Betty Crocker Apple Pie: A Classic Recipe for a Delicious Dessert
The aroma of a warm apple pie baking in the oven is undeniably comforting. This classic dessert is a staple in many households, and for good reason. It's delicious, relatively easy to make, and perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to cozy nights in. Today, we're revisiting the timeless Betty Crocker apple pie recipe, with a few tips and tricks to ensure your pie is perfectly golden brown, flaky, and bursting with the sweet taste of apples.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for beginner bakers. You likely already have many of these items in your pantry!
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For the Crust:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup ice water
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For the Filling:
- 6-8 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix are ideal), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these steps for a perfectly 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 fingertips to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Avoid overmixing.
- Add Water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix; a slightly shaggy dough is fine.
- Chill the Dough: Form the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a flakier crust.
Assembling the Pie:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice. Toss gently to coat.
- 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 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 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.
Tips for the Perfect Apple Pie:
- Use a mix of apples: Combining different apple varieties creates a more complex flavor profile.
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing develops the gluten, resulting in a tough crust.
- Chill the dough thoroughly: This is crucial for a flaky crust.
- Vent the top crust: This prevents steam from building up and causing a soggy bottom.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream: The perfect finishing touch!
Beyond the Basic Recipe:
Once you've mastered this classic recipe, feel free to experiment! Add a sprinkle of coarse sugar before baking for extra sweetness and crunch, or try adding spices like cardamom or allspice for a unique twist. The possibilities are endless! Enjoy your delicious homemade Betty Crocker-inspired apple pie!