Apple Pie with Flaky Crust

Apple pie is more than just a dessert; it’s a symbol of comfort, nostalgia, and tradition deeply woven into the fabric of American culinary heritage. For generations, families have gathered around the kitchen table to bake, share, and enjoy this classic treat, evoking memories of home and togetherness. The appeal of apple pie lies not only in its delightful taste but also in the joy of homemade baking that transcends generations. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients is paramount to achieving that perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, creating a pie that is truly a delight.

Discover the timeless joy of baking with our Classic Apple Pie Delight recipe. This article takes you on a delightful journey through the history, ingredients, and techniques that make this dessert iconic. Learn how to create the perfect flaky crust and luscious apple filling, balanced with warm spices. Whether you're a baking pro or just starting out, this easy-to-follow guide will help you make a delicious apple pie that evokes nostalgia and brings loved ones together. Experience the comfort of homemade goodness with every slice!

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Ingredients

For the Flaky Crust:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced

6 to 8 tablespoons ice water

For the Apple Filling:

6 cups tart apples (like Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and sliced

¾ cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)

1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

For Assembling:

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)

Sugar for sprinkling on top

Instructions

Prepare the Flaky Crust:

- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar.

- Add the chilled, diced butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.

- Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing.

- Divide the dough into two equal parts, shape into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Make the Apple Filling:

- In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. Make sure the apples are well-coated. Set aside for about 15 minutes to allow the juices to seep in.

Roll Out the Dough:

- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

- Remove one dough disc from the fridge and roll it out on a floured surface into a circle large enough to fit your pie dish (about 12 inches in diameter).

- Gently place the rolled-out dough into the bottom of your pie dish, trimming any excess hanging over the edges.

Assemble the Pie:

- Pour the apple filling into the prepared pie crust, making sure to distribute the apples evenly. Dot the filling with small pieces of butter.

- Roll out the second dough disc to cover the pie. You can either create a full top crust or a lattice pattern. If using a full crust, cut a few slits for ventilation.

- Trim and tuck the edges of the top crust under the bottom crust and crimp the edges to seal.

Add the Finishing Touches:

- Brush the surface of the pie with the beaten egg mixed with milk. Sprinkle sugar over the top for a beautiful finish.

Bake the Pie:

- Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes at 425°F (220°C), then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for about 35-45 minutes, or until the apples are bubbly and the crust is golden brown.

- Check the pie mid-way and cover the edges with strips of aluminum foil if they start to brown too quickly.

Cool & Serve:

- Once baked, cool the apple pie on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing. This helps the filling to set. Serve warm or at room temperature, possibly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes | Servings: 8 slices