Name: Apple Pie Recipe: Easy and Indulgent Homemade with Love
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 105 min
Ingredients: 2 cups Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 2/3 cup cold shortening; 4 to 6 tablespoons cold water; 1/3 to 1/2 cup sugar; 1/4 cup Gold Medal™ All Purpose Flour; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 8 cups thinly sliced peeled tart apples ((about 8 medium)); 2 tablespoons butter

Introduction to Homemade Apple Pie

When it comes to comfort food, few desserts can rival the appeal of homemade apple pie. Its warm, spiced aroma wafting through the kitchen instantly evokes memories of family gatherings and cozy autumn evenings. But what makes this apple pie recipe so special?

Why Apple Pie is the Ultimate Comfort Food

First and foremost, there’s that unbeatable combination of flaky crust and tender, juicy apples. Each slice offers a gratifying contrast of textures, but it's the flavor that truly captivates. The sweet-tartness of apples, enhanced by just the right amount of sugar and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, provides a deliciously nostalgic taste experience. As food expert J. Kenji López-Alt notes, “Warm apple pie invokes feelings of home and connection”—both key elements of comfort food.

Moreover, making apple pie from scratch is an engaging activity that brings people together. Whether you're rolling out the dough with friends or sharing the finished pie with loved ones, this dessert fosters joy and connection. Plus, experimenting with different apple varieties or adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream elevates the experience to new heights.

So grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to dive into an unforgettable baking adventure! This apple pie recipe will guide you through every step, ensuring your creation is nothing short of amazing.

Ingredients for Apple Pie

Making a delicious apple pie is easier than you might think! Here, we’ll break down the essential ingredients into two categories: the flaky double-crust pastry and the flavorful apple filling. Let’s dive right in!

Double-Crust Pastry Ingredients

To create the perfect crust for our apple pie recipe, you’ll need the following:

2 cups plus 2 tablespoons Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
⅔ cup cold shortening
4 to 6 tablespoons cold water

This combination is all about achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture that everyone loves about homemade pies. The key is using cold ingredients to ensure flakiness.

Apple Filling Ingredients

Now, onto the star of the show: the apple filling! Here’s what you’ll need:

⅓ to ½ cup sugar (depending on your sweetness preference)
¼ cup Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
⅛ teaspoon salt
8 cups of thinly sliced peeled tart apples (around 8 medium-sized)
2 tablespoons butter

With these ingredients, you can create a filling that balances sweetness with just the right hint of spice. If you want to learn more about the best apple varieties for pie, check out this guide on Choosing Apples for Baking.

Now that you're all set with the ingredients, you're on your way to baking a classic apple pie that’s perfect for any occasion!

Step-by-Step Preparation of Apple Pie

Make the Pastry Dough

Preparing the crust is the foundation of a delicious apple pie recipe. To start, in a medium-sized bowl, combine 2 cups of flour with 1 teaspoon of salt. The secret to a flaky crust lies in how you incorporate the shortening. Use a pastry blender—or if you’re feeling retro, two knives—and cut the shortening into the flour mixture until it resembles small peas. This aeration is key! Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork until the dough gathers into a ball. If needed, you can add 1 or 2 teaspoons more water to make sure it’s perfectly moist.

Chill the Pastry

Once your dough is ready, it’s time to chill it. Gather the pastry into a ball and divide it into two equal parts. Shape each part into a flattened round on a lightly floured surface. Wrap them in plastic wrap and pop them into the refrigerator for about 45 minutes. This step is essential—the time in the fridge allows the shortening to firm up, which helps create that flaky texture we all love. If you need to chill longer, just make sure to let it soften slightly before rolling it out.

Prepare the Apple Filling

While the pastry chills, let’s turn our attention to the apple filling. In a large bowl, combine between ⅓ to ½ cup of sugar, ¼ cup of flour, ½ teaspoon each of ground cinnamon and nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Peel and slice about 8 medium-size tart apples (like Granny Smith) into thin pieces. Add the apples to the sugar and spice mixture and toss until they are well-coated. This mix not only enhances the apples' natural sweetness but also thickens the filling as it bakes.

Assemble the Pie

Now comes the exciting part—assembling your pie! Preheat your oven to 425°F. Roll one of the pastry rounds into a circle that’s about 2 inches larger than your 9-inch pie plate. Carefully fold it into quarters and transfer it to the pie plate, unfolding it once it’s in place. Pour in your apple filling, and dot the top with 2 tablespoons of butter. Roll out the second pastry round, and place it over the filling. You can create slits for ventilation or embellish it with a lattice top for that classic look.

Bake the Apple Pie

Finally, it’s time to bake! Before you place your pie in the oven, brush the top with a little milk or an egg wash for that beautiful golden color. Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F, then reduce the temperature to 350°F and continue baking for another 30 to 40 minutes, until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown. Let it cool for a bit before serving.

Enjoy that first slice of your homemade apple pie. It’s worth every step you took to prepare it!

