Best Recipe for Apple Pie

If you’re looking for a comforting dessert that warms the heart and fills the home with sweet aromas, the Best Recipe for Apple Pie is just what you need! This pie is a delightful blend of tender apples, fragrant spices, and a flaky crust that will make your taste buds dance. It’s become a cherished favorite in my home, perfect for everything from cozy family dinners to festive gatherings.

I remember the first time I made this pie; I was amazed at how easy it was to create something so delicious from scratch. The love that goes into making this recipe shines through in every bite, and trust me, once you try it, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you’ll find this pie comes together quickly.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves apple pie! It’s a classic dessert that pleases both kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the filling in advance or even freeze the pie before baking for those busy days.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet apples and warm spices creates an irresistible flavor profile that will leave everyone wanting more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need to whip up this fantastic 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 things about this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily adapt it to suit your tastes or whatever ingredients you have on hand.

• Try different apples: Experiment with your favorite varieties! Mixing tart and sweet apples gives great depth of flavor.
• Add dried fruit: Toss in some raisins or cranberries for an extra burst of sweetness.
• Spice it up: Feel free to add other spices like ginger or allspice for a unique twist.
• Nutty topping: Sprinkle some chopped nuts on top for added crunch and flavor.

How to Make Best Recipe for Apple Pie

Step 1: Choose Your Apples

Selecting the right apples is crucial for a flavorful filling. Aim for about 5 pounds, which is roughly 11 large apples. I love using a mix like Granny Smith, Gala, and Golden Delicious—this combination brings out the best flavors!

Step 2: Make the Filling

Start by zesting some lemon peel into a high-sided skillet. The lemon zest adds brightness to balance out the sweetness of the apples. Then squeeze in juice from half a lemon; this helps keep your apples fresh while they cook.

Step 3: Peel and Slice the Apples

Use a potato peeler or an apple peeler to get those apples ready. Slice them into thin pieces—about 1/8 inch thick works best. I recommend peeling one apple at a time so they don’t brown too much; toss each sliced apple into the skillet with lemon juice as you go.

Step 4: Cook Your Apples

Once all your apples are sliced and in the skillet, turn up the heat to medium. Add in brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom if you’re using it. Stir gently so as not to break up those lovely apple slices!

Step 5: Simmer Until Tender

Cover your mixture with a lid but stay close! Stir every few minutes while it cooks for about 20 minutes until the apples are fork-tender but still hold their shape. This step ensures they’re perfectly soft yet not mushy after baking.

Step 6: Add Vanilla and Cool Down

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract—it really enhances that wonderful aroma! Next, spread your cooked apple filling onto a pan with edges to cool completely in the fridge or freezer. This step is essential; cooling prevents soggy crusts later.

Step 7: Prepare Your Pie Crust

Roll out one sheet of your homemade pie dough into your deep-dish pie pan. Let any excess hang over the sides; we’ll trim it later after adding our filling.

Step 8: Fill Your Pie Crust

Carefully transfer all that cooled apple goodness into the prepared pie crust using a rubber spatula—scrape every last bit of that gooey sweetness!

Step 9: Top Off Your Pie

Lay on the second sheet of dough over your filling. If you’re feeling fancy, try making a lattice crust! If not, just cover it whole—both options are delicious.

Step 10: Crimp Edges and Chill Again

Fold over any excess dough at the edges and crimp them however you like. Don’t forget to vent your pie by poking holes in the top layer with a knife—this helps steam escape while baking!

Step 11: Preheat Your Oven

Place an empty baking sheet on your oven rack as it preheats to 425 degrees F. This helps catch any drips from your pie while it bakes.

Step 12: Brush & Sugar Top

Before popping it into the oven, brush milk or beaten egg over your crust—it gives it that beautiful golden color when baked! Sprinkle raw sugar on top for an extra crunchy finish.

Step 13: Bake It Up!

Put your chilled pie onto that hot baking sheet and bake at 425 degrees F for about 15 minutes until edges start turning light brown.

