Are you craving a taste of home, a warm hug in pastry form? Then look no further! This Mile High Apple Pie recipe is your ticket to pure, unadulterated deliciousness. Forget those sad, flat apple pies you find in stores; this recipe delivers a glorious, towering masterpiece of flaky crust and sweet, spiced apples. It’s a perfect dessert for family gatherings, cozy nights in, or simply rewarding yourself after a long day. Get ready to impress yourself and everyone who tastes this incredible homemade creation. This easy recipe makes a truly spectacular pie, perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, very cold and cut into cubes
- ½ cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 6-8 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix are great!), 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 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 cold butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to 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, wrap 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 one disc of dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it 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 crust: Roll out the second disc of dough and either place it over the filling or cut it into strips for a lattice top. Crimp the edges to seal. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Bake: Bake for 50-60 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 aluminum foil.
- Cool: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set.
Tips for a Perfect Mile High Pie:
- Use very cold butter and ice water for the flakiest crust.
- Don't overmix the dough.
- For an extra touch of flavor, brush the top crust with an egg wash before baking.
- Let the pie cool completely before slicing to prevent a runny filling.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the filling for a warm, aromatic twist.
- Add nuts: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for added texture and flavor.
- Use different apples: Experiment with different apple varieties to create unique flavor profiles.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 (This will vary depending on the size of your pie and the type of apples used). This recipe is best enjoyed as an occasional treat.
This recipe is a fantastic example of delicious and relatively healthy homemade cooking, perfect for any quick dinner or special occasion. Enjoy the sweet aroma and the wonderful taste of a truly mile-high apple pie experience.