Apple Pie From Scratch
There’s something ineffably comforting about the aroma of a homemade apple pie wafting through the kitchen. Imagine the moment you pull a warm pie from the oven—the golden crust shimmering with a glossy sheen, and the sweet-sour notes of cinnamon and fresh apples mingling in the air, cozying up to you like a warm blanket. When you slice a piece, the crust crumbles delicately, revealing a tender, bubbling filling that promises a taste reminiscent of simpler times. As you take your first bite, your taste buds dance with joy—sweet, tart, and spiced to perfection, it’s a celebration of autumn captured in a dessert.
Apple pie is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for crisp fall mornings, festive family gatherings, or even those quiet evenings where all you want is to indulge in a slice of nostalgia. This recipe is not only simple but also allows you to express creativity, lending itself well to customization. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or as an after-dinner delight, it’s the kind of dish that brings everyone together.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Difficulty Level: Medium
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 15g
(Nutritional information based on calculations from trusted sources including USDA FoodData Central.)
Why Make This Recipe
This apple pie is perfect for its delightful balance of flavors and textures. The buttery, flaky crust contrasts beautifully with the warm, tender apples, creating a comforting harmony in every bite. It’s versatile, making it suitable for various occasions—serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream at a family gathering, or have it for breakfast with a cup of coffee on a cozy Sunday morning. The aroma aromas that fill your home while it bakes are worth the preparation alone, creating lasting memories for you and your loved ones.
How to Make Apple Pie From Scratch
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water
- 6 to 8 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Optional Ingredients:
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg for extra spice
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar for deeper caramel notes
- Nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually stir in the ice water, starting with 6 tablespoons and adding more as needed until the dough comes together.
- Divide the dough in half. Shape each half into a ball, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Roll out one disc on a floured surface until it fits your 9-inch pie pan. Carefully place the crust in the pie pan.
- In another bowl, combine the sliced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Mix until the apples are well coated, then pour the mixture into the crust.
- Roll out the second disc and place it over the filling. Seal the edges and cut slits in the top to allow steam to escape. Brush the top with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 35-45 minutes, or until the apples are soft, and the crust is golden brown.
How to Serve
Serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. For a more rustic feel, try with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a slice of cheddar cheese for a classic combo. Pair with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a delightful treat!
How to Store
Allow the pie to cool completely before storing. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze the pie for up to 3 months; wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer.
Expert Tips
- Best Apple Types: For best results, use a combination of tart and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, to add depth to your pie.
- Testing Doneness: The pie is done when the crust is golden brown, and you can see the bubbling juices through the slits in the topping.
- Moisture Control: If using particularly juicy apples, consider sprinkling a bit of cornstarch alongside the flour in the filling to help thicken the juices.
Delicious Variations
- Vegan Apple Pie: Substitute butter with coconut oil or margarine, and use a plant-based milk alternative for an egg wash.
- Cinnamon Swirl: Add a layer of cinnamon-sugar mixture in between the apple layers to create a flavorful twist.
- Gluten-Free Alternative: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for the crust.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen apples? Yes, you can use frozen apples, but ensure they are thawed completely and drained of excess moisture before using to avoid a soggy crust.
- What if the crust is too crumbly? If your pie crust is crumbly, it may need more moisture. Add ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough holds together.
- Can leftovers be reheated? Absolutely! Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals.
Conclusion
This homemade apple pie recipe is a delightful journey into the world of baking, promising warmth, flavor, and memories with every bite. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and create this comforting classic from scratch. Once you’ve tried this recipe, we would love to hear your thoughts and any variations you may have tried of your own. Happy baking!
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Apple Pie From Scratch
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting homemade apple pie with a golden crust and a delicious sweet-sour filling.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water
- 6 to 8 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, nuts like walnuts or pecans for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and blend until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually stir in the ice water until the dough comes together.
- Divide the dough in half, shape into balls, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Roll out one disc until it fits your 9-inch pie pan. Place the crust in the pan.
- In another bowl, combine the sliced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Mix to coat the apples, then pour into the crust.
- Roll out the second disc and place it over the filling. Seal the edges and cut slits to allow steam to escape. Brush with beaten egg.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 35-45 minutes until the apples are soft and the crust is golden brown.
Notes
Serve warm, optionally with powdered sugar or vanilla ice cream. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for a week.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
