Apple Pie Recipe From Scratch: A Delicious Homemade Treat
Are you ready to bake the most amazing apple pie from scratch? This recipe will guide you through each step, ensuring a perfectly golden, flaky crust and a sweet, spiced apple filling that will leave everyone wanting more. Forget store-bought pies; this homemade version is a true testament to baking mastery.
Ingredients You'll Need
This recipe breaks down into two main components: the crust and the filling. Let's start with the flaky, buttery crust:
For the Crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, very cold and cut into cubes
- ½ cup ice water
Next, prepare the sweet and tangy apple filling:
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 unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Step-by-Step Instructions: Creating Your Masterpiece
Let's embark on the journey of creating your perfect apple pie. Follow these steps carefully, and you'll be rewarded with a delicious treat.
Making the Crust:
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Work quickly to prevent the butter from melting.
- Add Ice Water: Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing lightly until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
- Chill the Dough: Form the dough into two discs, wrap them in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a more tender crust.
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 the apples evenly.
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 the dough 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 50-60 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 foil.
- Cool: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set.
Serving Suggestions and Storage
Serve your warm apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate indulgence. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips for Apple Pie Perfection
- Use cold ingredients: Cold butter is crucial for a flaky crust.
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing develops the gluten, resulting in a tough crust.
- Blind bake the crust (optional): For a crispier bottom crust, pre-bake it for 15 minutes before adding the filling.
- Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. A pinch of cardamom or ginger can add a unique flavor.
This detailed guide ensures you can confidently create a mouthwatering apple pie from scratch. Enjoy the process and the delicious results! Remember to share your baking journey and the final product – we’d love to see your creations!
