Delicious Homemade Apple Pie Recipe for Your Sweet Cravings
As the fall season approaches, there’s nothing quite like a warm slice of homemade apple pie. A classic dessert that has been enjoyed for generations, apple pie is a true American staple. But with so many recipes out there, it can be hard to find the perfect one that will make your taste buds dance with delight. That’s why I am excited to share with you my favorite recipe for the best homemade apple pie you’ll ever taste.
This recipe is truly a labor of love, but it’s worth it. Every bite of this perfectly spiced, buttery and flaky crust paired with the sweet and tart filling made from fresh apples will transport you to apple-picking season in no time. And the aroma that will fill your kitchen while it bakes? Well, let’s just say that your neighbors might come knocking at your door.
Whether you are baking for family and friends or just treating yourself to a cozy night in, this recipe will not disappoint. So grab your apron and get ready to bake the best apple pie of your life – I promise you won’t regret it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Apple pie is an American classic that has been enjoyed for generations. There are many pie recipes out there, but this one, the Best of Best Apple Pie Recipe, stands out from the rest in terms of taste and simplicity. Why should you choose this recipe? Here are a few reasons:
Firstly, this pie recipe uses the best apples for an exceptional taste. It calls for rome and granny smith apples that are peeled, cored and thinly sliced to make a delicious filling. These two types of apples complement each other perfectly by providing the right balance of sweetness and tartness.
Secondly, the homemade apple pie filling makes all the difference. The filling combines cornstarch, flour, sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice and water with the sliced apples for a perfect apple pie flavor. This results in a thick sauce that coats every slice of apple and holds together well when cut.
Thirdly, the crust is a double crust that includes butter and milk in its preparation. The combination creates a flaky and crisp pastry that envelops the warm apple slices perfectly. The bottom crust prevents any soggy texture while baking.
Lastly but importantly, this recipe offers alternatives to suit different preferences without compromising on the quality of taste. For example, you can try different types of apples like golden delicious or baking apples if you prefer. You can also create variations such as Dutch apple crumble instead of having a double-crust.
Overall, this Best of Best Apple Pie Recipe is easy to follow with detailed instructions and tips on how to create a perfect apple pie every time. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or any other time of year when you crave an exceptional dessert, this recipe will not disappoint you!
Ingredient List
Apples:
For the best homemade apple pie, you need a mixture of tart and firm apples that won’t lose their shape. I recommend mixing Granny Smith apples with Rome or Honeycrisp apples for a perfect combination of flavor and texture. You’ll need around 6 cups thinly sliced and peeled cored apples, which is generally equivalent to about 6-7 medium-sized apples.
Granulated Sugar:
The sugar helps balance the tartness of the apples. You will need 1/2 cup for the pie filling and an extra 2 tablespoons for sprinkling over the top of the pie.
Brown Sugar:
Brown sugar adds richness to the pie filling. You will need 3/4 cup light brown sugar.
Lemon Juice:
Lemon juice helps brighten up the flavor of the pie filling. Use 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice to prevent browning and add a touch of tanginess.
Butter:
Unsalted butter gives a rich, creamy, and buttery taste to the pie crust and helps tenderize it. You’ll need 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted.
Flour:
All-purpose flour is used, both for the pie crust and in making the filling thickener.
Cornstarch:
Cornstarch is an ingredient in most fruit pies that keeps them from being soupy. It helps thicken up the juices released from the apples while baking. Use a total of 4 teaspoons in this recipe.
Ground Cinnamon:
Cinnamon adds warmth and depth to the apple mixture. Use 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
Ground Nutmeg:
Nutmeg gives a slightly sweet and warm flavor to complement cinnamon perfectly. Use 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg.
Salt:
Add salt to enhance flavors in baked goods. Use only a pinch (1/8 teaspoon).
Water:
Water is needed for both the pie crust and in making syrup for brushing over lattice crust top for perfect browning during baking. Finally, use cold water, milk or cream when making your crusts to keep them tender and flaky throughout baking.
Finally, make sure always to use fresh ingredients when making your perfect apple pie recipe!
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s dive into making the best homemade apple pie ever! This recipe has a double crust, which means it will be both at the bottom and top of the pie, so be sure to set aside enough time for prep.
Make the Pie Pastry
To make the pie dough, start by mixing 2 1/2 cups of flour with 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a large bowl. Add in 1 cup of cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes, and mix with a pastry cutter or your hands until the texture resembles coarse sand. Add in 4-6 tablespoons of ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition until the dough just holds together. Form the dough into two flat discs, wrap them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Pro tip: For extra flaky crust, add in 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the flour mixture.
Prepare the Filling
Next, it’s time to prepare the filling. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, toss together 6-7 cups of thinly sliced apples (peeled and cored), 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup light brown sugar, 3 tablespoons of cornstarch, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until evenly coated. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and give it another toss.
