Introduction
There's something undeniably comforting about the aroma of a freshly baked apple pie wafting through the air. Whether it's a warm slice served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a holiday tradition, apple pie is a beloved dessert that has stood the test of time. Making your own homemade apple pie is not only a delightful culinary adventure but also a heartwarming way to create cherished memories with loved ones. In this article, we'll walk you through the step-by-step process of making a delicious homemade apple pie that will have everyone coming back for seconds.Ingredients:
- For the Pie Crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 6-8 tablespoons ice water
For the Apple Filling:
- 6-7 cups of your favorite apples (a mix of tart and sweet varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for dotting)
Instructions:
Prepare the Pie Crust:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your hands, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough begins to come together.
- Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disc, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight if possible)
Prepare the Apple Filling:
- Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Toss them in a large bowl with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- In a separate bowl, combine sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour.
- Add the sugar mixture to the sliced apples and gently toss to coat them evenly.
Roll Out the Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Take one of the dough discs out of the refrigerator and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a circle large enough to line a 9-inch pie dish.
Assemble the Pie:
- Carefully place the rolled-out dough into the pie dish, pressing it gently to fit. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edge.
- Fill the pie shell with the prepared apple mixture. Dot the top with small pieces of butter.
Add the Top Crust:
- Roll out the second dough disc into a circle large enough to cover the pie. Place it over the apples.
- Trim any excess dough and pinch the edges of the top and bottom crusts together to seal the pie.
- Optionally, cut decorative slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
Bake and Enjoy:
- Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any spills and bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing. This helps the filling set.
