There’s something magical about the aroma of a Classic Apple Pie wafting through the house. Imagine the buttery crust turning golden brown while sweet cinnamon and caramelized apples dance together in a delightful symphony. It’s a scent that could lure even the most devoted chocolate lover into the kitchen faster than you can say “pie.”
This delightful dessert doesn’t just tickle your taste buds; it carries memories of family gatherings and cozy evenings spent around the table. Picture yourself at Thanksgiving, surrounded by loved ones, as you take that first glorious bite of warm apple pie topped with vanilla ice cream. Pure bliss!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Classic Apple Pie is incredibly simple to prepare, making it perfect for bakers of all levels
- The harmonious blend of tart and sweet apples creates an unforgettable flavor experience
- Its rustic appearance adds charm to any gathering or holiday table
- Serve it warm or cold; this pie is delicious no matter how you slice it!
I still remember my first attempt at baking a Classic Apple Pie let’s just say my kitchen looked like an explosion in a flour factory. My family never failed to give me the “You tried” smile while secretly eyeing the store-bought dessert on the counter.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Apples: Use a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a balance of tartness and sweetness.
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating that flaky crust we all love; don’t skimp on quality.
- Unsalted Butter: Use cold butter for the crust to ensure flakiness; it makes all the difference.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar enhances sweetness; brown sugar adds depth and richness.
- Cinnamon: A must-have spice that brings warmth and comfort to every slice.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens flavors and prevents apples from browning too quickly.
- Melted Butter (for brushing): Adds shine and helps achieve that golden crust finish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Gather your ingredients and let’s embark on this delicious journey together.
Prepare the Crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt, then cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add ice water gradually until dough forms.
Chill the Dough: Divide dough into two equal parts, shape each into discs, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Prepare the Filling: Peel, core, and slice your apples into thin wedges. Toss them in a bowl with sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a circle about 12 inches wide. Transfer to your pie pan gently so it fits snugly.
Add Filling & Top Crust: Pour the apple mixture into your prepared crust evenly. Roll out the second dough disc, place it over the filling, cut slits for steam to escape or create fun shapes.
Bake Your Pie: Brush melted butter over top crust and sprinkle with sugar for extra crunch. Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C), then reduce heat to 350°F (175°C) for another 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
Your kitchen will smell heavenly as your Classic Apple Pie bakes to perfection! Let it cool slightly before slicing it’ll be hard but trust me; it’s worth it!
You Must Know
- Classic Apple Pie is more than a dessert; it’s a hug in pie form
- The sweet, warm aroma wafting through your kitchen will beckon everyone to gather around the table, eager for a slice
- Remember, the secret to that perfect crust is cold butter and patience
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by prepping your pie crust first; let it chill while you prepare the filling. This ensures a flaky texture and prevents sogginess. After rolling out the dough, fill it with the apple mixture and top it off with another layer before baking until golden brown.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out some apples for pears or add a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra warmth. A dash of nutmeg or even a splash of bourbon can elevate your classic apple pie to gourmet status. Customize according to your palate!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover apple pie in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, pop slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warm and crispy again.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for balance against sweetness
- Blind-baking the bottom crust prevents sogginess; just bake it briefly before adding filling
- Lastly, let the pie cool before slicing; this helps set the filling beautifully!
I once made this classic apple pie for my family reunion, and you could hear spoons clinking against plates as everyone dove in! It felt amazing to see smiles all around as they savored each bite.
FAQ
Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Yes, using store-bought crust saves time and can still produce delicious results!
How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?
Blind-baking your crust briefly can help avoid sogginess when adding filling.
What type of apples are best for apple pie?
A mix of tart and sweet apples creates a balanced flavor in classic apple pie.
Classic Apple Pie
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 slices 1x
Description
Classic Apple Pie is the ultimate comfort dessert, featuring a buttery crust filled with spiced apples that will warm your heart and home.
Ingredients
- 6 cups mixed apples (Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter (cold)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- For the crust, mix flour and salt, cut in cold butter until crumbly, then gradually add ice water until a dough forms. Divide into two discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Prepare the filling by peeling, coring, and slicing apples; toss with sugars, cinnamon, lemon juice, and salt.
- Roll out one dough disc into a circle and fit it into your pie pan. Pour the apple mixture evenly over the crust.
- Roll out the second dough disc to cover the filling, cutting slits for steam to escape.
- Brush the top with melted butter, sprinkle with sugar, then bake at 425°F for 15 minutes; reduce heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 30–35 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (108g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
