There’s something incredibly special about a Classic Apple Pie. This beloved dessert is not just about satisfying a sweet tooth; it’s a warm hug from the oven that wraps you in nostalgia.
Imagine the air is filled with the smell of the combination of the sweet, sour flavor of newly cooked apples and the smell of cinnamon making your kitchen home, inviting everyone to come to the table and join together.
I am reminded of my grandmother’s kitchen, where the place was alive with laughter and the sounds of pastry being rolled and apples being chopped.
Each bite of that pie was a perfect balance of tender apples and flaky crust, making it a staple at our family gatherings. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it a tradition in your home, too!
Why You’ll Love This Classic Apple Pie
This Classic Apple Pie symbolizes a mixture of flavors and memories. Together with its uncomplicated however, mouthwatering blend of sweet and sour apples, pie, and spicy spices, is the one to find as well as make a piece of your life that makes you happy.
One good thing about it is that it is quite flexible that no matter if you are coming up with a Thanksgiving table or you are simply cooking it for a relaxed family dinner, this pie fits you just right.
The pleasure of sharing a slice with loved ones sets the atmosphere of closeness which is the need to make every minute memorable. You might be surprised often make it yourself and who does not like it?
If you savored this Classic Apple Pie, don’t miss out on our mouthwatering Fudgy Chocolate Brownie Cookies next!
How To Make Classic Apple Pie
Prepare the Pie Crust:
- In a large bowl, mix 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon sugar. Add 1 cup of chilled, cubed unsalted butter. Mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in 6 to 8 tablespoons of ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Divide the dough in half, shape it into discs, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Make the Apple Filling:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Peel, core, and slice 6 to 8 medium apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) into thin wedges.
- In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with ¾ cup sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice until evenly coated.
Assemble the Pie:
- Roll out one dough disc on a floured surface and place it in a 9-inch pie dish. Fill with the apple mixture, and dot with 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Roll out the second dough disc and place it over the filling. Seal and cut slits in the top crust for ventilation.
Bake the Pie:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 35 to 45 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown.
Cool and Serve:
- Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours before slicing to set the filling.
Loved creating this pie? You can find the complete printable recipe just below, so go ahead and snag it!
Serving and Storage Options
After enjoying your Classic Apple Pie, you might wonder how to handle leftovers (if there are any!). To store, simply cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
You can also freeze it by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat individual slices in the microwave or pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. The flavors will remain just as delightful!
Some Variations and Substitutions for Classic Apple Pie
Get creative with your Classic Apple Pie! You can switch up the flavors by adding a handful of cranberries or raisins for an extra twist.
If you prefer a nutty crunch, consider mixing in some chopped walnuts or pecans with the apple filling.
For those with dietary preferences, try using a gluten-free flour blend for the crust or substituting sugar with maple syrup for a more natural sweetness. This pie is truly a canvas for your culinary creativity!
PrintThe Classic Apple Pie Recipe
Classic Apple Pie is a timeless dessert that brings together tender, spiced apples and a flaky, buttery crust. The comforting aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg fills your kitchen, making it the perfect treat for family gatherings, holidays, or simply when you crave a taste of home.
Ingredients
- For the Pie Crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter (chilled and cubed)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water
- For the Apple Filling:
- 6 to 8 medium apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter (to dot the filling)
Instructions
Prepare the Pie Crust:
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and sugar.
- Add the chilled butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
- Divide the dough in half, shape into discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Make the Apple Filling:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges.
- In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until evenly coated.
Assemble the Pie:
- Roll out one dough disc on a floured surface and place it in a 9-inch pie dish.
- Fill the crust with the apple mixture, dot with butter.
- Roll out the second dough disc and place it over the filling. Seal and cut slits in the top crust for ventilation.
Bake the Pie:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- Reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 35 to 45 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown.
Cool and Serve:
- Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours before slicing to set the filling.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of apples for varying sweetness and texture.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat!
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Recipe FAQs
Q: Can I use other fruits in this pie?
A: Absolutely! Pears, peaches, or a mix of berries can add delightful flavors.
Q: How can I prevent a soggy bottom crust?
A: Blind baking the crust for a few minutes before adding the filling can help keep it crisp.
Q: What apples are best for baking?
A: Tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet varieties like Honeycrisp work wonderfully.
Summary
In the end, this Classic Apple Pie is more than just a dessert; it’s a slice of tradition and love. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and let your family experience the magic of homemade pie.
If you make any variations or have stories to share, I’d love to hear about them! Remember, cooking is all about sharing joy and creating memories with those you love.