Description
A golden, flaky pie crust filled with tender, spiced apples and baked to perfection. This all-American dessert is cozy, comforting, and perfect for holidays or anytime you’re craving a slice of nostalgia.
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust (or use store-bought):
- 2½ cups (310 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 230 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 6–8 tbsp ice water
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 cups (about 6 medium) apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (Granny Smith + Honeycrisp work well)
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground allspice
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Assembly:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Make the Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill and firm up.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, toss the thinly sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined and let the mixture sit for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the juices to develop.
- Assemble the Pie: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out one dough disc on a lightly floured surface into a circle large enough to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Carefully transfer it to the pan and gently press it into place. Add the prepared apple filling evenly over the crust. Roll out the second dough disc and place it over the filling. Trim the edges of the top and bottom crust to align, crimp the edges to seal, and cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking. Brush the top crust with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired for added texture and shine.
- Bake the Pie: Place the assembled pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly and cooked through. If the edges of the crust brown too quickly, cover them loosely with foil to prevent burning.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 2 hours to let the filling set properly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a classic presentation.
Notes
- Mix apple varieties for the best flavor and texture.
- If edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil during baking.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- The pie can be baked 1 day ahead and stored at room temperature, covered.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling)
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Pie
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
