Best Recipe for Apple Pie

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that warms your heart and fills your home with the sweet aroma of baked apples, then this is it! This Best Recipe for Apple Pie is a game-changer. It’s not just any pie; it’s made from scratch, featuring a deliciously flaky double crust and a perfectly spiced apple filling. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, celebrating a special occasion, or just craving something comforting on a busy weeknight, this apple pie is sure to impress everyone at the table.

I used to shy away from apple pie because I found them too mushy and bland. But now, thanks to this method, I have transformed my perspective. The filling is cooked beforehand, ensuring the apples hold their shape while bursting with flavor. Plus, it’s easy enough that even novice bakers can pull it off!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Delicious: With a blend of sweet and tart apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg, each slice will be bursting with flavor.
• Easy to Make: The step-by-step instructions make this recipe accessible for everyone, from beginners to seasoned pros.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving or just a cozy night in, this pie brings warmth and joy to any gathering.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the filling in advance and assemble the pie when you’re ready to bake!
• Family Favorite: Everyone will come back for seconds (and thirds!), making it a hit with kids and adults alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple and wholesome ingredients for this amazing apple pie. You’ll find everything you need right at your local grocery store, making it easy to whip up this dessert anytime.

Ingredients:
– 1 homemade double pie crust (2 sheets of pie dough)
– 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
– juice from half a lemon (2 tablespoons)
– 5 pounds apples (5 pounds before peeling and coring)
– 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
– 1 & 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
– 3/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/2 teaspoon cardamom (optional)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla
– 1 tablespoon milk (for brushing on pie)
– 1 tablespoon beaten egg (optional, for brushing on pie)
– 1 tablespoon raw sugar (for topping pie)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Try Different Apples: Use your favorite variety or mix them up! Apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji add sweetness while Granny Smith gives that tartness we love.
• Add Nuts: For some crunch, sprinkle in some chopped walnuts or pecans into the filling.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices! Adding ginger or allspice can bring new flavors to your classic apple pie.
• Swap the Sweeteners: If you’d like a healthier option, try using maple syrup or coconut sugar instead of brown sugar.

How to Make Best Recipe for Apple Pie

Step 1: Choose Your Apples

Begin by selecting about 5 pounds of apples—this usually comes out to around 11 large apples. A mix of varieties like Granny Smith for tartness and Gala or Golden Delicious for sweetness works beautifully together. The combination will give your pie depth of flavor!

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a high-sided skillet, zest 1/4 teaspoon of lemon peel. Then squeeze in juice from half of that lemon—this brightens up the flavors and keeps your apples fresh as you prep them!

Step 3: Prep Your Apples

Using an apple peeler or potato peeler, remove the skin from each apple. Slice them into thin 1/8 inch pieces. As you go along, toss each sliced apple in with the lemon juice so they don’t turn brown. This step ensures vibrancy in your final dish!

Step 4: Cook the Filling

Place all those lovely apple slices into medium heat on the stove along with sugars, flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom if you’re using it. Mix gently so as not to break up those beautiful slices! Cover it up and let it cook down for about 20 minutes until fork-tender but still holding their shape.

Step 5: Stir in Vanilla

After cooking down those apples nicely and they smell heavenly, take them off the heat and stir in one teaspoon of vanilla extract. This little addition will elevate your filling’s flavor even more!

Step 6: Cool the Filling

Spread out that warm apple mixture onto a half sheet pan to cool completely. If you’re short on time, pop it in the fridge or freezer. Cooling helps prevent a soggy crust when baking!

Step 7: Prepare Your Pie Crust

Roll out your homemade double pie crust carefully into a deep 9-inch pie dish—make sure there’s some overhang so you can crimp those edges beautifully later on!

Step 8: Assemble Your Pie

Spoon all that cooled apple filling into your prepared crust using a rubber spatula—be sure to get every last drop of that gooey goodness!

Step 9: Top With Crust

Now you can either lay another whole crust on top or create an elegant lattice design—both are delicious! Just remember to vent your top crust by poking holes if you’re going with the whole crust option.

Step 10: Chill Before Baking

Place your assembled pie back into the fridge for about 20-30 minutes before baking—it helps achieve that perfect flaky texture we all desire!

Step 11: Preheat Your Oven

As you wait for chilling time to finish up, place an empty baking sheet in your oven as you preheat it to 425 degrees F. This ensures even cooking!

Step 12: Brush & Sprinkle

Before popping that beauty into the oven, brush your crust with milk or beaten egg (or both!). This gives it that gorgeous golden color we all adore. Sprinkle raw sugar over top for an extra touch of sweetness!

Step 13: Bake Your Pie

Bake at high heat first for about 15 minutes until lightly browned then reduce temperature down to 350 degrees F after covering edges with foil so they don’t burn.

Step 14: Let It Cool

Once baked perfectly golden brown with bubbling filling peeking through—let it sit on a wire rack for four hours! I know waiting is tough but trust me; it’s worth it for that ideal texture when slicing!

Step 15: Serve & Enjoy!

Finally! Slice into this masterpiece once fully cooled down. It pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream—or drizzle with caramel sauce if you’re feeling indulgent!

Enjoy every bite knowing you’ve made the Best Recipe for Apple Pie from scratch—just like Grandma would have done!

Pro Tips for Making Best Recipe for Apple Pie

Making the perfect apple pie is all about getting the little details right—these tips will elevate your baking game!

• Use a variety of apples: Mixing tart and sweet apples, like Granny Smith and Gala, creates a more complex flavor that makes each bite exciting.
• Cook the filling: Pre-cooking the apple filling ensures that it’s perfectly tender and flavorful while preventing a soggy crust. Nobody wants that!
• Chill your pie before baking: This step helps achieve a flaky crust by allowing the fats in the dough to solidify. It also prevents shrinking during baking.
• Cover with foil: Protecting the edges of your pie with foil while it bakes allows the filling to cook through without burning the crust. This way, you get that golden finish on both.
• Be patient while cooling: Letting your pie cool for at least 4 hours allows the filling to set properly, resulting in beautifully clean slices when served.

How to Serve Best Recipe for Apple Pie

Serving up this delicious apple pie is just as important as making it! Here are some fun ideas to make it shine on your dessert table.

Garnishes

• Whipped cream: A dollop of homemade or store-bought whipped cream adds a light, creamy contrast to the warm pie.
• Cinnamon dust: A sprinkle of cinnamon on top not only looks appealing but enhances the aromatic flavors of the pie.
• Fresh mint leaves: A few mint sprigs can add a pop of color and freshness to your presentation, making it visually appealing.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The classic pairing! The cold creaminess perfectly balances the warm spice of the pie, creating a delightful contrast.
• Caramel sauce: Drizzling caramel sauce over each slice can turn this dessert into an indulgent treat that’s rich and satisfying.
• Cheese platter: Serve with slices of sharp cheddar or creamy brie; their savory notes complement the sweetness of apple pie beautifully.
• Coffee or tea: Offering a warm beverage alongside your pie creates a cozy atmosphere and enhances flavors, making every bite even more enjoyable.

Enjoy every bite of this amazing apple pie with these serving suggestions that truly make it shine!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Best Recipe for Apple Pie is perfect for meal prep and can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy it fresh when you need it. Here’s how to store and handle leftovers.

Storing Leftovers

• Item: Allow the pie to cool completely before storing.
• Item: Cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Item: Keep the pie at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Item: For longer storage, place the pie in the refrigerator.

Freezing

• Item: To freeze, ensure the pie is completely cooled.
• Item: Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• Item: Store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Item: Label with the date so you can keep track of freshness.

Reheating

• Item: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Item: Remove any plastic wrap and cover the pie loosely with aluminum foil.
• Item: Heat in the oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Item: If reheating from frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before following these steps.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful apple pie recipe!

What makes this the Best Recipe for Apple Pie?

This recipe combines a double crust with a perfectly cooked filling that results in amazing texture and flavor. The combination of various apples, spices, and a touch of lemon zest truly elevates this classic dessert.

Can I use different types of apples in this Best Recipe for Apple Pie?

Absolutely! Using a mix of apples like Granny Smith, Gala, and Golden Delicious enhances both flavor and texture. Feel free to experiment with your favorite varieties to find your perfect combination!

How long does this apple pie last?

When stored properly, this delicious apple pie can last up to 2 days at room temperature or longer if refrigerated. If you choose to freeze it, aim to use it within three months for optimal taste.

Can I make this apple pie without egg wash?

Yes! You can simply brush the crust with milk instead of using an egg wash. This will still give your crust a lovely finish while keeping it easy and accessible.

Is it necessary to let the apple pie cool before serving?

Yes! Letting the pie cool for about 4 hours allows the filling to set properly, ensuring each slice holds its shape beautifully without oozing out too much juice.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Best Recipe for Apple Pie as much as I do! It’s not just about satisfying a sweet tooth; it’s about creating memories around your kitchen table. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with vanilla ice cream, this homemade treat is sure to be a hit. Happy baking, friends!