How to Make Delicious Apple Pie
Apple pie is one of the most popular and comforting desserts around the world. Its sweet and fruity filling paired with a buttery, flaky crust makes it a favorite treat for all ages. The good news is that you don’t have to be a master chef to make a delicious apple pie at home. Follow this simple guide, and you’ll impress your family and friends with a pie that’s as tasty as it is beautiful.
What You’ll Need:
Ingredients for the Pie Crust:
- 2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 6 tablespoons (90ml) ice-cold water
Ingredients for the Apple Filling:
- 6–8 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Golden Delicious work best)
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 2 tablespoons (30g) all-purpose flour
- Juice of half a lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
- 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
Other:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Extra sugar for sprinkling (optional)
Step 1: Make the Pie Crust
The crust is the base of your pie, so it’s important to get it right! Start by mixing the flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the butter into the flour until the mixture looks crumbly, like coarse sand. Be sure to work quickly so the butter stays cold.
Next, add the ice-cold water one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough starts to come together. Don’t overmix—the dough should just hold together without being sticky. Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape them into discs, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
While your pie crust is chilling, it’s time to make the apple filling. Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges. Place the apple slices in a large mixing bowl and toss them with lemon juice to prevent browning and add a hint of freshness.
Next, mix together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and flour in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture over the apples and toss until the slices are evenly coated. Let the filling sit for about 10–15 minutes—this will help draw out the natural juices of the apples.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Take one of the pie crust discs out of the fridge and place it on a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a circle about 12 inches in diameter and ¼ inch thick. Gently transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish, pressing the dough into the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges.
Roll out the second disc of pie dough for the top crust. You can either leave it as one solid piece or cut it into strips to create a lattice pattern.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Pour the prepared apple filling into the pie crust, spreading it out evenly. Dot the filling with small pieces of butter for added richness.
If you’re using a solid top crust, carefully lay it over the filling. Seal the edges by pressing the top and bottom crusts together and crimping them with your fingers or a fork. Don’t forget to cut a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape while baking.
If you’re making a lattice crust, lay the strips of dough over the pie in a crisscross pattern. Seal and crimp the edges as described above.
Brush the top crust with beaten egg to give it a golden, shiny finish when baked. Sprinkle some sugar over the top for extra sweetness and a slight crunch.
Step 5: Bake the Pie
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the assembled pie on the middle rack and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with strips of aluminum foil.
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set. This step is important—cutting into the pie too soon can cause the filling to spill out.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Slice the pie and serve it warm or at room temperature. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or simply enjoy it on its own. Every bite will be filled with the perfect combination of buttery crust and sweet, spiced apples.
Final Thoughts
Making apple pie from scratch can be a fun and rewarding experience. By following these simple steps, you’ll create a dessert that’s bound to impress. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering, a family dinner, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, homemade apple pie is always a crowd-pleaser. So, roll up your sleeves and give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite dessert!
