Apple Pie Recipe: Easy, Delicious, and Perfect for Beginners
So you want to bake an apple pie? Fantastic! This recipe makes it easy, even for first-time bakers. Forget complicated techniques and frustrating failures; this recipe focuses on simplicity and delicious results. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this classic dessert.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a spontaneous baking session.
For the Crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into cubes
- ½ cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 6-8 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix are great!), peeled, cored, and sliced
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground allspice
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide to Apple Pie Perfection
Follow these simple steps for a flawlessly baked apple pie.
Making the Crust:
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in Butter: Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Work quickly to keep the butter cold.
- Add Water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix!
- Chill the Dough: Form the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will prevent shrinkage during baking.
Preparing the Apple Filling:
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and lemon juice. Toss gently to coat.
Assembling and Baking the Pie:
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie plate.
- Add the Filling: Pour the apple filling into the pie crust. Dot the top with the small pieces of butter.
- Top Crust: Roll out the second disc of dough and either place it over the filling or cut it into strips for a lattice top. Crimp the edges to seal. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil.
- Cool: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set.
Tips for Apple Pie Success:
- Use a mix of apples: Different apple varieties offer varying levels of sweetness and tartness, creating a more complex flavor profile.
- Don't overfill the pie: Overfilling can lead to a soggy bottom crust.
- Let it cool: Patience is key! Allowing the pie to cool completely prevents a messy, runny filling.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your warm, delicious apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Enjoy!
This easy apple pie recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. With a little effort, you'll be rewarded with a classic dessert that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Happy baking!