Are you ready to bake the most incredible apple pie you've ever tasted? Forget those soggy-bottomed disappointments from the past; this recipe is your ticket to apple pie perfection. This easy recipe is perfect for homemade cooking, making it a delicious dish for any occasion – from a cozy weeknight dinner to a festive holiday gathering. It's a quick dinner idea that's also a healthy meal, packed with wholesome ingredients. Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food, guaranteed to be one of the best recipes in your repertoire!
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- ½ cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 6-8 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix are ideal), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground allspice
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in butter: Add the chilled, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Work quickly to prevent the butter from melting.
- Add water: Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing lightly until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix.
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into two discs, one slightly larger than the other. Wrap each disc in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a flakier crust.
Assembling the Pie:
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and lemon juice. Toss gently to coat.
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the larger disc of dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate.
- Add the filling: Pour the apple filling into the pie crust. Dot the top with the small pieces of butter.
- Top the pie: Roll out the remaining dough and either place it over the filling, crimping the edges to seal, or cut it into strips for a lattice top. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Bake: Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil.
- Cool: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set.
Tips for the Best Apple Pie:
- Use a mix of apples: Combining different apple varieties gives you the best flavor and texture.
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing develops the gluten, resulting in a tough crust.
- Chill the dough thoroughly: This prevents shrinkage during baking.
- Blind bake the crust (optional): For an extra-crisp bottom crust, you can pre-bake it for 15 minutes before adding the filling.
Variations:
- Add a streusel topping: For extra crunch, sprinkle a streusel topping over the pie before baking.
- Use different spices: Experiment with other spices like cardamom or ginger.
- Add a touch of bourbon or brandy: For an adult twist, add a tablespoon of bourbon or brandy to the filling.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 350-400
- Fat: 18-22g
- Saturated Fat: 10-12g
- Carbohydrates: 45-55g
- Sugar: 25-30g
- Protein: 4-5g
This delicious apple pie is a perfect example of easy recipes that deliver amazing results. Enjoy this classic dessert, a true testament to the joy of homemade cooking and a satisfying addition to your collection of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas. It's certainly a contender for one of the best recipes you'll ever make!