Best Recipe for Apple Pie

If you’re looking for a comforting dessert that feels like home, you’ve landed in the right place! This Best Recipe for Apple Pie has transformed my view on this classic treat. I used to shy away from apple pie because of its often mushy texture and lackluster flavor. But trust me, this recipe is a game-changer! It features a delightful double crust, a perfectly cooked filling bursting with flavor, and it’s surprisingly easy to whip up. Whether you’re celebrating a family gathering or just need a sweet pick-me-up on a busy weeknight, this pie is sure to impress everyone around your table.

What makes this apple pie special is not just its taste but also the memories it creates. Picture the aroma of warm apples and spices wafting through your home, inviting everyone to gather around for a slice (or two!). Let’s dive into making the Best Homemade Apple Pie together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to follow: Even if you’re new to baking, these straightforward steps will guide you through every part of the process.
• Family-friendly appeal: Everyone loves apple pie! It’s perfect for kids and adults alike, making it an excellent choice for gatherings.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it, making assembly quick when you’re ready to bake.
• Delicious flavor: The blend of fresh apples with spices creates a rich, aromatic flavor that brings smiles all around.
• Perfect texture: With cooked apples inside, you won’t have to worry about mushiness. Each bite offers just the right amount of tenderness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully in this recipe. You’ll find everything you need right at your local grocery store!

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

This apple pie recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ways to mix things up while keeping that classic charm:

• Try different apples: Experiment with your favorite varieties! Honeycrisp or Braeburn apples can add unique flavors and textures.
• Add nuts: For some crunch, toss in chopped pecans or walnuts along with the apple filling.
• Spice it up: Want more warmth? Add extra spices like ginger or cloves to the filling for an exciting twist.
• Make it caramelized: Drizzle some caramel sauce over the apples before sealing your crust for an indulgent touch.

How to Make Best Recipe for Apple Pie

Step 1: Choose Your Apples

Start by selecting your apples. You need about 5 pounds total—this equals roughly 11 large apples. I love using a mix like Granny Smith for tartness and Gala or Golden Delicious for sweetness. This combination delivers the best flavor!

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a high-sided skillet, zest your lemon peel into it. Then add about two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. This step brightens up the apple flavor and prevents them from browning as you work.

Step 3: Slice Those Apples!

Peel each apple using a potato peeler or handy apple peeler. Slice them into thin pieces—about an eighth of an inch thick works well. I recommend working one apple at a time to keep them fresh and coated in lemon juice as you go along.

Step 4: Cook Your Apples

With all your sliced apples in the skillet over medium heat, add brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional cardamom. Stir gently so as not to break any slices. This mixture will cook down beautifully!

Step 5: Simmer Away!

Cover your skillet with a lid and let it simmer for about twenty minutes while stirring frequently. This allows the apples to soften just enough while still holding their shape—perfect for that ideal texture in your pie!

Step 6: Cool It Down

Once cooked to fork-tender perfection, remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Transfer your filling onto a sheet pan or shallow dish so it can cool completely—this helps avoid a soggy crust later on!

Step 7: Roll Out Your Crust

Roll out your homemade double pie crust and fit one layer into your deep-dish pie plate. Don’t forget to leave some excess dough hanging over the edges; we’ll tuck that in later!

Step 8: Assemble Your Pie

Scoop all that delicious cooled filling into your prepared crust—make sure to get every last drop of gooey goodness! If you’re feeling fancy, top it off with another layer of dough either whole or latticed.

Step 9: Crimp & Chill

Fold over any excess crust edges and crimp them however you like. Then pop it back in the fridge or freezer for about thirty minutes; this ensures a flaky texture when baked!

Step 10: Preheat & Brush

While chilling, preheat your oven to425 degrees F on center rack—let it heat up properly! Just before baking, brush the top crust with milk or beaten egg (or both) for that golden finish.

Step 11: Bake Time!

