Homemade Apple Pie is one of the most popular desserts. This recipe has step-by-step instructions on how to prepare it. Follow the tips and tricks, and your apple pie will taste better than any from the store. And it is easy to make. Give this recipe a try next time you crave a classic dessert that never goes out of style.
The Best Homemade Apple Pie
The taste of warm, spiced filling in a flaky crust is an undeniable classic. It is as American as, well, you know. But not all apple pies are created equal. The best ones strike the right balance between sweet and tart flavors.
Of course, making a great apple pie is no easy feat. It can be a delicate balancing act. You have to ensure the apples cook through. They must be tender enough to melt in your mouth but not mushy. You also have to prevent the filling from being too runny.
But when made right, homemade apple pie is an absolute masterpiece. The next time you want a classic dessert, make an apple pie.
Dad's Homemade Caramel Apple Pie
My dad loved Apple Pie. He would make different versions and share them with his co-workers. One of the best pies he made was an upside-down caramel apple pie.
He made a caramel sauce in the pie pan before adding the bottom crust. He used a lot of apples, a mix of Granny Smith and Johnathan. The pie was nice and thick.
After baking the pie, he cautiously turned the pan over on a platter. When he lifted the pie pan, the caramel sauce coated the pie and dripped down the sides. He topped it with pecans and let it cool to room temperature before slicing.
It was creative. It was spectacular. The crust was golden brown, buttery, and flaky. When we cut into it, there were delicious apples throughout the pie. More apples than any other pie I had eaten. Many people did not believe it was homemade. But after one bite, they could tell.
Caramel and apples go well together. The sauce provided a sweet flavor that made every bite delicious. The top crust, now the bottom crust, was a perfect platform for the pie. It soaked up the pie juices, giving it a tasty flavor. It was delicious.
Which Apples to Choose for Homemade Apple Pie?
Different apple varieties have different levels of firmness and tartness. Firm apples keep their shape without breaking down during baking. Tart apples compliment the sweetness of the filling. Which ones are best for apple pie?
Granny Smith apples are a classic choice. Honeycrisp, Jonathan, and Braeburn apples are also great options. Use a variety in your pie. The different flavors develop a complex flavor.
Simple Homemade Pie Crust Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp. sugar
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 cup cold butter
- 6 tbsp cold water
Instructions:
- Add butter, salt, and water to a food processor and pulse. The mixture will resemble coarse crumbs.
- Form two balls of dough.
- Let the crust rest for 15 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Roll into 12-inch discs approximately 1/8 inch thick.
- Let the crust rest again in the refrigerator until needed.
Homemade Apple Pie Ingredients
Apples:
- 2 ½ pounds sliced apples
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
The Seasoning Mixture:
- 2 tbsp. flour
- 3 tbsp. cornstarch
- 1 tbsp. ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tbsp. nutmeg
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 cup sugar
The Crust:
- 2-12 inch round pie crusts
- Egg wash (1 egg + 1 tbsp water)
How to Make Homemade Apple Pie
Prepare the Apples:
- Peel the apples, removing any labels and imperfections on the apples.
- Halve the apples and remove the core.
- Slice apples into half-moon pieces, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.
- Toss the slices in the lemon juice.
Prepare the Spice Mixture:
- Mix flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, salt, and sugar.
Assemble the Pie:
- Put one sheet of rolled-out dough onto a round glass baking dish with an overhang around the edges.
- Drain the apple slices.
- Coat the apples in the spice mixture.
- Fill the crust with the apples.
- Add a second layer of rolled-out dough to form a lid for your pie.
- Seal the edges of the two crusts by fluting them.
- Cut a few holes in the top crust to allow steam to vent.
- Brush the top crust with egg wash.
Bake, Cool, and Serve:
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes.
- The apples should be tender and the crust golden-brown.
- Let the pie cool to room temperature.
- Serve reheated.
Homemade Apple Pie Recipe Tips:
If there is one dessert that screams fall, it is apple pie! This classic American dessert has been a favorite for generations. Who can resist the warm, flaky crust and sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples? Try these favorite recipe tips when making homemade apple pie:
Keep the Apples from Getting Brown:
Place apple slices in a large bowl with a mixture of lemon juice and water. The acid in the lemon will help keep them from browning while you make your pie crust.
Pre-cook the Pie Filling:
To ensure the apples have the correct texture, pre-cook the filling before adding it to the crust. You can do this on the stovetop over medium heat. It will help prevent the dreaded soggy bottom crust.
Use Flour and Cornstarch to Thicken the Filling:
Some recipes call for just one, but using both will yield the best results. The flour provides a hearty, traditional texture. The cornstarch helps prevent the filling from becoming too runny.
Add Flavorings and Spices:
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice are classic spices that pair well with apples. Do not be afraid to get creative! Vanilla extract, brown sugar, lemon juice, or a splash of apple juice can add depth and complexity to your pie.
Nailing the Crust:
The crust can make or break your pie. It is essential to get it right. Using chilled butter or shortening and ice water to make the dough will help ensure a flaky, tender crust. Use a pie crust shield or foil to protect the edges from burning. Get more ideas for pie crusts in with the recipe for Pecan Pie.
There is nothing like a warm, homemade apple pie to bring comfort and joy to any occasion. With these recipe tips in your arsenal, you can bake the perfect pie every time.
Move Over Apple Pie: Delicious Homemade Alternatives
For centuries, apple pie has been the go-to dessert choice for many occasions. That sweet, cinnamon-spiced filling and flaky pastry crust make it a true classic. But what other desserts out there are just as delicious as apple pie? Here are a few alternatives to help you rethink your dessert game.
Easy Apple Crisp:
This dessert has all the flavors and textures of apple pie. But a crispy, buttery topping makes it absolute heaven. It is easy to make and perfect for any season. Serve the crisp with vanilla ice cream. It is a decadent treat.
Apple Cider Donuts:
If you want something warm, fluffy, and delicious, apple cider donuts are the way to go. These irresistible treats are moist, tender, and packed with fall flavors. They are an ideal snack for any chilly day.
Caramel Apples:
The combination of caramel and apples is unbeatable. Caramel apples are the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth. These hand-held treats combine juicy, crisp apples with sticky, silky-smooth caramel. They are a dessert that is both fun and delicious.
Apple Strudel:
This Austrian classic is a twist on apple pie. It features flaky pastry dough wrapped around a sweet and spicy apple filling. It is crispy, crunchy, and flavorful, making it a must-try for any dessert lover.
Apple Tart:
For something a little more elegant, consider trying an apple tart. It is similar to apple pie but with a more refined and sophisticated look. The thinly sliced apples form a beautiful pattern on a buttery crust. It creates a stunning dessert that tastes just as good as it looks.
Rhubarb Apple Pie:
Another ingredient that pairs well in an apple pie is rhubarb. Rhubarb has a tangy taste. Combining it with the sweetness of the apples creates a delicious flavor combo.
Chocolate Apple Pie:
A chocolate apple pie is an option for those who want to try something new. All you have to do is add some dark chocolate chunks.
Apple pie may be a staple. But there are plenty of mouth-watering alternatives to explore. So why not take a break from tradition and try something new?
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