Best Recipe for Apple Pie

If you’re looking for a dessert that brings warmth and joy to any gathering, let me share my favorite recipe: the Best Recipe for Apple Pie! There’s something truly magical about the aroma of freshly baked apples mingling with cinnamon and nutmeg. This pie has been a staple in my kitchen for years, and it’s perfect for everything from cozy family dinners to festive holiday celebrations. Once you taste it, you’ll understand why it’s become my go-to!

What makes this apple pie special is its deliciously cooked filling and flaky double crust. No mushy apples here! Instead, you’ll enjoy perfectly tender slices bursting with flavor. Plus, it’s easy to make from scratch, so you can impress your friends and family without feeling overwhelmed.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet and tart apples creates a delightful balance that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
• Easy Preparation: With simple steps, making this pie is a breeze—perfect for bakers of all skill levels!
• Family-Friendly: This recipe is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. Who doesn’t love a classic slice of apple pie?
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling ahead of time or even freeze the pie unbaked for later enjoyment.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to bring this apple pie to life! Each one plays an important role in making your pie unforgettable.

• 1 homemade double pie crust (2 sheets of pie dough)
• 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
• juice from half a lemon (2 tablespoons)
• 5 pounds apples (5 pounds before peeling and coring)
• 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 5 tablespoons all purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 & 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 3/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 tablespoon milk (for brushing on pie)
• 1 tablespoon beaten egg (optional, for brushing on pie)
• 1 tablespoon raw sugar (for topping pie)

Variations

This apple pie recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to customize it to your liking! Here are a few variations that you might enjoy:

• Add Spices: Try adding a pinch of ginger or allspice to give your filling an extra kick.
• Mix Up the Apples: Use different varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for unique flavors.
• Incorporate Nuts: Adding chopped walnuts or pecans can provide a delightful crunch.
• Go Crumble Style: If you prefer a crumble topping instead of a double crust, just mix together oats, brown sugar, and butter!

How to Make Best Recipe for Apple Pie

Step 1: Choose Your Apples

Selecting the right apples is crucial for the best flavor. I recommend using a mix such as Granny Smith for tartness, Gala for sweetness, and Golden Delicious for balance. Aim for about 11 large apples which amounts to 5 pounds before peeling.

Step 2: Make the Filling

Start by zesting 1/4 teaspoon of lemon peel into a large skillet. The lemon zest brightens the flavors and keeps the apples from browning as you work. Add in the juice from half the lemon as well; this adds acidity that balances the sweetness.

Step 3: Prepare Your Apples

Peel your apples using a potato peeler or an apple peeler if you have one handy. Slice them into thin 1/8 inch pieces—this helps them cook evenly later on. To prevent browning, add each sliced apple directly into the skillet with lemon juice as you go.

Step 4: Cook the Filling

Set your skillet over medium heat and toss in your sugars, flour, salt, spices, and cardamom if using. Stir gently until everything is combined. Cover with a lid while cooking for about 20 minutes—this step ensures that your apples become fork-tender but still maintain their shape!

Step 5: Cool Down Your Filling

Once cooked, stir in vanilla and transfer your mixture onto a half sheet pan. This will help cool it down faster—pop it in the fridge or freezer until completely cooled.

Step 6: Prepare Your Crust

Roll out your homemade pie dough into a deep 9-inch pie dish, letting any excess hang over the edges. Scrape in all that delicious apple filling using a rubber spatula—don’t leave any gooey goodness behind!

Step 7: Top It Off

Cover with your second sheet of dough—whether you choose lattice or whole crust style is up to you! Just remember to vent it with some slits if you’re not going lattice-style.

Step 8: Chill Before Baking

Chilling your assembled pie in the fridge or freezer helps achieve that flaky texture we all love!

Step 9: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F while placing a baking sheet on the center rack—it catches drips and ensures even cooking.

Step 10: Brush & Bake

Before baking, brush the top crust with milk or egg wash to get that beautiful golden color. Sprinkle raw sugar on top too; it adds sweetness and crunch!

