Best Recipe for Apple Pie

If you’re looking for the Best Recipe for Apple Pie, you’ve come to the right place! This pie is not just any dessert; it’s a warm hug on a plate, perfect for cozy family gatherings or a sweet finish to a busy weeknight dinner. I used to shy away from apple pies because they often seemed too mushy and bland. But this recipe completely changed my mind—it’s flavorful, has the ideal texture, and honestly, once you try it, you’ll never want another slice of apple pie.

This apple pie is special because it features a double crust that holds in all the deliciousness without compromising on texture. Plus, the filling is cooked before being baked, ensuring that every bite is bursting with flavor. Whether you’re baking for holidays or just because, this pie will surely impress your family and friends!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With straightforward steps, you’ll have a delicious pie without spending all day in the kitchen.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves apple pie! It’s a classic dessert that appeals to all ages.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prepare the filling ahead of time and assemble your pie when you’re ready to bake.
• Delicious flavor: The combination of spices and fresh apples creates an irresistible aroma that fills your home.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving or just a regular Tuesday, this pie fits right in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you’ll likely find in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need to create this delightful apple pie!

• 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

One of the best parts about this apple pie recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to customize it to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

• Mix up the apples: Use different varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a unique flavor.
• Add some crunch: Toss in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture.
• Spice it up: Experiment with other spices like ginger or cloves to make it your own.
• Try different crusts: Swap out the double crust for a crumb topping or even a lattice design.

How to Make Best Recipe for Apple Pie

Step 1: Choose Your Apples

Start by selecting your apples! You’ll need about 5 pounds, which usually means around 11 large apples. I recommend using a mix like Granny Smith for tartness and Gala or Golden Delicious for sweetness. This combination gives your filling depth and variety.

Step 2: Make the Filling

Using a microplane grater, zest 1/4 teaspoon of lemon peel into a high-sided skillet. The zest adds brightness to the filling. Then squeeze in juice from half the lemon—this helps prevent browning and enhances flavor.

Step 3: Prepare Your Apples

Peel your apples with either a potato peeler or an apple peeler if you have one handy. Slice them into 1/8 inch pieces. I find it easiest to peel and slice one apple at a time so they don’t brown too quickly. Just remember to toss them in the lemon juice as you go!

Step 4: Cook Your Apple Mixture

With all your sliced apples in the pan over medium heat, add brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional cardamom. Gently stir everything together—you want the spices evenly distributed without breaking the apples down too much.

Step 5: Simmer Away

Once everything is mixed well, cover the pan with a lid and set a timer for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally! This step ensures that your apples become tender but still maintain their shape—nobody wants mushy filling!

Step 6: Cool It Down

After cooking, remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Transfer this delicious mixture onto a half sheet pan to cool completely—this makes sure it won’t steam your crust later!

Step 7: Roll Out Your Crust

Roll out your homemade double pie crust and place it into a deep 9-inch pie dish with some excess hanging over the edges. Now’s also the time to scrape all that beautiful cooled filling into the dish.

Step 8: Top It Off

Cover your filled pie with another layer of crust. Whether you choose to do lattice or keep it simple with one whole piece is entirely up to you! Just make sure to vent it by poking holes if you’re not doing lattice.

Step 9: Chill Before Baking

Pop your assembled pie into the fridge for about 20–30 minutes before baking; this helps achieve that super flaky crust we all love.

Step 10: Get Ready to Bake!

Preheat your oven while placing an empty baking sheet on the center rack—this will catch any drips while baking! Brush your chilled crust with milk or beaten egg for that golden finish before sprinkling raw sugar on top.

Final Steps: Bake Away!

Bake at high heat initially then lower it down as instructed—don’t forget that foil trick! This protects those beautiful edges while allowing the center to cook thoroughly. After about an hour total baking time plus cooling on the rack—patience pays off here—you’ll have an irresistible apple pie ready to slice up!

Now that you’ve made it through these steps successfully, enjoy serving slices warm with vanilla ice cream or drizzle caramel sauce on top for an indulgent dessert experience! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Best Recipe for Apple Pie

Making the perfect apple pie is a delightful experience, and with a few pro tips, you can elevate your baking game to new heights!

• Choose the right apples: Mixing different varieties like Granny Smith and Gala not only enhances flavor but also balances sweetness and tartness, giving your pie a rich depth of taste.

• Cook your filling: Pre-cooking the apple filling ensures that the apples soften just enough while still holding their shape. This prevents that dreaded mushy texture we all want to avoid!

• Chill your crust: Letting your assembled pie chill in the fridge or freezer before baking helps achieve a flakier crust. The cold dough will create steam during baking, resulting in that perfect golden-brown finish.

• Don’t skip the foil shield: Covering the edges of your pie with foil partway through baking protects them from burning while allowing the filling to bubble beautifully. This simple step ensures an evenly baked pie.

• Be patient while cooling: Allowing your pie to cool completely before slicing is crucial for achieving that perfect slice with a well-set filling. It may be tough to wait, but it’s worth it for a beautiful presentation!

How to Serve Best Recipe for Apple Pie

Serving apple pie is almost as fun as making it! Here are some ideas to present this classic dessert in style.

Garnishes

• Whipped cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast to the warm, spiced filling.
• Caramel drizzle: Drizzling warm caramel sauce over each slice creates an indulgent touch that enhances both flavor and presentation.
• Cinnamon sprinkle: A light dusting of cinnamon on top before serving brings out the spices in the pie and adds visual appeal.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The classic pairing! The cold creaminess of vanilla ice cream melts deliciously into warm pie slices, creating an irresistible combination.
• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad can balance out the richness of the pie. Choose seasonal fruits like berries or citrus for a vibrant addition.
• Cheddar cheese: For those who enjoy contrasting flavors, serving slices of sharp cheddar cheese alongside apple pie adds a savory touch that complements the sweetness beautifully.
• Coffee or tea: A warm beverage like coffee or herbal tea can enhance your dessert experience, providing a comforting finish to any meal when paired with apple pie.

Enjoy every bite of your homemade apple pie; it’s sure to become a cherished favorite at your table!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Best Recipe for Apple Pie is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy this delightful dessert whenever the craving strikes.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover pie at room temperature for up to 2 days, covered with plastic wrap.
• After that, transfer it to the refrigerator to keep it fresh for longer.

Freezing

• If you want to freeze your apple pie, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• For best results, freeze the pie before baking; when ready to serve, bake from frozen but add an extra 10-15 minutes to the bake time.

Reheating

• To reheat slices of the pie, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
• Place the pie or slices on a baking sheet and cover with foil to prevent over-browning.
• Bake for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

If you have questions about this recipe, I’ve got you covered!

What apples are best for the Best Recipe for Apple Pie?

For the Best Recipe for Apple Pie, I recommend using a mix of Granny Smith, Gala, and Golden Delicious apples. This combination offers a wonderful balance of tartness and sweetness!

Can I make the filling ahead of time for the Best Recipe for Apple Pie?

Absolutely! You can prepare the apple filling ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before storing.

How do I know when my apple pie is done?

Your apple pie is done when the edges are brown and the center is light golden brown. If you’ve made a lattice crust, look for bubbling filling as an indication that it’s perfectly cooked.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Best Recipe for Apple Pie! It’s truly special with its perfectly balanced flavors and textures. This recipe has transformed my view on apple pie, and I’m sure it will do the same for you. Enjoy every bite and don’t forget to share your delicious results!