The Famous Apple Pie

by

This Famous Apple Pie is the ultimate classic dessert, known for its perfectly spiced filling and buttery, flaky crust. The sweet and tart apples are combined with cinnamon, sugar, and a touch of lemon juice, creating a warm, comforting filling that’s simply irresistible. The golden-brown crust is both crisp and tender, making this apple pie a favorite for family gatherings, holidays, or any special occasion. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the perfect treat.

Origin:

Apple pie is a beloved dessert in many countries, especially in the United States, where it is often referred to as “as American as apple pie.” Its roots, however, go back centuries, with various versions found in England and other parts of Europe. The combination of apples and pastry has made it a timeless dessert that continues to be loved by many.

Ingredients:

For the Pie Crust:

  • 2 1/2 cups (300g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 6-8 tablespoons ice water

For the Apple Filling:

  • 6-8 medium apples (a mix of tart and sweet apples such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

For the Topping (optional):

  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (for sprinkling on top)

Instructions:

Make the Pie Crust:

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
  2. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.
  3. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough begins to come together.
  4. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, divide it in half, and form two discs. Wrap each disc in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Prepare the Apple Filling:

  1. Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin slices.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Toss to coat the apples evenly and set aside for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Assemble the Pie:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Press the dough gently into the dish, trimming any excess around the edges.
  3. Pour the apple filling into the pie crust and spread it out evenly. Dot the filling with small pieces of butter.
  4. Roll out the second disc of dough and place it over the apples. You can either cover the pie completely with the dough or create a lattice crust by cutting the dough into strips and weaving them over the filling.
  5. Trim any excess dough, then crimp the edges to seal the pie.
  6. Brush the top of the pie with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar.

Bake the Pie:

  1. Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the crust is browning too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil and continue baking.
  2. Let the pie cool for at least 1 hour before slicing to allow the filling to set.

Tips for Success:

  • Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor balance. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples work well.
  • Chilling the dough is key to achieving a flaky crust. Don’t skip this step!
  • If you want a smoother crust, you can blind bake the bottom crust for 5-10 minutes before adding the filling.
  • For an extra touch of flavor, you can sprinkle some cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the pie before baking.

Recommendations:

  • Serve the pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
  • This pie is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any time you want to enjoy a classic, homemade dessert.
  • Leftovers can be stored at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Nutrition (per slice, approximate for 8 slices):

  • Calories: ~350
  • Protein: 3g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Sugar: 25g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sodium: 120mg

The Famous Apple Pie is a classic dessert that will never go out of style. With its sweet, spiced filling and buttery, flaky crust, it’s a treat that brings comfort and joy to every bite!

Leave a Comment