Apple pie is a perfect dessert that exactly balances sweet and tart flavours with a flaky, buttery crust. Made with fresh, juicy apples and a hint of heat spices, it’s a comforting deal that evokes feelings of home and nostalgia. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.

What is Pie

A pie is a baked dish normally inclusive of a pastry crust full of sweet or savory ingredients. The crust may be made from diverse forms of dough, and pies are regularly topped with a second layer of crust, lattice, or left open-faced.
Common Types of Pies:
Fruit Pies: Filled with fruits like apples, cherries, or blueberries, regularly sweetened and spiced.
Cream Pies: Made with a custard or cream filling, including chocolate or coconut.
Savory Pies: Filled with meats, vegetables, or cheese, like pot pies or quiches.
Pies may be served warm or cold and are popular for dessert, meals, or snacks. They frequently evoke emotions of consolation and nostalgia, making them a favourite in lots of cultures.

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into cubes)
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water

For the Apple Filling:

• 6-8 medium apples (about 3 pounds; a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp works well)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for dotting)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Equipment:

• 9-inch pie dish
• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Knife or apple peeler
• Pastry brush

Preparation & Cooking Time:

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 45-50 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Cooking Method and Steps:

This popular apple pie recipe makes a caramelized lattice crust full of sweet, buttery apple slices, making it the perfect fall or holiday dessert.

Step 1. Prepare the Pie Crust

• In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar.
• Add the cold butter and mix till the combination resembles coarse crumbs. You can use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers.
• Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing till the dough comes together. Do now not overwork it.
• Divide the dough into two equal balls, flatten them into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for as a minimum 1 hour.

Step 2. Make the Apple Filling

• Peel, middle, and slice the apples into skinny wedges.
• In a bowl, combine the apple slices with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and lemon juice. Toss till the apples are evenly coated.
• Let the filling sit for approximately 10-15 minutes to allow the flavours to meld.

Step 3. Roll Out the Dough

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
• On a gently floured floor, roll out one disk of dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. Transfer it to the pie dish, pressing lightly into the lowest and sides.
• Roll out the second disk of dough for the top crust.

Step 4. Assemble the Pie

• Pour the apple filling into the pie crust, mounding it slightly within the center. Dot with small pieces of butter.
• If you want a lattice crust, cut the top dough into strips and arrange them in a lattice pattern over the filling. Otherwise, place the complete rolled-out dough on top and reduce slits for steam to break out.
• Trim any excess dough from the edges, and crimp or seal the edges as favoured

Step 5.  Apply Egg Wash

Beat the egg with a tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush it over the top crust for a golden end.

Step 6. Bake the Pie

• Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake inside the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
• Reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for a further 35-45 mins, or till the apples are soft and the crust is golden brown.
• If the crust edges brown too speedy, cover them with foil.

Step 7. Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing. This helps the filling set.
Serve warm or at room temperature, preferably with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Tips

• Apple Varieties: For quality flavour, use a combination of tart and sweet apples.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the pie crust a day in advance and hold it refrigerated.
• Storage: Store leftover pie at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for as much as per week.

Enjoy your delicious homemade apple pie! Perfect for gatherings, holidays, or a cosy night in. Happy baking.