Perfect Homemade Apple Pie: A Flaky, Golden Crust and Sweet Apple Filling

There’s something magical about homemade apple pie—especially when it’s made with love and fresh ingredients. This Perfect Homemade Apple Pie features a rich, flaky crust and a sweet, spiced apple filling. It’s a timeless dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering or a simple family dinner. Let’s walk through the steps to make the best apple pie from scratch!

Ingredients:

For the Pie Crust:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into cubes)
• 6-8 tbsp ice-cold water

For the Apple Filling:

• 6-8 medium apples (Granny Smith and Honeycrisp work wonderfully)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (cut into small cubes)

For Assembling:

• 1 tbsp milk (for brushing the crust)
• 1 tbsp sugar (for sprinkling)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Stir to combine.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Slowly add the ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough begins to come together.
4. Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape each into a disk, and wrap them in plastic wrap. Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour before using.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. Peel, core, and slice the apples into even-sized pieces.
2. In a large mixing bowl, toss the apple slices with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the apples to release their natural juices.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out one disk of dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch circle. Place it in a 9-inch pie dish, trimming any excess dough along the edges.
3. Pour the apple filling into the prepared pie crust, arranging the apples evenly. Dot the top with small pieces of butter.
4. Roll out the second disk of dough and place it over the apples, either as a full top crust or in a lattice design. Trim the edges and crimp them to seal the pie.
5. Brush the top of the pie with milk, then sprinkle sugar over the top to give it a golden, crispy finish.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

1. Place the pie in the preheated oven on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
2. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. You can cover the edges with aluminum foil if they brown too quickly.
3. Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Slice the pie and serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the perfect treat.
2. Enjoy the delicious homemade flavors of this classic apple pie!

Tips for the Best Apple Pie:

• For a more flavorful filling, use a variety of apples for a mix of sweetness and tartness, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp.
• Chill the dough for at least an hour before rolling it out to ensure it’s easier to handle and bakes to a flaky texture.
• You can add a splash of vanilla extract to the apple filling for a deeper flavor.
• To prevent a soggy bottom crust, you can pre-bake the crust for 5-7 minutes before adding the filling.

Conclusion:

This Perfect Homemade Apple Pie recipe is a classic dessert that brings warmth and comfort to any table. With its flaky, golden crust and sweet, spiced apple filling, it’s a dessert that everyone will love. Whether it’s for Thanksgiving, a family gathering, or just because, this apple pie is sure to be a crowd favorite. Try it today and experience the unbeatable taste of homemade pie!