Apple Pie

Apple pie is a classic dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. The combination of sweet, spiced apples nestled in a flaky, buttery crust is pure comfort food. While apple pie may seem like a simple recipe, there are some key techniques that can take your pie from good to amazing. In this article, we’ll share our ultimate apple pie recipe along with our top tips for apple pie perfection.

Ingredients

• Double pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
• 4 pounds Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced (10-12 cups)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 1 large egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
• Coarse sugar for sprinkling

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt until evenly coated. Let sit for at least 30 minutes and up to 1 hour to release juices.
2. Meanwhile, roll out one pie crust and place in a 9-inch pie dish. Place in the freezer while the oven preheats. Preheat oven to 425°F.
3. Drain the apples, reserving the liquid. Pour the apples into the chilled bottom crust, mounding slightly in the center. Dot with the butter pieces.
4. Roll out the second pie crust and cut into 1-inch strips. Weave the strips over the apples to form a lattice top. Crimp the edges to seal.
5. Brush the crust with the egg wash and sprinkle generously with coarse sugar. Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
6. Bake for 20 minutes at 425°F, then reduce heat to 375°F and bake for an additional 40-50 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
7. While the pie bakes, simmer the reserved apple liquid in a small saucepan over medium heat until thickened and reduced by half, about 10 minutes. Brush the syrup over the lattice crust when the pie is done.
8. Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack, at least 4 hours, before slicing and serving.

Top Tips for Apple Pie Perfection

1. Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for the best flavor. Granny Smith are ideal for their firmness and tartness. Mix in some Golden Delicious or Honeycrisp for sweetness.
2. Pre-cook the apple filling either on the stovetop or by pouring boiling water over the slices. This allows the apples to release their juices and creates a thicker filling that holds its shape.
3. Chill all your ingredients and tools to keep the crust flaky. Use ice water and chill the flour and butter. Refrigerate the crust before filling.
4. Reduce the apple juices into a syrup to brush on the baked crust. This adds shine and an extra layer of apple flavor.
5. Bake the pie in a hot oven to set the crust, then lower the temperature to finish cooking the apples until tender. This prevents a soggy bottom.
6. Let the pie cool completely, at least 4 hours, before slicing. The filling needs time to set up. Slice and serve with vanilla ice cream for pie perfection.

By following these tips and techniques, you’ll be able to make an apple pie that is flaky, flavorful, and worthy of any holiday table or special occasion. The extra steps of pre-cooking the filling and reducing the juices ensure a pie with the ideal texture and a concentrated apple flavor in every bite. Give this recipe a try and taste the difference of a pie made with intention and a little extra TLC.