Homemade Apple Pie: The Perfect Dessert with a Golden, Flaky Crust

There’s nothing like the warmth and comfort of a freshly baked homemade apple pie. With its golden, flaky crust and sweet, spiced apple filling, this classic dessert is always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, this apple pie recipe will bring a touch of homemade goodness to any meal. Let’s walk through how to create this delicious pie from scratch!

Ingredients:

For the Pie Crust:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
• 6-8 tbsp cold water

For the Apple Filling:

• 6-8 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup light brown sugar
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (cubed)
• 1 tbsp milk (for brushing)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Stir to combine.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your hands, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter.
3. Slowly add the cold water, one tablespoon at a time, stirring the dough until it begins to come together. You may need a little more or less water depending on the dough’s consistency.
4. Once the dough is formed, divide it in half, shape each half into a disk, and wrap them in plastic wrap. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. While the dough is chilling, peel, core, and slice the apples. Aim for uniform slices for even baking.
2. In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until the apples are well-coated.
3. Set the apple filling aside and let it sit for a few minutes while you roll out the dough.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out one of the dough disks on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle. Place the rolled-out dough into a 9-inch pie dish, trimming any excess dough along the edges.
3. Pour the apple filling into the pie crust, making sure to pile the apples high in the center. Dot the filling with small cubes of butter.
4. Roll out the second disk of dough and place it over the apples, either as a full crust or cut it into strips for a lattice design. If using a full crust, make a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
5. Trim any excess dough, then crimp the edges together to seal the pie. Brush the top crust with milk to give it a golden finish when baked.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

1. Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips, then bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
2. Check the pie during baking, and if the crust edges start to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
3. Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the filling to set.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Slice the pie and serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate treat.
2. Enjoy the sweet, spiced flavors and the crispy, flaky crust!

Tips for the Perfect Apple Pie:

• Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for a balanced flavor. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are perfect for this recipe.
• If the dough becomes too soft while working with it, pop it back in the fridge to chill for a few minutes before continuing.
• For an extra golden, glossy finish on the top crust, brush it with a mixture of egg wash (1 egg whisked with 1 tbsp water) before baking.

Conclusion:

This homemade apple pie recipe is the perfect dessert for any occasion. With a buttery, flaky crust and a flavorful spiced apple filling, it’s a timeless classic that never fails to impress. Whether it’s a family gathering or a holiday feast, this apple pie will be the star of the table. Try it today and enjoy the comforting taste of homemade goodness!