Best Recipe for Apple Pie

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug, then you’ve stumbled upon the Best Recipe for Apple Pie! This classic pie brings together the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, nestled in a flaky double crust that you’ll adore. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering with friends, this apple pie is sure to be the star of the show.

I used to shy away from apple pie because I often found them bland and mushy. But once I discovered this recipe, my perspective changed completely! The secret lies in cooking the apples first for just the right texture and flavor. Trust me, once you try this homemade apple pie, you’ll never look back!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With straightforward steps, you’ll find making this pie to be a breeze!
• Family-friendly appeal: Everyone loves a slice of warm apple pie—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare the filling in advance and assemble it later, saving you time on busy days.
• Delicious flavor: The combination of spices and sweet apples creates an irresistible taste that warms your heart.
• Perfect for any occasion: From weeknight dinners to holiday feasts, this pie fits right in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll need some simple, wholesome ingredients to create the Best Recipe for Apple Pie. These are everyday items that you might already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything up!

For the Pie Crust

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

For the Apple Filling

• 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 recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some ideas to switch things up:

• Mix and match apples: Use different varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for unique flavors—experiment to find your favorite blend!
• Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts can add a delightful crunch to your filling.
• Try different spices: Swap out cinnamon or nutmeg with ginger or cloves for an exciting twist.
• Incorporate dried fruit: Toss in some raisins or cranberries for extra sweetness and texture.

How to Make Best Recipe for Apple Pie

Step 1: Choose Your Apples

Start by selecting your apples. You’ll need about 11 large apples to make enough filling. I love using a mix of Granny Smith, Gala, and Golden Delicious for their unique sweetness and tartness.

Step 2: Make the Filling

Use a microplane grater to zest 1/4 teaspoon of lemon peel into a high-sided skillet. This adds brightness to your filling! Then add the juice from half the lemon, which helps prevent browning as you prepare your apples.

Step 3: Peel and Slice Apples

Peel your apples using either a potato peeler or an apple peeler. Slice them into thin 1/8 inch pieces. To keep them fresh as you work, I suggest peeling one apple at a time—peel it, slice it, coat it in lemon juice, then move on to the next.

Step 4: Cook the Apples

Once all your apples are sliced and coated with lemon juice in the pan, set it over medium heat. Add in sugars, flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom. Gently stir everything together without breaking up those lovely apple slices!

Step 5: Simmer Until Tender

Cover the mixture with a lid but don’t wander off! Stir every few minutes while cooking for about 20 minutes until fork-tender but still holding their shape. This step ensures we achieve that ideal texture in our final pie.

Step 6: Add Vanilla and Cool

Take the pan off heat and stir in one teaspoon of vanilla extract. Then transfer your apple filling onto a half sheet pan or another shallow dish so it can cool quickly—this will only take about 30 minutes.

Step 7: Prepare Your Pie Crust

Roll out your homemade double pie crust into a deep 9-inch pie dish with some excess hanging over the edges. This crust will cradle all those delicious apple slices beautifully!

Step 8: Fill Your Pie

Scrape all that cooled apple filling into your prepared crust using a rubber spatula—don’t leave behind any gooey goodness!

Step 9: Top It Off

Place the second crust over your filling; feel free to make it pretty using lattice techniques or just cover it whole. Fold edges in and crimp however you’d like!

Step 10: Chill Before Baking

Pop your assembled pie into the fridge or freezer for about 20-30 minutes. This little chill helps ensure we get that flaky crust we all love.

Step 11: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F while placing an empty baking sheet on the center rack. A hot oven ensures even baking!

Step 12: Brush and Sprinkle

Just before baking, brush milk or beaten egg over the crust then sprinkle raw sugar on top—it adds sweetness and that lovely crunch.

Step 13: Bake

Place your chilled pie onto that hot baking sheet in the oven; bake at high heat for about 15 minutes until edges start turning light brown.

Step 14: Protect Your Crust

Cut out some foil into a circle shape to cover just the edges of your pie after those first minutes; this prevents burning while baking through completely.

