, or it will become tough. Chilling the dough is key. Wrap it in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step relaxes the gluten and firms up the fat. A chilled dough rolls out smoothly and holds its shape better. For the best apple pie, you need the right apples. A mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp works well. Granny Smith apples are tart and hold their shape. Honeycrisp adds a nice sweetness and crunch. Add spices to enhance the flavor. Ground cinnamon and nutmeg bring warmth and depth. A splash of lemon juice brightens the filling. It balances the sweetness and keeps the apples fresh. Understanding baking temperatures is crucial. Start at a high temperature of 425°F (220°C) for the first 15 minutes. This helps set the crust quickly. Then, lower the heat to 350°F (175°C) to bake the pie evenly. To know when your pie is done, look for a golden crust and bubbling filling. If the crust browns too fast, cover it with foil. Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before slicing. This helps the filling set nicely. {{image_4}} You can change the crust for your apple pie. A lattice crust looks fancy and lets steam escape. To make it, cut the top crust into strips and weave them over the filling. This method adds a nice touch to your pie. You can also try a crumb topping. Mix flour, brown sugar, and butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this mixture on top of your filling instead of a full crust. This gives a nice crunch to each bite. There are many ways to change the flavor of your apple pie. Adding caramel gives it a rich taste. You can use caramel sauce, drizzled over the apples before sealing the crust. Nuts can also add a nice crunch. Chopped walnuts or pecans mixed in with the apples create a new texture. You can switch up the spices too. Instead of just cinnamon and nutmeg, try adding ginger or allspice. These spices bring warmth and depth to the pie’s flavor. Serving your apple pie warm is a classic choice. It pairs perfectly with vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream melts into the warm pie, creating a delicious mix. Whipped cream is another great option. A dollop on top adds a light and airy touch. Some people enjoy pie chilled. This lets the flavors set even more. You can enjoy it plain or with a side of yogurt for a creamy contrast. To keep your apple pie fresh, you need the right storage methods. If you have leftover pie, the best way to store it is in the fridge. Place the pie in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap. This helps keep the pie moist and prevents it from absorbing other smells in the fridge. If you want to save the pie for later, you can freeze it. Wrap the cooled pie in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. This double wrapping keeps the pie safe from freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. When you want to enjoy a slice of your pie, reheating it right is key. The best way to reheat slices is in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the slice on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This method keeps the crust crisp and warm. To avoid a soggy crust when reheating, avoid the microwave. The microwave can make the crust chewy and wet. By using the oven, you ensure a warm, tasty slice with a nice crust. Enjoy your pie as if it was just baked! Yes, you can use frozen apples. They work well if you thaw and drain them first. This step helps reduce extra moisture. If you skip this, your pie might be too wet. To make it easier, use apples that are already sliced before freezing. To stop your filling from being runny, use cornstarch as a thickener. Mix it well with the apples and sugar. Allow the apple mixture to sit for at least ten minutes. This lets the apples release some juice. You can also use less sugar if your apples are sweet. The best apples for baking are Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. Granny Smith apples are tart and hold their shape well. Honeycrisp apples are sweet and add great flavor. You can mix both for a balanced taste. Other good options include Fuji and Braeburn apples. Yes, you can make apple pie ahead of time. You can bake it one day in advance. Just store it at room temperature, covered with a cloth. If you want to make it even earlier, freeze it unbaked. Bake it straight from the freezer; just add extra time. You now have all the steps to create a delicious apple pie. Start with the right ingredients and follow the instructions carefully. Use tips to perfect your crust and filling. Don’t forget to explore variations to make each pie unique. Whether you serve it warm with ice cream or store it for later, your apple pie will be a hit. Enjoy baking and sharing this classic dessert with family and friends!$

Bake up the perfect classic homemade apple pie that will impress your family and friends! This easy recipe features a heavenly blend of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples, combined with warm spices and a buttery crust. Discover step-by-step instructions to create a golden, bubbling masterpiece. Your kitchen will smell amazing! Click to explore this delicious recipe and bring the warmth of homemade goodness to your table.

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Ingredients

6 cups of thinly sliced apples (a delightful combination of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 tablespoon cornstarch

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into tiny cubes

1 egg, beaten (for an egg wash)

1 package of pre-made pie crusts (2 crusts) or your favorite homemade pie crust

1 pinch of salt

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat will help set the crust nicely.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced apples with the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, lemon juice, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Toss the ingredients together gently, ensuring that the apples are evenly coated. Allow the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes; this will help the flavors meld and the juices to develop.

Roll out one of the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface and fit it neatly into a 9-inch pie pan, allowing for a slight overhang around the edges.

Pour the prepared apple filling into the pie crust, making sure to layer the apples for an even distribution. Dot the surface of the filling with small pieces of butter, which will melt and enhance the richness of the pie.

Roll out the second pie crust and carefully place it on top of the apple filling. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges, then crimp the edges together to create a secure seal. Make several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking—this will prevent the pie from becoming soggy.

Brush the top crust generously with the beaten egg, giving it a lovely golden sheen as it bakes.

Position the pie on a baking sheet to catch any overflow during baking, then place it in the preheated oven. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for the initial 15 minutes.

After 15 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for another 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on it; the pie is done when the crust is beautifully golden brown and the filling is bubbling up through the slits.

Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing. This cooling period allows the filling to set perfectly, making it easier to serve.

Prep Time: 20 min | Total Time: 1 hr 10 min | Servings: 8

- Presentation Tips: For a delightful serving experience, present warm slices of the apple pie alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of whipped cream on top. This adds an extra layer of indulgence that everyone will love!