Apple Pie by Grandma Ople

If you’re looking for a dessert that brings everyone together, look no further than this delightful Apple Pie by Grandma Ople. Each bite is a warm reminder of family gatherings and cozy evenings spent in the kitchen. With its sweet, buttery apple filling and a caramelized lattice crust, this pie is not just a treat; it’s an experience! Perfect for fall celebrations or any holiday feast, it’s a recipe that will surely become a favorite in your home.

What makes this apple pie special is not just its taste but also the memories that come with it. Whether you’re baking for a busy weeknight dinner or a festive family reunion, this recipe has you covered. Let’s dive into why you’ll love making this classic dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you can whip up this pie even on your busiest days.
• Family-friendly appeal: Everyone loves apple pie! It’s a dessert that brings smiles and satisfies sweet cravings.
• Great for any occasion: Be it a holiday gathering or just a cozy night at home, this pie fits perfectly on any table.
• Deliciously comforting: The combination of warm apples and buttery crust creates the ultimate comfort food experience.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare the dough or even assemble the pie ahead of time to ease your baking day stress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create something truly special. Gather them up, and let’s get started!

For the Pie Filling

• 8 small Granny Smith apples, or as needed
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 0.5 cup white sugar
• 0.5 cup packed brown sugar
• 0.25 cup water

For the Crust

• 1 (9 inch) double-crust pie pastry, thawed

Variations

This apple pie recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to make it your own with these fun variations:

• Add spices: Sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra warm flavor that complements the apples perfectly.
• Try different apples: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji for added depth of flavor.
• Incorporate nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for a delightful crunch.
• Use alternative sweeteners: Swap out some of the sugars with maple syrup or honey for a different sweetness profile.

How to Make Apple Pie by Grandma Ople

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Gather all your ingredients first! Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Peel and core those juicy Granny Smith apples, then slice them thinly. This step is important because thinner slices cook evenly and soak up all that delicious caramel mixture.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Sauce

Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour to form a paste and let it cook until fragrant—about 1 to 2 minutes. Then add both sugars and water; bring it to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer until thickened (about 3-5 minutes). This sauce is what makes our filling so rich and flavorful!

Step 3: Prepare the Pie Crust

Take one pastry and press it into the bottom of your 9-inch pie pan, covering the sides too! Roll out the second pastry until it overhangs slightly. Cut this pastry into eight strips about 1-inch wide; these will be used for our beautiful lattice top.

Step 4: Assemble with Love

Place your sliced apples into the bottom crust, creating a slight mound in the center—this helps them stay juicy while baking. Lay four pastry strips vertically over your apple mound, spacing them evenly.

Step 5: Create Your Lattice Crust

Now comes the fun part! Fold back every other strip to create an opening, then lay one of the unused strips horizontally over them before unfolding them back into position. Repeat this process until all strips are woven together in a lovely lattice pattern.

Step 6: Pour Over That Sweet Sauce

Gently pour that delicious butter-sugar mixture over your lattice crust, ensuring it seeps into those apple slices below—this gives amazing flavor throughout! Brush some over the lattice as well.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pop your pie into that preheated oven for about 15 minutes. Then reduce the temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and continue baking until those apples are soft—anywhere from 35-45 minutes.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Once out of the oven, let your masterpiece cool slightly before serving. Slice it up, gather around with friends or family, and enjoy every delicious bite of Apple Pie by Grandma Ople!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Pie by Grandma Ople

Making a pie from scratch can feel intimidating, but with a few tips, you’ll be a pro in no time! Here are some handy pointers to ensure your apple pie turns out just right.

• Choose the right apples: Using Granny Smith apples is key because their tartness balances the sweetness of the sugars, creating a well-rounded flavor.

• Don’t skip the lattice: The beautiful lattice crust not only looks impressive, but it also allows steam to escape during baking, preventing a soggy bottom and ensuring your apples cook perfectly.

• Let it cool before slicing: Allowing the pie to cool for at least an hour after baking helps the filling set up nicely, making it easier to slice without spilling.

• Experiment with spices: While this recipe shines on its own, adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the apple flavors and give your pie that cozy fall aroma.

• Use cold ingredients: For a flaky crust, make sure your butter is cold when you incorporate it into the pastry. This helps create those delightful layers that we all love in a good pie crust.

How to Serve Apple Pie by Grandma Ople

Presenting your delicious homemade apple pie is just as important as baking it! Here are some fun ideas to make your serving experience memorable.

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream: A dairy-free alternative that adds a light sweetness and creamy texture. It pairs beautifully with warm apple pie.
• Caramel drizzle: A simple caramel sauce drizzled on top can add an extra layer of richness and elegance to each slice.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The classic choice! A scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over warm apple pie creates a delightful contrast in temperature and flavor.
• Fresh berries: A small bowl of mixed fresh berries adds brightness and acidity that complements the sweetness of the pie.
• Cheese platter: A selection of mild cheeses like Brie or Gouda can balance out the dessert’s sweetness and offer a savory touch to your meal.
• Hot spiced cider: Warming up some spiced apple cider (without alcohol) provides a cozy drink option that echoes the flavors of your apple pie and enhances the overall fall experience.

Enjoy every moment of sharing this delightful Apple Pie by Grandma Ople with friends and family—it’s sure to become a cherished tradition in your home!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Apple Pie by Grandma Ople is not just a delightful treat for special occasions; it also shines as a meal prep star! You can easily prepare it ahead of time, making your holiday gatherings or weeknight desserts stress-free.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the pie to cool completely before storing.
• Cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• After baking, let the pie cool completely.
• Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Remove any wrapping from the pie.
• Place on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions I receive about this beloved recipe:

Can I use other apple varieties for Apple Pie by Grandma Ople?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness and firmness, you can mix in other varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for added sweetness and flavor.

How can I make my Apple Pie by Grandma Ople gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Most blends will work great in this recipe without compromising texture!

What makes Apple Pie by Grandma Ople so special?

This recipe captures the perfect balance of sweet caramelized filling and a buttery, flaky crust that evokes warm memories of family gatherings and cozy evenings.

Can I prepare Apple Pie by Grandma Ople without a lattice crust?

Definitely! If you’re short on time or want an easier approach, simply cover the entire pie with one layer of pastry instead of weaving a lattice.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Apple Pie by Grandma Ople! It’s not just a dessert; it’s a warm hug from the oven that brings back cherished memories. I encourage you to share this delicious treat with loved ones during your next gathering. Enjoy every slice!