Are you craving a taste of home, a slice of pure comfort? Then look no further than this classic Southern Living Apple Pie recipe. This isn't just any apple pie; it's a journey back to simpler times, filled with the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon and apples baking to golden perfection. It’s a recipe that's easy enough for beginner bakers yet delicious enough to impress even the most seasoned pie-maker. Whether you're looking for a quick dinner dessert or a show-stopping centerpiece for your next gathering, this apple pie is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Let's get baking!
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 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 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. Be careful not to 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 more tender crust.
Making the Filling:
- Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples. The thickness of your slices will determine the baking time, so aim for relatively even slices.
- Combine filling ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and lemon juice. Toss gently to coat the apples evenly.
Assembling and Baking the Pie:
- 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 with the crust: Roll out the remaining dough into a 10-inch circle. You can either place it over the filling or create decorative cutouts. Crimp the edges to seal. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) 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 properly.
Tips for the Best Apple Pie:
- Use a mix of apple varieties for a complex flavor profile.
- Don't overmix the pie crust dough; overmixing will result in a tough crust.
- For a beautiful shine, brush the top crust with a little milk or egg wash before baking.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate indulgence.
Variations:
- Spiced Apple Pie: Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the filling for an extra warmth.
- Cranberry Apple Pie: Add ½ cup of fresh or frozen cranberries to the filling for a tart twist.
- Streusel Topping: Sprinkle a buttery streusel topping over the pie before baking for added texture and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-500
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Sugar: Approximately 30-40g
This Southern Living Apple Pie recipe is a testament to the beauty of simple, homemade cooking. Enjoy every delicious bite!