Step 14: Protect Those Edges

Create a shield out of tin foil by cutting out a circle from its center. Place it over your crust after those first 15 minutes to prevent burning while letting it bake at reduced heat (350 degrees F) for another 40-45 minutes.

Step 15: Cool Before Slicing

Patience is key here! Allow cooling on a wire rack for about four hours before serving; cutting too soon means hot lava juice everywhere!

Once completely cool, slice up this beauty—it pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce if you’re feeling indulgent. Enjoy every last bite!

Pro Tips for Making Best Recipe for Apple Pie

Making the Best Homemade Apple Pie is a delightful journey, and with a few extra tips, you can ensure that your pie turns out perfectly every time!

• Choose the right apples: Using a mix of tart and sweet apples brings depth to the flavor. Granny Smith offers tartness, while Gala or Golden Delicious add sweetness, creating a balanced filling.

• Don’t rush the cooling process: Allowing the apple filling to cool completely helps it set up, preventing a soggy bottom crust. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect slice!

• Use a hot oven: Preheating your oven thoroughly ensures that your pie crust bakes up flaky and golden. A hot oven helps create steam, which is essential for puffing up layers in your crust.

• Consider a lattice top: A lattice crust not only looks beautiful but also allows steam to escape. This prevents excess moisture from building up inside, keeping your filling just right!

• Let it rest after baking: Patience pays off! Cooling your pie for several hours allows the flavors to meld and the filling to firm up, making it easier to slice and serve.

How to Serve Best Recipe for Apple Pie

Serving your apple pie can be just as enjoyable as baking it! Here are some ideas to make your presentation even more delightful.

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream: A fluffy dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a light and creamy element that pairs perfectly with the warm spices of apple pie.
• Cinnamon sugar sprinkle: A light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top of each slice enhances the flavors and gives an extra touch of sweetness.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The classic pairing! The cold creaminess of vanilla ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm apple pie, creating a comforting dessert experience.
• Caramel sauce: Drizzling warm caramel sauce over each slice adds richness and decadence, elevating this homemade treat to new heights.
• Coffee or tea: A hot cup of coffee or herbal tea complements the sweet flavors of the pie while providing a cozy beverage option that balances out dessert.
• Cheddar cheese slices: For those who enjoy savory notes, serving thin slices of sharp cheddar cheese alongside apple pie creates an intriguing contrast that many find delightful.

Now you’re all set to impress friends and family with your stunning homemade apple pie! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Best Recipe for Apple Pie is fantastic for meal prep! You can easily make it in advance for gatherings, holidays, or simply to enjoy throughout the week. Here’s how to store and prepare it ahead of time:

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover pie at room temperature covered with plastic wrap for up to 2 days.
• After that, transfer it to the refrigerator to keep it fresh for longer.
• To maintain the crust’s texture, ensure it’s well covered.

Freezing

• If you want to freeze your apple pie, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• For best results, freeze it before baking. When ready to bake, remove from the freezer and let it thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Place the pie on a baking sheet and cover loosely with aluminum foil.
• Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid overheating as this can make the filling too soupy.

FAQs

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

Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Absolutely! A mix of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith and Gala will enhance the flavor of your pie. Feel free to experiment with your favorites!

How do I make sure my apple pie filling doesn’t get too runny?

Cooking the filling beforehand ensures that your apples are tender but still hold their shape. This method also helps thicken the juices with flour, giving you a perfectly textured filling.

What is the best way to store my apple pie after baking?

After cooling completely, cover your apple pie with plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze as needed.

How long does it take to bake the Best Recipe for Apple Pie?

The total baking time is approximately 55-60 minutes—15 minutes at a higher temperature followed by about 40-45 minutes at a lower temperature.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Best Recipe for Apple Pie brings joy to your kitchen just as it has in mine! There’s something truly special about sharing a delicious homemade pie with loved ones. Whether you’re enjoying a slice warm from the oven or saving some for later, I encourage you to dive into this delightful recipe. Happy baking!