Best Recipe for Apple Pie

If you’re looking for a way to impress your friends or family, this is it! I used to shy away from making desserts, especially apple pie, because I thought they were too tricky. But the Best Recipe for Apple Pie changed everything for me! It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight yet special enough to serve at family gatherings or holiday dinners. With its flaky crust and perfectly spiced apple filling, this pie has become a real crowd-pleaser in my home.

What makes this recipe so special is that it combines the comforting flavors of sweet apples with warm spices, all wrapped in a golden crust. You’ll love how easy it is to make from scratch, and trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of fresh apples and warm spices creates a mouthwatering filling that everyone will adore.
• Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, even novice bakers can master this recipe!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: This classic dessert brings everyone together and is perfect for sharing with loved ones.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the filling in advance or even freeze the pie before baking for a future treat.
• Customizable: Whether you want to add extra spices or try different apple varieties, this recipe is flexible to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the ingredients! You’ll find that these are simple, wholesome items that you probably already have in your kitchen. Each ingredient adds its own unique flavor and texture to create the ultimate apple pie experience.

For the Pie Crust

• 1 homemade double pie crust (2 sheets of pie dough)

For the Filling

• 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
• juice from half a lemon (2 tablespoons)
• 5 pounds apples (5 pounds before peeling and coring)
• 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 5 tablespoons all purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 & 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 3/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 tablespoon milk (for brushing on pie)
• 1 tablespoon beaten egg (optional, for brushing on pie)
• 1 tablespoon raw sugar (for topping pie)

Variations

One of the best things about this Best Recipe for Apple Pie is how flexible it can be! Feel free to get creative with your own twist on this classic dish.

• Try Different Apples: Use a mix of tart and sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji along with Granny Smith for added depth.
• Add Extras: Toss in some raisins or cranberries for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with spices like ginger or cloves to give your filling a unique kick.
• Top It Off: Consider adding a crumb topping instead of a second crust for a different texture.

How to Make Best Recipe for Apple Pie

Step 1: Choose Your Apples

Start by selecting your apples. Aim for about 5 pounds, which translates to roughly 11 large apples. Mixing varieties like Granny Smith, Gala, and Golden Delicious will give your pie a wonderful depth of flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

Use a microplane grater to zest 1/4 teaspoon of lemon peel into a high-sided skillet. Add in juice from half the lemon—this helps keep the apples from browning while adding brightness to their flavor.

Step 3: Peel and Slice the Apples

Peel your apples using a potato peeler or an apple peeler. Slice them into 1/8-inch pieces. I like to do this one apple at a time; it keeps them fresh and prevents browning. Toss each sliced apple into the skillet with lemon juice as you go!

Step 4: Cook the Filling

Once all your apples are sliced and mixed with lemon juice, set your skillet over medium heat. Add brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom. Gently stir everything together—this ensures each piece of apple gets coated without breaking them apart.

Step 5: Simmer Until Tender

Cover your skillet with a lid and let it cook for about 20 minutes while stirring every few minutes. The goal here is to soften the apples just enough while keeping their shape intact. Taste-test after cooking; if they need more time, go ahead!

Step 6: Cool Down

Once cooked, remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Transfer your finished filling onto a half sheet pan or similar dish to cool completely—this should only take about 30 minutes in the fridge.

Step 7: Assemble Your Pie

Roll out your pie dough into a deep 9-inch pie dish with extra hanging over the edges. Scrape all that delicious chilled filling into the dish—you don’t want to miss any gooey goodness!

Step 8: Top It Off

Now it’s time to top your pie! You can use another sheet of dough or create an adorable lattice pattern if you’re feeling fancy. Crimp those edges beautifully; if not using lattice, don’t forget to vent by poking holes on top.

Step 9: Chill Before Baking

Pop your assembled pie into the fridge or freezer for about 20-30 minutes—it helps achieve that flaky crust we all love!

Step 10: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F by placing an empty baking sheet on the center rack—this helps catch any drips during baking.

Step 11: Brush and Sprinkle

Before baking, brush milk or beaten egg over the crust for shine. Then sprinkle raw sugar generously on top; it adds sweetness and crunch!

Step 12: Bake Away!

Place your pie on that hot baking sheet in the oven! Bake at high heat for about 15 minutes until lightly browned around the edges before reducing temperature.

