Homemade Apple Pie

Apple pie holds a special place in the hearts of many, embodying the essence of home-cooked warmth and the joy of sharing.
As Thanksgiving approaches, the allure of this classic dessert becomes irresistible. In this guide, we’ll walk you through creating an apple pie that stands out, with a crust so flaky it melts in your mouth and a filling that’s a delightful surprise with every bite.

Ingredients:
To embark on this culinary adventure, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 1/4 lbs of Granny Smith Apples: These apples are the star of the show, providing a tartness that balances the sweetness of the pie. Ensure they are peeled, cored, and thinly sliced.
- 1 1/2 tsp of Cinnamon: This spice adds warmth and depth to the apple filling.
- 8 Tbsp of Unsalted Butter: Butter enriches the filling, giving it a luxurious texture.
- 3 Tbsp of All-Purpose Flour: This helps to thicken the sauce that will coat our apple slices.
- 1/4 Cup of Water: Aids in creating the right consistency for our apple sauce.
- 1 Cup of Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to complement the tartness of the apples.
- 1 Egg (plus 1 Tbsp Water for egg wash): This will give our crust a beautiful golden sheen.
- 1 recipe for Double Pie Crust: This is the foundation of our pie, ensuring a flaky texture in every bite.
With these ingredients at the ready, you’re set to create a masterpiece that will leave your guests in awe. Stay tuned as we dive into the art of pie crust perfection and the secrets to a filling that’s nothing short of divine.
A Step-by-Step Cooking Guide:
- Prepare the Dough: Begin by crafting your double pie crust. Follow your favorite recipe, ensuring that the dough is well-mixed but not overworked to maintain its flakiness.
- Chill for Success: Wrap your dough in plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator. This step is crucial as it allows the butter to solidify, resulting in a crust that’s wonderfully flaky.
- Butter and Flour Fusion: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over a medium flame. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour, creating a smooth mixture.
- Sauce Creation: Continue to simmer the mixture for a minute, stirring constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Add in the water and granulated sugar, whisking continuously. Bring this to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for an additional three minutes. Once done, take it off the heat.
- Apple Prep: Take your Granny Smith apples, ensuring they are peeled, cored, and sliced to perfection. Place them in a large bowl.
- Spice it Up: Sprinkle the cinnamon over the apples, tossing them gently to ensure each slice is evenly coated.
- Marrying the Flavors: Pour the previously prepared sauce over the apples, stirring gently to ensure each slice is lovingly coated in the sweet mixture.
- Rolling the Crust: Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the bottom crust to a 12″ diameter circle. Carefully wrap it around your rolling pin and gently lay it in your 9″ pie plate.
- Filling the Pie: Scoop the apple mixture into the crust, creating a slight mound in the center. Be mindful to keep the edges clean for a perfect seal.
- Lattice Work: Roll out the second crust and cut it into even strips. Weave them over the apple filling, creating a charming lattice pattern. For a golden finish, beat together the egg with a tablespoon of water and brush it over the lattice.
- Initial Bake: Place your pie in a preheated oven at 425˚F for the first 15 minutes. This high temperature helps in setting the crust.
- Low and Slow: Reduce the oven temperature to 350˚F and continue to bake for another 45 minutes. This ensures the apples are cooked to perfection, soft and bubbling with flavor.
- Rest and Cool: Once baked, allow your pie to rest at room temperature for an hour before serving. This patience is rewarded with a pie that’s set, easier to cut, and bursting with flavor.
With these steps, you’ve now crafted a pie that’s not just a dessert, but a celebration of flavors and textures. Stay tuned as we delve into serving suggestions, nutritional information, and final thoughts to wrap up our apple pie adventure.
Serving and Savoring:
Slice and Serve: With your apple pie now perfectly set, cut it into generous slices. The crust should be flaky, and the filling, rich and aromatic.
Add a Dollop of Delight: Elevate your apple pie experience by serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast between the warm pie and the cool, creamy topping is heavenly.
Nutrition:
Caloric Content: Each serving of this delightful apple pie is approximately 379.61 calories. It’s a treat worth indulging in, especially during special occasions like Thanksgiving.
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect nutritionally from a serving of this delectable dish:
- Calories: 379.61 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 55.44g
- Proteins: 2.75g
- Fats: 17.67g
Balancing Indulgence and Health: While apple pie is a sweet indulgence, you can balance your meal by pairing it with lighter, healthier options.
This apple pie isn’t just a dessert; it’s a creation that brings people together, filled with flavors that linger and create lasting memories. Don’t hesitate to share this recipe with friends and family. Baking is a joy, especially when it’s an apple pie made with love and shared with loved ones.
Tips:
Catch Those Drips: Place a sheet of foil on the oven rack below the pie to catch any potential drips, ensuring a clean oven post-baking.
Baking is an Art: Remember, baking is an art and a science. Don’t be disheartened if your first pie isn’t perfect. Practice makes perfect, and each pie is a step towards mastery.
Enjoy Every Bite: Finally, savor each bite of your homemade apple pie. You’ve created something special, and it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Congratulations, you’ve just made a classic apple pie that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering, especially Thanksgiving. Enjoy the flaky crust, the sweet and tart filling, and the joy that comes from baking from scratch. Happy baking!