Ah, the aroma of a freshly baked apple pie—there’s nothing quite like it. Every time I bake this delightful dessert, I’m transported back to my grandmother’s cozy kitchen, where the warmth of the oven mingled with the sweet, spiced scent of apples and cinnamon. This homemade apple pie recipe has become a cherished tradition in my family, shared and enjoyed around the table with loved ones. Today, I’m excited to share this recipe with you, so you too can create your own special memories.
Why You’ll Love This Dessert
Apple pie holds a timeless appeal that crosses generations and brings people together around the table. Here’s why this dessert will win you over:
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Classic Comfort Food: Apple pie is the epitome of comfort, with its flaky crust and tender, spiced apples. The combination of crispy pastry and luscious filling satisfies both the senses and the soul. It’s the perfect antidote to a long day, offering warmth and familiarity with every bite. The smell alone can evoke feelings of comfort and nostalgia, making any house feel like home.
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Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these ingredients in your pantry. This pie uses kitchen staples like flour, sugar, and butter, which means you won’t have to make a special trip to the store. The simplicity of these ingredients also allows the natural flavors of the apples to shine through. Furthermore, using basic pantry staples makes this recipe accessible to everyone, ensuring that you can whip up this pie even on a whim.
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Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual family dinner, this pie is always a hit. It’s versatile enough to be served at a formal Thanksgiving dinner or a spontaneous summer picnic. Its universal appeal makes it an easy choice for any event. The comforting taste transcends seasons, making it a year-round favorite.
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Customizable: Adjust the spices or add a scoop of ice cream on top for a personal touch. Whether you prefer a spicier pie with extra cinnamon and nutmeg or a sweeter version with a caramel drizzle, the possibilities are endless. You can even add a handful of raisins or cranberries for a fruity twist. Consider experimenting with different apple varieties or incorporating a mix of apples for a complex flavor profile.
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Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare in advance and bake when you’re ready to impress your guests. The dough can be made and chilled the day before, and the pie assembled in the morning, leaving you free to enjoy the day without the stress of last-minute preparation. This flexibility makes it particularly helpful during busy holiday seasons or when entertaining guests.
The Recipe
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8
Calories: Approximately 320 per serving
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- 6 to 8 tbsp ice water
- 6 to 8 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, peeled, cored, and sliced thin)
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)
Instructions:
- Make the crust: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups flour, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp sugar. Add 1 cup cold butter cubes and cut into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add 6 to 8 tbsp ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just holds together. Divide the dough in half, shape into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Tip: For an extra flaky crust, ensure your butter is very cold, and avoid overworking the dough to prevent it from becoming tough. Using a food processor for this step can also help incorporate the butter quickly before it starts to soften.
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, 3/4 cup sugar, 2 tbsp flour, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Toss until the apples are well coated.
Tip: Mixing the sugar and spices with the apples not only enhances the flavor but also draws out the juices, creating a delicious syrupy filling. Allowing the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes can enhance this effect and give the spices a chance to infuse the apples.
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to fit your pie pan. Gently transfer to the pan, trimming excess dough. Fill with apple mixture and dot with 1 tbsp butter pieces.
Tip: Roll the dough from the center outwards, rotating it frequently to maintain an even thickness. Use your rolling pin to gently lift and transfer the dough to the pie pan. If the dough cracks, patch it with extra dough and a bit of water to seal.
- Top the pie: Roll out the second disc of dough and place over the filling. Trim, seal, and flute the edges. Cut slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
Tip: For a decorative finish, use cookie cutters to create shapes in the top crust or weave a lattice pattern for a classic look. Brushing the top with an egg wash and sprinkling with sugar can give it a beautiful, glossy finish.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the pie for 20 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Let cool for at least 2 hours before serving.
Tip: Placing a baking sheet under the pie during baking can catch any drips from the bubbling filling, keeping your oven clean. For an even bake, rotate the pie halfway through the baking time.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Having the right tools can make the baking process smoother and more enjoyable. Here are the essentials:
- Pastry cutter (or two forks): This tool is key for cutting butter into flour without melting it, ensuring a flaky crust. A pastry blender can also be used if you prefer.
- Rolling pin: A heavy rolling pin helps roll out the dough evenly, preventing cracks and ensuring a uniform thickness. Wooden pins are often preferred for their balance and weight.
- Pie pan: A standard 9-inch pie pan works best for this recipe. Glass or ceramic pans conduct heat evenly and allow you to monitor the crust’s browning. Metal pans can also be used but may bake slightly faster.
- Mixing bowls: Use large bowls to comfortably mix the crust and filling without spillage. Stainless steel or glass bowls can help keep ingredients cool, especially when making the dough.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial in baking, making these tools indispensable. Digital scales can also provide greater precision for flour and sugar.
The Benefits of Each Ingredient
Every ingredient in this apple pie recipe plays a specific role in creating the perfect dessert. Here’s why they’re essential:
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Apples: The star of the show, providing natural sweetness and a tender, juicy bite. Choose firm apples like Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for a sweeter bite—these varieties hold their shape well during baking. Mixing different types of apples can add complexity to the flavor and texture.
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Butter: Creates a flaky, rich crust that complements the sweet filling. The high fat content of butter ensures a tender, melt-in-the-mouth texture, while its moisture creates steam during baking, adding lift and flakiness to the crust. Using European-style butter with a higher butterfat content can enhance the richness of the crust.
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Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Warm spices that enhance the natural flavor of the apples. These spices add depth and warmth, turning a simple pie into a decadent treat. Adjusting the quantity of these spices can tailor the pie to suit personal taste preferences.
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Lemon Juice: Adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness and prevent browning. The acidity from the lemon juice also enhances the natural flavors of the apples, making them more vibrant. Lemon zest can also be added for an extra citrusy aroma.
What to Serve With This Dessert
Pair this classic apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat. The cold creaminess of the ice cream or whipped cream contrasts beautifully with the warm, spiced filling. For a cozy fall evening, consider serving it with a warm mug of spiced cider or a cup of coffee. The spices in the cider will complement the flavors of the pie, creating a harmonious and comforting experience.
If you’re hosting a gathering and wish to offer variety, consider serving the pie alongside a selection of cheeses, such as a sharp cheddar or a creamy brie, to provide a savory contrast. The sharpness of cheddar can enhance the pie’s sweetness, while brie offers a creamy counterbalance.
Storage & Leftover Tips
Store any leftover pie covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days to keep it fresh longer. To reheat, warm slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or enjoy cold—it’s delicious either way! For longer storage, consider freezing the pie. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven.
In conclusion, this homemade apple pie is more than just a recipe; it’s an opportunity to create lasting memories with your family and friends. I hope you enjoy baking it as much as I do, and that it becomes a beloved tradition in your home. Happy baking!
High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large stockpot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 8 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Add navy beans, chicken broth, broccoli, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and scoop about 1 1/2 cups of the soup into a blender. Allow it to cool for 10 minutes to prepare for blending the cottage cheese.
- Blend the cottage cheese with the soup in the blender until smooth. Return the mixture to the stockpot and heat on low.
- Stir in the Cheddar cheese until melted, and the soup has thickened.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.