Place your chilled pie onto a baking sheet in the oven and bake at425 degrees Ffor fifteen minutes until golden at the edges. Afterward, reduce heat to350 degrees Fand cover loosely with foil before returning it to bake for another forty-five minutes.

Step 12: Cool It Down Again!

Once baked until beautifully golden brown on top and bubbling beneath the surface, transfer your pie onto a wire rack. Patience is key here! Allow it around four hours to cool completely before slicing into those tempting layers.

And there you have it—the Best Recipe for Apple Pie ready for sharing! Enjoy every slice warm with vanilla ice cream or even drizzle some caramel sauce on top if you’re feeling indulgent!

Pro Tips for Making Best Recipe for Apple Pie

Making the best apple pie can be a delightful experience with just a few helpful tips to ensure your dessert shines!

• Choose the right apples: Using a mix of tart and sweet apples, like Granny Smith and Gala, creates a balanced flavor profile that keeps your pie from being overly sweet or bland.

• Cook your filling: Pre-cooking the apple filling ensures that it will be perfectly tender and flavorful without turning mushy while baking. This step also helps to reduce excess moisture in the pie.

• Chill your dough: Allowing your pie crust to chill before baking helps achieve that flaky texture we all love. The colder the butter in your dough, the flakier the crust will be!

• Vent your top crust: If you opt for a whole top crust instead of lattice, make sure to poke a few holes in it. This allows steam to escape during baking, preventing a soggy bottom crust.

• Let it cool: Patience is key! Allowing your pie to cool completely before slicing helps set the filling and prevents it from becoming runny when served.

How to Serve Best Recipe for Apple Pie

Serving your apple pie can be as fun as making it! Here are some ideas to make your presentation extra special.

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a light and airy texture, complementing the warm spices in the pie beautifully.

• Cinnamon sprinkle: A light dusting of cinnamon on top adds an inviting aroma and enhances the flavor profile without overshadowing the apples.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The classic pairing! A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on top of warm apple pie is pure bliss, creating a delightful contrast between hot and cold.

• Caramel sauce: Drizzling homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over each slice adds richness and indulgence that takes this dessert to another level.

• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits can provide a nice balance to the richness of apple pie, making for a well-rounded dessert experience.

• Cheddar cheese slices: For those who enjoy savory pairings, serving thin slices of sharp cheddar cheese alongside the pie can enhance its flavors wonderfully—it’s a classic combination many swear by!

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll not only bake up the best recipe for apple pie but also present it in style. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Best Recipe for Apple Pie is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious homemade pie any day of the week. With a little planning, you can make it in advance and savor its delightful flavors at your convenience.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover apple pie on the counter for up to 2 days, covered with plastic wrap.
• After that time, transfer the pie to the refrigerator to keep it fresh for additional days.

Freezing

• To freeze the pie before baking, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• You can also freeze baked apple pie; allow it to cool completely before wrapping it and placing it in the freezer.
• For best quality, consume frozen pie within 2-3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat a slice of frozen apple pie, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the slice on a baking sheet and cover lightly with foil to prevent over-browning. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.
• If reheating an entire baked pie, reduce the time slightly but keep the foil on until heated through.

FAQs

If you’re looking for more information about making this delicious dessert, here are some common questions answered!

Can I make this Best Recipe for Apple Pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and crust separately ahead of time. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready to enjoy!

What’s the best type of apples for this recipe?

For the best flavor and texture in your apple pie, use a combination of tart apples like Granny Smith along with sweet varieties such as Gala or Golden Delicious.

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

Your apple pie is ready when the edges are golden brown and bubbly filling is visible through any vents at the top. A perfectly baked pie will be light golden brown in color.

Can I use store-bought crust instead?

Yes! If you’re short on time or prefer convenience, feel free to use a store-bought crust. Just ensure it’s suitable for double crust pies.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you love this Best Recipe for Apple Pie as much as I do! It’s a beautiful balance of flavors and textures that will surely impress your family and friends. Enjoy creating this classic dessert from scratch—there’s nothing quite like sharing homemade pie fresh from your oven. Happy baking!