Step 13: Tent with Foil

After that initial bake time, reduce oven temperature to 350°F. Create a foil tent by cutting out a circle in foil—the aim is protecting those lovely crust edges from burning while allowing filling perfection.

Step 14: Final Bake Time

Bake at that lower temperature for an additional 40-45 minutes until everything looks beautifully golden brown and bubbly!

Step 15: Cool Down Again

Patience is key! Let your masterpiece cool on wire racks for around four hours—trust me; cutting too early will ruin that delightful filling texture.

Step 16: Serve & Enjoy!

Finally! Once cooled completely slice up pieces of heaven—serve plain or add some vanilla ice cream if you really want indulgence!

This Best Recipe for Apple Pie brings smiles every time I bake it! Enjoy making memories as delicious as those first bites!

Pro Tips for Making Best Recipe for Apple Pie

Making the perfect apple pie can seem daunting, but with these simple tips, you’ll be on your way to pie perfection!

• Choose the right apples: Using a mix of tart and sweet apples enhances the flavor and texture of your pie. Granny Smith offers tartness, while Gala and Golden Delicious provide sweetness.

• Don’t skip chilling your dough: Chilling your pie crust before baking keeps it flaky and prevents shrinking. This helps maintain the beautiful shape and texture of your pie.

• Cook the filling first: Pre-cooking the apple filling ensures that the apples are tender but still hold their shape. This step prevents a soggy bottom crust and adds depth to the flavors.

• Use a baking sheet: Placing a baking sheet in the oven beneath your pie catches any drips while baking, making cleanup easier. It also helps distribute heat evenly for a perfectly baked crust.

• Let it cool completely: Allowing the pie to cool for several hours is essential for letting the juices set, resulting in beautiful slices instead of a soupy mess when served.

How to Serve Best Recipe for Apple Pie

Serving your apple pie can be as delightful as making it! Here are some ideas to make it even more special.

Garnishes

• Whipped cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a creamy contrast to the sweet and tangy filling.
• Cinnamon sprinkle: A light dusting of cinnamon on top not only looks beautiful but enhances that warm spice flavor we love in apple pie.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The classic pairing with hot apple pie creates a delightful contrast between warm and cold, sweet and creamy.
• Caramel sauce: Drizzling caramel over each slice elevates this dessert into something truly indulgent.
• Cheddar cheese: For those who enjoy a savory twist, serving sharp cheddar on the side complements the sweetness of the pie beautifully.
• Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea pairs wonderfully with apple pie, balancing sweetness with warmth and comfort.

Enjoy every bite of this deliciously homemade apple pie experience!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Best Recipe for Apple Pie is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time, store it properly, and enjoy delightful slices whenever you crave something sweet.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover pie on the counter for up to 2 days, covered with plastic wrap.
• After 2 days, transfer the pie to the refrigerator to keep it fresh.
• For best results, cover with a lid or plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

Freezing

• To freeze the pie, allow it to cool completely after baking.
• Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• For best quality, consume frozen pie within 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Place slices of pie on a baking sheet and cover with foil.
• Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. Enjoy!

FAQs

Here are some common questions regarding this delicious apple pie recipe!

What makes this the Best Recipe for Apple Pie?

This recipe stands out because of its double crust that provides a flaky texture and a filling that’s cooked beforehand. This ensures every bite is perfectly balanced with flavor and texture.

Can I use different types of apples for this Best Recipe for Apple Pie?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix your favorite apples like Granny Smith, Gala, or Honeycrisp. Combining different types enhances the flavors and brings complexity to your pie.

How do I know when my apple pie is done baking?

Your apple pie is ready when the crust turns golden brown and the filling bubbles through any vents you created. It’s crucial to allow it to cool for at least 4 hours before slicing.

Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

You can reduce sugar slightly or substitute with natural sweeteners like maple syrup. Additionally, using whole wheat flour in the crust can add more fiber.

Can I make this pie ahead of time for an event?

Yes! This Best Recipe for Apple Pie is great for making ahead. You can bake it a day before your gathering and store it covered at room temperature or in the fridge until serving.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making this Best Recipe for Apple Pie as much as I do! It’s a labor of love that results in a comforting dessert perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re sharing with family or treating yourself, remember that good things take time—like letting that delicious pie cool before digging in! Happy baking!