Simple Apple Pie Recipe: A Classic Dessert Made Easy
Are you craving a warm, comforting slice of apple pie but intimidated by the thought of making one from scratch? Fear not! This simple apple pie recipe is designed for even the most novice bakers, delivering a delicious dessert without the fuss. It’s the perfect recipe for a cozy night in, a family gathering, or even a beginner's foray into the world of baking. Let's get started!
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 cubed
- 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
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these easy steps to create your perfect apple pie.
Making the Crust:
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in Butter: Add the chilled, 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 Water: Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix.
- Chill the Dough: Form the dough into two discs, one slightly larger than the other. Wrap each disc in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will make the dough easier to roll out.
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, allspice, and lemon juice. Toss gently to coat.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the larger 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 with Crust: Roll out the smaller disc of dough into an 11-inch circle. You can either place it over the filling or cut it into strips for a lattice top. Crimp the edges to seal.
- Cut Vents: Cut a few 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 overfill the pie: Overfilling can lead to a soggy bottom crust.
- Let the pie cool completely: This is crucial for preventing a runny filling.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream!
This simple apple pie recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the process and the delicious results! Remember to share your baking adventures using #SimpleApplePieRecipe on social media!