Description
This classic homemade Apple Pie recipe features a flaky, buttery crust filled with tender, perfectly spiced apple slices. With simple ingredients like cinnamon, brown sugar, and lemon juice, this dessert is a timeless favorite that offers the comforting flavors of a traditional American apple pie. Baked to golden perfection, it’s an ideal dessert for family gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 Perfect Pie Crust Recipe (enough for double crust or two discs)
Filling
- ¼ cup butter
- 8 cups thinly sliced apples, peeled and cored (about 6-7 medium apples)
- 2/3 cup lightly packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Egg Wash
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon water
- Coarse sugar, optional for sprinkling on top
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Set aside a 9-inch pie plate and preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for the initial baking phase.
- Cook the Apple Filling: In a large pot over medium-low heat, melt ¼ cup of butter. Add 8 cups of thinly sliced apples, 2/3 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon flour, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Stir occasionally and cook the mixture until the apples soften, approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Remove the pot from heat and let the filling cool completely.
- Roll Out Bottom Crust: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of your prepared pie dough to about 1/8-inch thickness, making it slightly larger than your 9-inch pie plate. Transfer the dough into the pie plate, gently pressing it to adhere to the bottom and sides.
- Prepare Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg and 1 teaspoon of water. Set this aside for later use.
- Assemble the Pie: Spoon the cooled apple filling evenly into the prepared bottom crust. Roll out the second dough disc and place it over the filling. You may either cover the pie completely or cut the top crust into strips to create a braid or lattice pattern. Cut vents if using a full top crust. Trim excess dough and crimp the edges securely to seal the pie.
- Apply Egg Wash and Sugar: Brush the top crust evenly with the egg wash. Sprinkle coarse sugar on top if desired to add texture and sweetness.
- Bake the Pie: Bake the pie in the preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes. Then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for around 40 minutes more, or until the crust turns golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the vents.
- Protect the Crust: If the crust begins to brown too quickly during baking, cover the pie loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool before slicing and serving to let the filling set properly.
Notes
- For best results, use a mix of tart and sweet apples to enhance the flavor and texture.
- Allow the filling to cool before adding to the crust to prevent sogginess.
- You can prepare the pie crust in advance or use store-bought pie dough as a convenient alternative.
- Adjust the amount of sugar and cinnamon according to taste preference.
- Covering the pie with foil later in baking helps avoid an overly browned crust.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
