step by step apple pie recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best step by step apple pie recipe

I’ve been making apple pie for my family for years, and it’s always a hit. My kids love helping me peel the apples and mix the filling, and my husband loves the smell of the pie baking in the oven.

I love that it’s a classic American recipe, and it’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday dinner or just a Tuesday night dessert. The key to making a great apple pie is using the right combination of sweet and tart apples, and not overmixing the dough.

I like to use a mix of Granny Smith and Gala apples for the perfect balance of flavors. When I take the pie out of the oven, the aroma fills the whole house, and everyone knows it’s time for dessert.

My family loves this pie so much that we even have a special tradition – every year on my birthday, I make an apple pie for dinner. It’s become a beloved family tradition that I cherish every year.

Classic Apple Pie

4.7 from 748 votes

A traditional apple pie with a flaky crust and spiced apple filling. Perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr 5 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Crust

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1/4 to 1/2 cup ice-cold water

For the Filling

6 to 8 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (about 6 cups)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Egg Wash

1 egg, beaten
1 tbsp milk

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar for the crust.
3Add cold cubed butter and mix using a pastry blender or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4Gradually add ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing just until the dough comes together.
5Divide the dough in half, shape into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
6On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of chilled dough to a 12-inch circle.
7Transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides.
8Trim the edges, leaving about 1/2 inch of overhang.
Set aside.
9In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, flour, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
10Mix well to ensure the apples are evenly coated.
11Spoon the apple mixture into the prepared pie crust, mounding it slightly in the center.
12Roll out the second disc of chilled dough to a 12-inch circle.
13Place it over the apple filling.
14Trim the edges, leaving about 1/2 inch of overhang.
15Crimp the edges to seal the pie.
16Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
17Brush the top crust with the beaten egg and milk mixture.
18Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
19If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil or a pie shield.
20Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving.
21This allows the filling to set and makes it easier to slice.
22Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Pastry blender or fork
9-inch pie dish
Rolling pin
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option. For a deeper flavor, use a variety of apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Jonagold.

This apple pie recipe is always a good idea for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday dinner or just a Tuesday night dessert.

It’s perfect for family gatherings because everyone loves it, and it’s easy to make in large quantities.

One tip I have is to store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days – just reheat it in the oven before serving.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Pie

Q: What type of apples should I use for this recipe?

I recommend using a combination of sweet and tart apples, such as Granny Smith and Gala. This will give your pie the perfect balance of flavors.

Q: Can I use frozen apples instead of fresh?

While you can use frozen apples in a pinch, fresh apples will always give you the best flavor and texture. If you do use frozen apples, make sure to thaw them first.

Q: How do I keep my pie crust from becoming too brown?

To prevent your pie crust from becoming too brown, you can try brushing it with a little bit of water or egg wash before baking.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can make the filling and dough ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble and bake the pie on the same day for optimal results.

Q: Why do you recommend using cold butter for this recipe?

Using cold butter will help create a flaky crust that’s full of texture.

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