There’s something truly magical about a freshly baked apple pie. The warm, sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen can make anyone feel at home. If you’ve ever wanted to make this classic dessert but felt intimidated, worry no more! This Classic Apple Pie Recipe is simple, fun, and perfect for beginners. Let’s get started on creating a pie that will impress your family and friends!
Ingredients List
Gather these easy and affordable ingredients to make your delicious apple pie:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into cubes)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 6-8 medium-sized apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for egg wash)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your classic apple pie:
- Make the Pie Crust: In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Water: Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. You may need about 6-8 tablespoons.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half, shape into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps the butter firm up and makes for a flaky crust!
- Prepare the Apples: While the dough chills, peel, core, and slice the apples. Place them in a large bowl.
- Add Flavor: To the apples, add the lemon juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Toss well to coat the apples evenly.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out one disk of dough into a circle about 12 inches wide. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie pan.
- Fill the Pie: Pour the apple mixture into the crust, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
- Top with Second Crust: Roll out the second disk of dough and place it over the apple filling. Trim and crimp the edges to seal. Cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
- Brush with Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. Brush the mixture over the top crust for a beautiful golden finish.
- Bake the Pie: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the pie for 15 minutes, then lower the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 35-45 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the filling to set!
Tips for Better Results
Here are some easy tips to ensure your apple pie turns out perfect:
- Use Cold Ingredients: Make sure your butter and water are cold. This helps create a flaky crust.
- Mix Apples: Using a mix of tart and sweet apples gives your pie a more complex flavor.
- Let It Cool: Patience is key! Allowing the pie to cool completely helps the filling firm up and makes slicing easier.
- Cover Edges: If the edges of your crust are browning too quickly, cover them with foil to prevent burning.
- Experiment with Spices: Consider adding nutmeg or ginger for an extra flavor kick!
Variations (Optional Add-ons)
Feel free to customize your apple pie with these fun variations:
- Crumble Topping: Instead of a top crust, sprinkle a mixture of oats, flour, butter, and brown sugar for a delicious crumble.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the pie before serving for a decadent twist.
- Cheddar Crust: Add shredded cheddar cheese to the pie crust for a savory flavor contrast.
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the apple filling for added texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serving your apple pie can be just as fun as making it! Here are some ideas:
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a classic combination.
- Pair with whipped cream for a light and airy touch.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra sweet treat.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a beautiful presentation.
Conclusion
Now that you have all the steps and tips for making a delicious Classic Apple Pie, it’s time to put on your apron and get baking! This recipe is perfect for beginners and will surely become a family favorite. Enjoy the process, share it with loved ones, and most importantly, savor every bite of your homemade pie. Happy baking!