Pro tip: For an extra flavorful filling, use a combination of apple varieties such as Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, and Rome Apples.
Assemble The Pie
Take one disc out from the refrigerator and roll it out on a well-floured surface to fit a deep-dish 9-inch pie plate. Gently ease it into the pie plate and trim off any excess dough using kitchen scissors. Pour in the prepared filling.
Roll out the second disc of pie pastry on another well-floured surface. Use either a fluted pastry wheel or sharp knife to cut thin strips from it. Place these strips over the filling in a lattice pattern.
Pro tip: Watch this filling video tutorial for guidance on how to assemble your lattice crust.
Bake It Right
Pop your beautiful creation into your preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes until golden brown and bubbling. If you notice that edges brown too quickly while baking cover them with foil to prevent burning.
Once ready take it out from an oven set aside cool down before serving.
Congratulations! You have now mastered the recipe for
Substitutions and Variations
If you want to customize this recipe, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can try without sacrificing the delicious apple pie flavor.
1. Apple Varieties: For the best flavor and texture, use a mixture of Rome apples, Granny Smith, and Golden Delicious apples. However, you can experiment with other apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Braeburn, depending on your taste preference.
2. Sugar: Instead of granulated sugar and light brown sugar, you can use all granulated sugar or substitute with coconut sugar for a healthier option.
3. Spice: Adjust the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg used in the recipe to fit your taste preference. You can also add ginger or cardamom for an extra kick.
4. Crust: If making crust from scratch isn’t your jam, store-bought pie pastry is just as good. You can also substitute a double crust with a Dutch apple crumble for an added texture.
5. Vegan and Gluten-free options: Instead of regular butter, use vegan butter or coconut oil if you’re vegan or allergic to dairy products. To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or almond flour.
Remember that any changes could alter the texture and overall taste of the pie, so experiment cautiously!
Whether making a regular apple pie recipe perfect or putting your spin on it, these variations will allow for infinite possibilities to make this already great apple pie recipe become the best homemade apple pie ever!
Serving and Pairing
Once you’ve baked the best homemade apple pie using this recipe, it’s time to serve and enjoy it. The hot and scrumptious apple pie is best paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream that complements the sweet, tart flavors of the pie.
While enjoying a slice of pie, one can also sip on warm and cozy beverages like cocoa or tea to enhance the experience. If you prefer adult beverages, try pairing this pie with a glass of Riesling or apple cider to accentuate the apple notes in both.
This apple pie makes a fantastic dessert for special occasions, family gatherings or even just as an evening treat. When entertaining guests, consider serving it up in individual ramekins for a visually attractive presentation.
If you’re feeling adventurous with your pairing choices, this pie pairs exceptionally well with sharp cheeses like cheddar or a smoky gouda. Serve a cheese board with this homemade apple pie and let your guests indulge in all kinds of flavors.
The aroma of freshly baked apple pie will fill up your space and will leave everyone drooling for more. You can add some finishing touches to the dish by dusting some cinnamon powder on top or garnishing with some nutmeg infusion whipping cream.
Overall, this apple pie recipe paired with a creamy vanilla ice cream and/or choice of drinks truly makes an unforgettable experience.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about making an apple pie is that it can easily be made ahead of time and stored for later enjoyment. If you’re short on time, consider preparing the pie crust and the filling a day or two in advance.
As for storing, be sure to place the apple pie in a tightly sealed container or wrap it in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It’s important to consume the apple pie within 3 days to ensure its freshness.
When reheating your homemade apple pie, preheat your oven at 375°F (190°C). Place the apple pie on a baking sheet and bake for around 15-20 minutes. This will ensure that the edges and crust remain crispy while warming up the pie from the inside. For a more golden-brown top crust, brush it with an egg wash before reheating.
If you prefer to reheat your apple pie in the microwave, cover it with a damp towel or paper towel and heat on high for 30 seconds at a time until it’s heated through. Remember, never leave your apple pie out at room temperature for too long as this can cause bacterial growth and spoilage.
Whether you’re making a classic double-crust apple pie or trying out a new recipe like Dutch Apple Crumble or Natasha’s Kitchen’s Easy Apple Pie Tart, these make-ahead, storing and reheating tips will help you enjoy the perfect slice of apple pie anytime, anywhere.
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to baking the perfect apple pie, small details can make all the difference. I have learned some tricks to achieve foolproof results every time. Here are some tips that will take your homemade apple pie from good to great:
Firstly, ensure that your apples are sliced thinly and evenly. This ensures that they cook evenly and stay firm, creating the perfect texture in your apple pie filling.
Secondly, mix the spices and cornstarch with the sugar before adding them to the apples. This helps to distribute the spices evenly throughout the filling and prevents clumps of spice from forming.
