Best Recipe for Apple Pie

If you’re looking for a comforting dessert that fills your home with the warm aroma of baked apples and spices, then you’ve come to the right place! The Best Recipe for Apple Pie is not just another dessert; it’s a cherished tradition in our family. This pie brings everyone together, whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive family gathering. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll understand why it’s become a favorite!

What makes this recipe special? It’s all about the balance of flavors and textures. With a deliciously flaky double crust and perfectly cooked apples, this pie is sure to impress. Plus, making it from scratch is easier than you might think!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious flavor: The mix of Granny Smith, Gala, and Golden Delicious apples creates a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
• Easy preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can master this pie!
• Family favorite: This classic dessert is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare the filling in advance and assemble the pie when you’re ready to bake.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving or just because, this pie fits right in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making the Best Recipe for Apple Pie requires just a handful of wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Here’s what you’ll need:

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

One of the best things about this apple pie recipe is its flexibility! You can easily tweak it to suit your taste or use what you have on hand.

• Try different apples: Substitute other varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for unique flavor profiles.
• Add nuts: Sprinkle in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
• Spice it up: Experiment with additional spices such as ginger or cloves for extra warmth.
• Go crustless: For a gluten-free version, use an almond flour crust or even bake the filling alone in ramekins.

How to Make Best Recipe for Apple Pie

Step 1: Choose Your Apples

Start by selecting your apples. You’ll need about 11 large ones to reach that magical five-pound mark. Mixing different types enhances the flavor; I love using Granny Smith for tartness alongside sweeter varieties like Gala and Golden Delicious.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a medium skillet, zest some lemon peel into it. This adds brightness to our filling. Then squeeze in juice from half a lemon—this helps keep those beautiful apple slices from browning while adding flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the Apples

Peel your apples using a peeler or apple corer if you’ve got one handy. Slice them into thin pieces, about an eighth of an inch thick. I find peeling and slicing one at a time prevents browning—just remember to toss each slice into that lemon juice!

Step 4: Cook Down the Filling

Set your skillet over medium heat with all those lovely apple slices inside. Add in your sugars, flour, spices, and salt. Gently stir everything until combined but be careful not to break up those apple slices! Cover and cook for about twenty minutes until they’re tender yet still holding their shape.

Step 5: Add Vanilla and Cool

Once your apples are fork-tender, take them off the heat and stir in vanilla extract. This step adds depth to our filling! Carefully transfer everything into a pan to cool completely—this will only take about thirty minutes in the fridge.

Step 6: Prepare Your Pie Crust

Roll out your double pie crusts and place one layer into your deep-dish pie plate. Let it hang over the edges—this will make crimping easier later!

Step 7: Fill Your Pie

Scoop that cooled apple mixture into your crust-lined dish using a rubber spatula. Don’t forget every last bit of that gooey goodness—it’s all part of what makes this pie so delicious!

Step 8: Top Your Pie

Cover with your second sheet of crust. If you’re feeling fancy, try weaving it into a lattice design! Otherwise, simply place it atop like a blanket—both ways work beautifully.

Step 9: Chill Before Baking

Pop your assembled pie back into the fridge or freezer for about thirty minutes before baking. This helps achieve that flaky texture we all crave.

Step 10: Preheat & Brush

While chilling, preheat your oven to an impressive temperature of425°F (220°C). Just before baking, give your crust one last brush with milk or beaten egg—this will ensure it’s golden brown when baked.

Step 11: Bake It Up

Bake at high heat for fifteen minutes before lowering the temperature to350°F (175°C). Cover with foil if needed so it doesn’t burn while baking through—about forty-five more minutes should do it!

Step 12: Cool & Serve

Once baked perfectly golden brown, let that tempting pie cool on a wire rack for about four hours (I know, patience is key!). Once cooled completely, slice up those delicious portions and serve them warm—or even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

And there you have it! A simple yet scrumptious way to make the Best Recipe for Apple Pie that everyone will love! Store any leftovers covered at room temperature for two days or refrigerate after that—you won’t want this beauty going stale!

Pro Tips for Making Best Recipe for Apple Pie

Making the perfect apple pie is all about technique and a little love! Here are some pro tips to help you elevate your pie game:

• Choose the right apples: Mixing tart and sweet varieties like Granny Smith, Gala, and Golden Delicious will create a well-rounded flavor profile that keeps each bite interesting.

• Don’t skip the cooking step: Pre-cooking your filling ensures that the apples are tender yet firm when baked, preventing a mushy texture in the final pie.

• Chill your dough: Allowing your pie crust to chill before baking helps maintain its flakiness during the cooking process. A cold crust results in a better texture!

• Keep an eye on the baking time: Ovens vary, so keep a close watch after you lower the temperature. You want that golden-brown crust without burning!

• Allow cooling time: This is crucial for letting the filling set properly. Cutting into it too soon may result in a soupy mess!

How to Serve Best Recipe for Apple Pie

Serving apple pie is just as important as baking it. Here are some delightful ideas to present this classic dessert that will impress your family and friends!

Garnishes

• Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a light, dairy-free alternative that complements the spices beautifully.
• Cinnamon Sugar Dust: Sprinkle a bit of cinnamon sugar on top before serving for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melts perfectly over warm apple pie, creating a comforting contrast of temperatures.
• Caramel Sauce: Drizzle some homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the top for an indulgent touch that enhances sweetness.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits can balance out the richness of the pie while adding a burst of color to your plate.
• Coffee or Tea: Pairing your apple pie with a cup of coffee or herbal tea not only enhances flavors but also provides a cozy dining experience.

Now that you’ve got all these tips and serving ideas, it’s time to gather your ingredients and bake up a storm! Trust me, this Best Recipe for Apple Pie will become your go-to dessert for every occasion. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Best Recipe for Apple Pie is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and enjoy it later. Here’s how to store and preserve your delicious creation.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the pie to cool completely before covering.
• Store the pie on the counter for up to 2 days, covered with plastic wrap.
• If you have leftovers after 2 days, transfer them to the fridge for longer storage.

Freezing

• To freeze, wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for the best flavor and texture.
• When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
• Remove plastic wrap and cover the pie loosely with foil.
• Bake for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through, checking regularly to prevent over-browning.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making the Best Recipe for Apple Pie:

Can I use different types of apples in this recipe?

Absolutely! Mixing different apple varieties enhances the flavor. Stick to a combination of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith, Gala, or Honeycrisp for a balanced taste.

How do I make sure my apple pie filling isn’t too runny?

The key is cooking the filling before adding it to the crust. This step helps evaporate excess moisture. Also, make sure to let your pie cool completely before slicing; this will help thicken the filling.

What is the best way to reheat leftover apple pie?

To reheat leftover apple pie, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F, cover with foil, and bake for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through. This will keep your crust nice and flaky!

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! You can substitute dairy milk with a non-dairy alternative like almond or soy milk. For an egg-free glaze, stick with milk or a plant-based milk wash on top of your crust.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Best Recipe for Apple Pie as much as I do! It’s not just about baking; it’s about creating warm memories with each slice. Whether you enjoy it warm with ice cream or as a delightful afternoon snack, this apple pie is sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking!