Why Classic Apple Pie is Special to Me
Apple pie has always been a family favorite in our home, especially during the fall season. I can still remember the sweet aroma of apples and cinnamon filling the house as my mom would bake it for our holiday gatherings. It’s a dessert that evokes memories of cozy family dinners and the warmth of the kitchen on chilly days.
What makes apple pie so special is its ability to be both simple and indulgent at the same time. The combination of tender apples, buttery crust, and just the right amount of spice is pure comfort in a slice. It’s the perfect dessert for creating memories—whether it’s a quiet Sunday afternoon or a festive celebration.
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust:2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1/4 cup ice water (plus extra if needed)
6-7 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
1 tablespoon milk (for brushing the crust)
1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling on top)
Cooking Tools / Utensils Needed
9-inch pie dish
Rolling pin
Mixing bowls
Pastry cutter or fork
Knife and cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Basting brush (for milk)
Cooling rack
The Classic Apple Pie Making Process
1. Make the Pie CrustIn a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or fork to cut it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.
Slowly add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to overwork it. Once the dough has formed, divide it in half, wrap each half in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Apple FillingWhile the dough chills, prepare the apple filling. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated. Let the mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Roll Out the DoughOn a lightly floured surface, roll out one half of the chilled pie dough into a circle large enough to fit your 9-inch pie dish. Carefully transfer the dough into the dish, pressing it gently into the bottom and sides.
4. Assemble the PiePreheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Once the dough is in the pie dish, fill it with the prepared apple mixture. Dot the top of the apples with the small cubes of butter.
Roll out the second half of the dough into a circle and lay it over the apple filling. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal the pie. Use a sharp knife to cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
5. Bake the PieBrush the top crust with milk and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired. Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips, then bake it in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the slits in the top.
If the edges of the crust begin to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil or a pie shield.
6. Cool the PieOnce the pie is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing. This helps the filling set and makes slicing easier.
7. Serve and GarnishServe the apple pie warm or at room temperature. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, based on 8 servings)
Calories: 350
Protein: 2g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 46g
Fiber: 3g (Note: The nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.)
Final Thoughts
Apple pie is more than just a dessert; it’s a comforting slice of tradition that brings joy to every occasion. The combination of sweet apples, buttery crust, and warm spices makes it a timeless treat that everyone loves. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a casual family dinner, apple pie is sure to impress and leave everyone coming back for seconds.
Making this pie from scratch might take some time, but the results are always worth it. It’s the kind of dessert that creates memories and brings people together. So the next time you’re in the mood for something sweet and comforting, try this classic apple pie recipe—you’ll be glad you did!
