ADVERTISEMENT
Instructions for Making Simple Apple Pie
1. Prepare the Crust
Making the crust is one of the most important parts of a great apple pie. Don’t worry—it’s easier than you think!
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Stir to combine.
- Cut in the butter: Add the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter, forks, or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter still visible. The key is to keep the butter cold—this is what creates the flaky texture of the crust.
- Add ice water: Gradually add ice water—one tablespoon at a time—until the dough starts to come together. You may need 6 to 8 tablespoons, but don’t overwork the dough.
- Chill the dough: Divide the dough in half and form each half into a disc. Wrap the discs in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the dough rest and firms it up, making it easier to roll out.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling
While the dough chills, prepare the apple filling:
- Peel and slice the apples: Peel, core, and slice your apples into thin slices—about 1/4 inch thick. A mix of tart and sweet apples will give your pie the best balance of flavor and texture.
- Toss the apples: In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. The sugar will help the apples release their juices, while the flour thickens the filling as it bakes. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the overall flavor.
3. Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has chilled, it’s time to roll it out:
- Flour your surface: Lightly flour your countertop or work surface. Take one of the dough discs out of the fridge and roll it out into a circle about 12 inches in diameter.
- Transfer to pie dish: Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough into a 9-inch pie dish. Gently press the dough into the dish, ensuring it fits snugly along the edges. Trim off any excess dough, leaving about an inch of overhang.
4. Assemble the Pie
- Fill the pie crust: Spoon the apple mixture into the prepared pie crust, making sure to spread it evenly.
- Top the pie: Roll out the second dough disc to cover the top of the pie. You can place it as a whole top crust, or cut it into strips to make a lattice crust. If you opt for a whole top crust, make sure to cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Seal and crimp: If using a whole top crust, place it over the apples and press the edges of the top and bottom crusts together to seal. You can crimp the edges with a fork or pinch them together with your fingers.
- Optional: Brush the crust: If you want a golden finish, brush the top crust with milk or egg wash (whisk an egg with a tablespoon of water) and sprinkle with a little sugar or cinnamon for a touch of sweetness.
5. Bake the Pie
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Bake the pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the vents.
- Check for doneness: If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, you can cover them with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Cool before serving: Once the pie is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for at least 2 hours. This helps the filling set and makes slicing easier.
Tips for the Best Simple Apple Pie
- Use a mix of apples: A combination of tart apples (like Granny Smith) and sweet apples (like Honeycrisp or Fuji) will create a well-balanced filling that’s not too sweet or too sour.
- Don’t skip the chilling: Chilling the dough is key to getting that flaky, tender crust. It also makes the dough easier to handle and roll out.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter pie, you can increase the sugar in the filling. Conversely, if you like a more tart apple flavor, use less sugar.
- Add a bit of lemon: Lemon juice adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the apples. Don’t skip it—it makes a difference!
- Serve with ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream makes the perfect finishing touch for your apple pie.
Why This Simple Apple Pie is a Winner
This Simple Apple Pie Recipe is the perfect way to enjoy a homemade, comforting dessert with minimal effort. With its easy-to-make buttery crust and a filling full of tender apples and warm spices, it’s a classic treat that never fails to impress. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, this apple pie is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.
With just a few basic ingredients and simple techniques, you’ll be able to create a pie that rivals any bakery-made version. Plus, there’s something incredibly rewarding about making a pie from scratch—and the smell of it baking in your kitchen is pure bliss.
So, grab your apron, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the delicious, homemade goodness of a perfect apple pie! 🥧🍏
Happy Baking!
ADVERTISEMENT
