Classic Apple Pie

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Introduction:
A Classic Apple Pie is the ultimate comfort dessert, featuring a flaky, buttery crust filled with tender, spiced apples. This timeless dessert brings together the natural sweetness of apples, the warmth of cinnamon, and a hint of nutmeg. Whether it’s served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or on its own, this pie is the perfect dessert for holidays, gatherings, or simply to enjoy a cozy homemade treat!

Ingredients for the Pie Crust (Double Crust for 9-inch Pie):

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 6-8 tablespoons ice water

Ingredients for the Apple Filling:

  • 6 cups peeled and sliced apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to prevent browning)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon butter (for dotting on top)
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon heavy cream or milk (for brushing the top crust)

Instructions:

Make the Pie Crust:

  1. Prepare the Dough:
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
  • Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough just comes together.
  1. Chill the Dough:
  • Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disk, and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Prepare the Apple Filling:

  1. Slice the Apples:
  • Peel, core, and slice the apples into ¼-inch slices. Toss them in a bowl with lemon juice to prevent browning.
  1. Mix the Filling:
  • In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  • Pour the sugar mixture over the apples and toss until the apples are evenly coated.
  • Stir in the vanilla extract.

Assemble the Pie:

  1. Roll Out the Dough:
  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie dish, trimming any overhang.
  1. Fill the Pie:
  • Pour the apple filling into the crust and dot the filling with small pieces of butter.
  1. Top the Pie:
  • Roll out the second disk of dough to the same size as the first and place it over the apple filling.
  • Trim the edges, fold the excess dough under the bottom crust, and crimp the edges to seal.
  • Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape, or create a lattice design if preferred.
  1. Optional: Brush the top crust with heavy cream or milk for a golden finish.

Bake the Pie:

  1. Bake at High Heat:
  • Bake the pie at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes.
  1. Lower the Heat:
  • Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly.
  1. Cool:
  • Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 2 hours before slicing to allow the filling to set.

Tips for Success:

  • Apples: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor balance. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great options.
  • Chill the dough: Keeping the dough cold will ensure a flakier crust. Don’t skip the chilling step!
  • Prevent a soggy bottom: To avoid a soggy bottom crust, you can brush the bottom with a thin layer of egg white before adding the filling.

Recommendation:

Serve your Classic Apple Pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert. This pie is perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or any time you crave the comforting flavors of spiced apples wrapped in a buttery, golden crust!

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