Variations on Apple Pie

Classic Apple Pie with Cinnamon

There's nothing quite like a classic apple pie recipe that features the warm, inviting taste of ground cinnamon. This timeless dessert blends tender apples with sweet sugar and spices, all enveloped in a buttery crust. For the best results, opt for a mix of tart and sweet apples for a balanced flavor. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a perfect finishing touch!

Caramel Apple Pie

Take your apple pie to the next level with a caramel apple pie twist! Start with the same beloved apple filling, but drizzle in homemade or store-bought caramel sauce. This adds a rich, gooey sweetness that elevates the traditional flavors. You can even sprinkle some chopped nuts on top for an extra layer of crunch. This variation is sure to impress your friends and make any gathering feel special! Want an authentic kick? Add a touch of sea salt to enhance the caramel flavor.

For more pie inspiration, check out this resource from the American Pie Council!

Cooking Tips and Notes for Apple Pie

Tips for Flaky Crust

For the ultimate flaky crust in your apple pie recipe, keep your ingredients chilled. Use ice-cold water when mixing and handle the dough as little as possible to prevent gluten from developing. To achieve that perfect texture, consider using a mix of butter and shortening; the butter adds flavor while shortening contributes to flakiness. For an extra touch, try adding a bit of vinegar to the dough—it helps with tenderness.

Best Apples for Pie

For a truly delicious apple pie, choose a mix of tart and sweet apples. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Braeburn are excellent because they hold their shape and balance flavors beautifully. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different varieties to find your favorite combination, and remember—fresh, crisp apples make all the difference! Check out this guide on apple varieties for more insights.

Serving Suggestions for Apple Pie

Pairing with Ice Cream

There’s nothing quite like a warm slice of apple pie paired with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The contrast of the hot pie and cold ice cream creates a delightful experience for your taste buds. For an added twist, try drizzling some caramel or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top—you’ll elevate your dessert to a whole new level. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider sampling your pie with flavors like cinnamon or salted caramel ice cream. Trust me; it adds a fun twist to your classic apple pie recipe.

Serving with Whipped Cream

Another classic accompaniment is freshly whipped cream. Light and airy, it perfectly complements the richness of the apple pie filling. You can either make your own whipped cream or use a store-bought version for convenience. A dollop of whipped cream can make your pie feel a bit more luxurious, and you could even infuse it with a hint of vanilla or nutmeg for an extra flavor kick. This simple addition can turn your slice of comfort into a truly indulgent treat, making it ideal for gatherings or a cozy evening at home.

Time Breakdown for Apple Pie

Preparation Time

Preparing your apple pie recipe takes about 1 hour. This includes mixing the dough for the double-crust pastry and making the delicious filling. Make sure you allow some time for the pastry to chill for flaky perfection!

Baking Time

Once assembled, bake the pie for approximately 45-50 minutes at 425°F. You'll know it’s ready when the crust is beautifully golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling.

Total Time

In total, expect to spend around 1 hour and 50 minutes from start to finish. Trust us, every minute is worth the fantastic aroma that fills your kitchen and the smiles that follow when you serve this classic dessert!

For additional tips on perfecting your apple pie recipe, check out resources from the American Pie Council or Serious Eats. These sites offer a wealth of information on pie making that can enhance your baking skills!

Nutritional Facts for Apple Pie

Calories per Slice

A typical slice of homemade apple pie, using the recipe above, contains approximately 250-300 calories. This can vary based on the thickness of the crust and the sugar level used. Keeping track of these calories can help you manage your indulgences while still savoring each delightful bite.

Sugar Content

The sugar content in a slice ranges from 10 to 15 grams, depending on whether you opt for the lower or higher range of sugar in the filling. While it's tempting to sweeten your apple pie, consider using alternatives like honey or maple syrup for a healthier twist!

If you're curious to learn more about the nutritional benefits of apples, check out the USDA's website for valuable insights. Plus, substituting natural sweeteners could pave the way for a lighter, yet equally delicious apple pie experience.

Always remember, enjoying a slice of (apple pie) is about balance. So gather your friends, share your pie, and cherish the moment! Happy baking!

FAQs about Apple Pie

How can I prevent a soggy crust?

Nobody likes a soggy crust when diving into a delicious slice of apple pie! To keep your crust nice and flaky, be sure to pre-bake it slightly before adding the filling. Another trick is to sprinkle a thin layer of flour or cornstarch between the crust and filling — this helps absorb excess moisture. Finally, avoid overloading the pie with juicy apples.

Can I use frozen apples for my pie?

Absolutely! Frozen apples can work wonders in your apple pie recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mixing with your sugar and spices. This will help maintain that delightful texture and flavor.

What’s the best way to reheat apple pie?

To reheat your apple pie without sacrificing texture, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes. This warms it up while keeping the crust crispy. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too; just cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out. Enjoy!

For more tips on baking and flavor combinations, check out The Kitchn for expert advice.

Conclusion on Apple Pie

Final Thoughts on Homemade Apple Pie

Baking an apple pie is not just about the deliciously flaky crust and the sweet, spiced filling; it’s about creating a warm, inviting experience for family and friends. With this apple pie recipe, you're bound to impress. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and savor the joy of homemade dessert. Happy baking!