Classic Homemade Apple Pie: A Perfectly Flaky Crust and Sweet Apple Filling

Apple pie is a timeless classic, and there’s no better way to enjoy it than with a homemade version. This Classic Homemade Apple Pie features a buttery, flaky crust filled with sweet, spiced apples and topped with a golden, crisp layer. Whether it’s a family gathering, holiday celebration, or just a cozy weekend dessert, this apple pie is sure to delight. Let’s take you through this easy-to-follow recipe for a homemade pie that tastes as good as it looks!

Ingredients:

For the Pie Crust:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter (cut into cubes)
• 6-8 tbsp ice-cold water

For the Apple Filling:

• 6-8 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix of both)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)

For Assembling:

• 1 tbsp milk (for brushing the crust)
• 1 tbsp sugar (for sprinkling the crust)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until it forms a coarse, crumbly mixture with pea-sized butter chunks.
3. Slowly add the ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough starts to come together. You may need a little more or less water.
4. Split the dough into two equal portions, shape them into disks, and wrap them in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. Peel, core, and slice the apples into even pieces. A mix of tart and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, will give the pie the perfect balance of flavor.
2. In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to release some of the apple juices.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out one of the dough disks on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch circle. Place it into a 9-inch pie dish.
3. Pour the prepared apple filling into the crust, making sure to evenly distribute the apples. Dot the filling with small pieces of butter.
4. Roll out the second disk of dough and place it over the apples, either as a full crust or in a lattice pattern for a beautiful finish. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal the pie.
5. Brush the top crust with milk and sprinkle sugar over the top for a shiny, sweet finish.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

1. Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the vents.
2. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
3. Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least two hours before serving. This allows the filling to set.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Slice the pie and serve it warm. For an extra indulgent treat, top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
2. Enjoy the rich, spiced flavor of the apples paired with the buttery, flaky crust.

Tips for the Perfect Apple Pie:

• For a flaky, tender crust, handle the dough as little as possible. Don’t overwork it when adding the water or rolling it out.
• If you prefer a smoother filling, you can use an immersion blender to puree part of the apple filling before adding it to the pie. This creates a creamy texture with chunks of apples.
• Use a pie shield or aluminum foil to protect the edges of the pie from over-browning while it bakes.
• If you like a more intense cinnamon flavor, feel free to adjust the cinnamon and nutmeg measurements to your taste.

Conclusion:

This Classic Homemade Apple Pie recipe is a delicious, timeless dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The sweet, spiced apple filling combined with a buttery, flaky crust makes it the ultimate comfort food. Whether it’s for a holiday, family gathering, or just a treat for yourself, this apple pie is guaranteed to be a crowd favorite. Try it today and enjoy a slice of homemade heaven!