apple pies

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 50–60 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour (for dough)
Total Time: 2.5 hours
Servings: 8 slices
Skill Level: Intermediate
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

 Ingredients

For the Homemade Pie Crust (Double Crust):

• 2½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tbsp sugar (optional, for slightly sweet crust)

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

• 6–8 tbsp ice water

 Keep ingredients cold for the flakiest crust.

For the Apple Filling:

• 6 cups (about 5–6 medium apples) peeled, cored, and sliced

• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar

• ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for thickening)

• 1½ tsp ground cinnamon

• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for dotting before baking)

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 egg

• 1 tbsp milk or cream

• Optional: sprinkle of coarse sugar for a golden, crunchy top

 Best Apples for Apple Pie

For a perfect balance of flavor and texture, use a mix of tart and sweet apples. Great combos include:

 Equipment

• 9-inch pie dish

• Rolling pin

• Mixing bowls

• Pastry blender or food processor

• Sharp knife or apple peeler

• Pastry brush

• Cooling rack

 Time Breakdown

 Step-by-Step Instructions

 Step 1: Make the Pie Dough

1. In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and sugar.

2. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or food processor until pea-sized crumbs form.

3. Gradually add ice water, 1 tbsp at a time, mixing gently until the dough just comes together.

4. Divide dough in half, shape into two disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Don’t overwork the dough — it’s the key to a flaky crust!

 Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. Peel, core, and slice apples into ¼-inch slices.

2. In a large bowl, toss apples with:

   • Granulated & brown sugar

   • Flour

   • Cinnamon & nutmeg

   • Lemon juice

   • Vanilla extract

   • A pinch of salt

3. Let sit for 10 minutes to allow juices to develop.

 Step 3: Assemble the Pie

1. Roll out one dough disk on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle.

2. Gently place into a 9-inch pie dish, pressing into edges. Trim excess.

3. Add apple filling into the crust, slightly mounding in the center.

4. Dot with 1 tbsp butter on top of the apples.

5. Roll out the second dough disk and either:

   • Cover the pie with a solid top crust (cut vents)

   • OR create a lattice crust (braid or weave strips)

6. Seal edges and crimp with fingers or fork.

 Step 4: Egg Wash and Bake

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Whisk egg + milk, then brush over crust.

3. Sprinkle with coarse sugar (optional).

4. Bake:

   • 20 minutes at 400°F

   • Then reduce to 350°F (175°C) and bake another 30–40 minutes

   • Cover edges with foil if browning too quickly

Look for bubbling juices and a deep golden crust.

 Step 5: Cool and Serve

• Let pie cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour to allow filling to set.

• Serve warm or at room temperature.

 Serving Suggestions

• Top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream

• Drizzle with caramel sauce

• Pair with a mug of hot apple cider or coffee

 Make-Ahead & Storage

 Approximate Nutrition (Per Slice – 1/8 of pie)

Values will vary based on type of apples and exact ingredients used.