Step 11: Check & Cover

Bake at high heat initially to set the crust then cover it loosely with foil after 15 minutes so it doesn’t burn while baking further at reduced heat.

Step 12: Let It Cool

Patience is key here! Letting your pie cool down on a wire rack helps thicken up those juices—you want every bite perfect!

Now you’ve got yourself an incredible homemade apple pie that’s bound to impress! Enjoy each slice alone or topped with vanilla ice cream—and watch how quickly it disappears at any gathering!

Pro Tips for Making Best Recipe for Apple Pie

Making the perfect apple pie is all about the little details, and I’m here to help you get it just right!

• Choose the right apples: Mixing sweet and tart varieties like Granny Smith and Gala ensures a balanced flavor, giving your pie depth and complexity that can elevate every bite.

• Pre-cook the filling: Cooking your apple filling before baking not only helps enhance the flavors but also ensures that your apples maintain their texture and don’t turn mushy during baking.

• Chill your dough: Allowing your assembled pie to chill in the fridge or freezer before baking creates a flaky crust by keeping the fat solid until it hits the hot oven.

• Use a foil shield: Covering your pie with a foil shield halfway through baking prevents the crust from burning while ensuring that the filling cooks properly.

• Be patient while cooling: Letting your pie cool completely allows the filling to set, preventing a soupy mess when you cut into it. Trust me; it’s worth the wait!

How to Serve Best Recipe for Apple Pie

Once you’ve mastered this delicious apple pie, presenting it beautifully will take your dessert to the next level. Here are some delightful ideas for serving!

Garnishes

• Whipped cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream adds a light and airy texture that complements the richness of the pie.
• Cinnamon dusting: A sprinkle of cinnamon on top before serving enhances the warm spices in your pie and gives it an aromatic touch.
• Caramel drizzle: Drizzling some caramel sauce over each slice adds sweetness and a sophisticated flair that truly makes this dessert shine.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A classic pairing! The creamy, cold ice cream contrasts beautifully with warm pie, creating a delightful experience for your taste buds.
• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits can balance out the richness of the pie and provide a burst of freshness.
• Cheese platter: A selection of mild cheeses complements apple flavors well. Think sharp cheddar or creamy brie for an interesting twist!
• Coffee or chai tea: Serving slices with coffee or spiced chai creates a cozy atmosphere that’s perfect for enjoying this comforting dessert.

Now that you have all these tips and serving suggestions at your fingertips, you’re ready to impress everyone with your homemade apple pie! Enjoy every slice!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Best Recipe for Apple Pie is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy a delicious dessert any time. You can prepare the filling in advance or even bake the pie ahead of time to save on prep when you have guests.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover pie at room temperature for up to 2 days, covered with plastic wrap.
• After 2 days, transfer the pie to the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

Freezing

• To freeze the unbaked pie, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• For a baked pie, let it cool completely before wrapping and freezing. It can also be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat a frozen baked pie, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes until heated through.
• For an unbaked frozen pie, bake directly from frozen at 425°F for the first 15 minutes, then reduce temperature to 350°F and bake for an additional 40-45 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making the Best Recipe for Apple Pie.

What makes this the Best Recipe for Apple Pie?

This recipe stands out because of its double crust and cooked filling method, which ensures a perfect balance of flavor and texture. The combination of multiple apple varieties adds depth, while the spices create a warm, comforting taste.

Can I make this Best Recipe for Apple Pie without using eggs?

Yes! You can simply brush the crust with milk instead of using beaten egg. This will still give it a lovely color without compromising on taste.

How do I know when my apple pie is done baking?

Your pie is ready when the edges are brown and the center has turned light golden brown. If you opted for a lattice crust, look for bubbling filling as an additional sign that it’s finished.

How long should I let my apple pie cool before slicing?

It’s best to let your pie cool on a wire rack for about 4 hours. This waiting period helps thicken the filling so that it slices beautifully!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Best Recipe for Apple Pie! It truly is special with its delightful flavors and comforting aroma wafting through your kitchen. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or savoring each slice yourself, I’m sure you’ll cherish every bite. Happy baking!