Thirdly, brush the edges of your bottom crust with milk before adding the filling. This creates a barrier that prevents the filling from seeping out of the pie and onto your baking sheet.
Fourthly, use cold butter when making your pie crust. Keeping your butter cold allows it to melt slowly during baking, creating a flaky, tender crust.
Fifthly, don’t skip the lemon juice. Adding lemon juice to your apple mixture brightens up the flavor and balances out the sweetness of the sugar.
Sixthly, if you want a deeper flavor in your apple pie, try combining different types of apples. I recommend using a mix of tart Granny Smiths and sweet Rome apples for a perfectly balanced flavor.
Seventhly, always preheat your oven. Preheating ensures that your pie bakes evenly and quickly, preventing any soggy bottoms or undercooked crusts.
Lastly, be patient and let your pie cool before cutting into it. Cutting into a hot apple pie will cause it to become runny and lose its form. Let it cool at least 30 minutes before serving for picture-perfect slices every time.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making the best homemade apple pie anyone has ever tasted!
FAQ
Now that you have a good handle on the recipe and tips for success, let’s explore some frequently asked questions (FAQs) that may arise as you prepare the best of the best apple pie recipe.
Whats the trick to a great apple pie?
As a culinary explorer, it is important to take note of these essential steps when making a scrumptious apple pie. To have a successful pastry masterpiece, it is key to ensure all your ingredients are chilled, especially your butter. Opt for an all-butter crust – this guarantees a more luscious taste and texture. Create the perfect consistency by mixing a butter-flour paste, making sure you don’t overwork the dough. The choice between adding vodka or not to the dough is up to you, but make sure to add liquid in small batches and fold with a spatula to avoid overworking the dough.
The type of apples you use is crucial in a perfect pie, so make sure to select tart apples – Granny Smith, for example, is a popular choice. It is recommended to go easy with the seasoning, as you don’t want to overpower the natural flavors of the apples. As for the apples, it’s best to par-cook them before adding them into the crust – this allows for a more tender and evenly cooked apple filling.
Should you Prebake the bottom crust of an apple pie?
If you want to guarantee a perfectly baked pie crust – one that’s enticingly crispy and golden brown, as well as capable of complementing your filling’s flavor perfectly – prebaking is your best bet. Essentially, you’ll be making the bottom crust before adding any fillings. This cooking technique not only ensures that your crust won’t end up doughy or undercooked, but also offers an excellent opportunity to add some extra texture to your overall recipe. As of May 24, 2021, these tips are sure to come in handy.
Should I cook apples before putting in pie?
When it comes to making a delicious apple pie, it’s crucial to precook the apples. This will not only provide a consistent texture, but it will also balance out the sweetness of the filling. Additionally, by precooking, you’ll avoid the common problem of having a gap between the crust and the filling. So, let’s get started on making the perfect apple pie filling.
Bottom Line
After reading through this article and experiencing the delicious aroma of freshly baked apple pie, I’m sure you are convinced that this best of best apple pie recipe is a must-try.
With its easy-to-follow instructions, customizable ingredient list, serving and pairing tips, and make-ahead and storing suggestions, you have all the tools necessary to create a perfect apple pie right in your own kitchen.
If you’re a fan of homemade desserts and baked goods, there’s no reason to wait any longer. Go ahead and give this recipe a try today. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or simply treating yourself to an indulgent dessert, this best of best apple pie recipe is sure to satisfy.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get baking! Your taste buds will surely thank you for it.
Best of Best Apple Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 lbs rome apples, pared, quarterd, cored and thinly sliced (8 cups, from here through the salt, I double, if your dont' won't gooey and sweet then follow as sta)
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
- 1/3 cup sugar, granulated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch or 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 18 inches pie crusts
- 2 tablespoons butter
- water (optional) or milk (optional)
- sugar, for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Place apples in a large bowl.
- Mix sugars, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt in a small bowl; Sprinkle dry mixture over apples; toss gently, to mix.
- Let stand until a little juice forms, at least 10 minutes or more.
- Prepare pie crust of your choice.
- Pile apple mixture into pastry; dot with butter
- Place second crust over the apples, and crimp.
- Brush with water or milk if desired.
- Sprinkle with sugar if desired.
- Bake pie at 425 for 40 minutes or until juices bubble through slits and apples are tender.
- If edges are browning too fast cover wth a narrow strip of foil.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Mishra Vikas is a digital nomad who loves to explore the world and learn about its cultures. As a programmer, backpacker, and cook, he enjoys sharing his adventures and cooking up delectable dishes. Writing about his experiences, creating tasty recipes, and discovering new places are some of his favorite activities. He’s an avid traveler and passionate chef, always on the lookout for an exciting new journey.