Step 15: Lower Heat & Continue Baking

Don’t forget to reduce oven temperature down to 350°F! Bake another 40-45 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.

Step 16: Cool & Serve

Let your beautiful creation cool on wire rack for about four hours—trust me; it’s worth waiting! Once cooled completely slice up that heavenly apple pie—and enjoy every bite!

Enjoy serving this incredible homemade apple pie with ice cream or caramel sauce if you’re feeling indulgent! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Best Recipe for Apple Pie

Making the best apple pie is all about technique and a few careful choices, so here are some helpful tips to ensure your pie turns out perfectly every time!

• Chill Your Dough: Keeping your pie crust cold before baking helps create that flaky texture we all love. Warm dough can become tough, so refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out.

• Use a Variety of Apples: Mixing different types of apples not only enhances the flavor but also adds complexity and depth. Some apples hold their shape better while others break down into a lovely sauce.

• Don’t Skip the Cooling Time: Allowing your pie to cool completely is crucial. This waiting period lets the filling set up, preventing it from becoming too runny when you slice into it.

• Brush with Milk or Egg Wash: This step is key for achieving that golden-brown crust. The milk or egg wash creates a beautiful sheen, making your pie as appetizing as it is delicious.

• Cover Edges with Foil: Protecting the edges of your pie with foil prevents them from over-browning or burning. It allows the filling to cook evenly while maintaining a perfect crust.

How to Serve Best Recipe for Apple Pie

Serving your homemade apple pie can be just as delightful as making it! Here are some creative ideas to present this classic dessert beautifully.

Garnishes

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy texture that complements the rich filling.
• Cinnamon Sugar Sprinkle: Dusting the top with cinnamon sugar gives an extra touch of sweetness and warmth.
• Fresh Mint: A sprig of fresh mint not only looks beautiful but also provides a refreshing contrast to the sweet and spicy flavors of the pie.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing! The creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream contrasts perfectly with the warm spiced apple filling.
• Caramel Sauce: Drizzled over each slice, caramel sauce adds an indulgent touch that enhances the overall flavor experience.
• Cheddar Cheese Slices: For those who enjoy savory-sweet combinations, serving slices of sharp cheddar cheese alongside your pie can create a delicious contrast.
• Coffee or Tea: Offering a warm beverage like coffee or tea alongside your pie not only warms up the experience but also balances out the sweetness beautifully.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips in hand, you’re all set to impress family and friends with your delicious homemade apple pie! Enjoy every slice!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Best Recipe for Apple Pie is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it in advance for gatherings or simply to enjoy throughout the week. Here’s how to keep your delicious pie fresh and ready to eat.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover pie at room temperature, covered with plastic wrap, for up to 2 days.
• After 2 days, transfer the pie to the refrigerator to keep it fresh for an additional 3-4 days.

Freezing

• To freeze your apple pie, let it cool completely after baking.
• Wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date so you know when to enjoy it!

Reheating

• To reheat a frozen pie, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
• Place the pie on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil.
• Bake for about 30-40 minutes or until heated through. Enjoy warm!

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delightful recipe.

What makes this the Best Recipe for Apple Pie?

This recipe stands out because of its perfectly balanced flavors, tender apples, and flaky double crust. The cooked filling prevents mushiness while ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor!

Can I use different types of apples in the Best Recipe for Apple Pie?

Absolutely! Using a mix of tart and sweet apples enhances the flavor. Popular choices include Granny Smith, Gala, and Honeycrisp. Feel free to experiment!

How long does it take to make the Best Recipe for Apple Pie?

From start to finish, you’ll need about 340 minutes (including cooling time). Most of that time is hands-off while your delicious pie bakes and cools.

Is it necessary to cool the apple pie before serving?

Yes! Cooling allows the filling to set properly, making slicing easier and ensuring the juices don’t run everywhere. Patience is key!

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe becomes a cherished part of your baking repertoire as it has in mine! The Best Homemade Apple Pie is not just a dessert; it’s a warm hug on a plate that brings everyone together. Enjoy making this delightful treat, and don’t hesitate to share your experience! Happy baking!