Classic Apple pie recipe
Apple pie is a classic dessert loved by many for its delicious combination of sweet apples, warm spices, and flaky pastry crust. Making a perfect apple pie requires attention to detail, from selecting the right apples to creating a golden, crisp crust. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you create a mouthwatering apple pie from scratch.
Ingredients:
For the crust:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 teaspoon salt
6-8 tablespoons ice water
For the filling:
6-7 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Prepare the Crust:
In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition, until the dough starts to come together.
Divide the dough into two equal parts, shape them into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Make the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Toss until the apples are coated evenly. Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes to allow the flavours to meld.
Roll out the Crust:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a circle large enough to fit your pie dish. Carefully transfer the dough to the dish and press it gently into the bottom.
Assemble the Pie:
Pour the apple filling into the crust, mounding it slightly in the centre.
Roll out the second disc of dough and place it over the filling. You can either place it as a whole or cut it into strips for a lattice design.
Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges and crimp the edges of the crust to seal the pie.
Bake the Pie:
If desired, brush the top crust with an egg wash (1 egg beaten with a tablespoon of water) to achieve a golden brown finish.
Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly.
Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the filling to set.
Enjoy:
Serve the apple pie slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.
Creating an apple pie from scratch is a labour of love, but the result is a comforting dessert that's perfect for gatherings or as a special treat. Enjoy the blend of flavours and textures that come together in each delicious slice.