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Classic American Apple Pie

Classic American Apple Pie Recipe That Will Warm Your Heart

A comforting classic dessert that combines sweet and tart apples with warm spices in a flaky crust.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Cooling Time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Filling
  • 6-7 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) Provides essential sweetness and tartness; a blend enhances the flavor.
  • ½ cup sugar Sweetens the filling; adjust based on apple sweetness.
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar Adds depth and a hint of molasses flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon Elevates flavor with warm spice notes.
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg Introduces a subtle warmth.
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice Balances the sweetness; do not skip!
  • 2 tablespoons flour or cornstarch Thickens the apple filling to avoid a soggy pie.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Adds aromatic sweetness.
For the Crust
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour Forms the pie crust structure.
  • 1 teaspoon salt Enhances the flavor of the crust.
  • 1 tablespoon sugar Sweetens and enriches the crust.
  • 1 cup cold butter (cut into cubes) Creates a flaky texture when combined with flour.
  • 6-8 tablespoons ice-cold water Helps form the pie dough without melting the butter.

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Pie Dish
  • Whisk
  • Rolling Pin
  • Oven

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of sugar.
  2. Add 1 cup of cold butter, cut into cubes, and rub it into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Gradually add 6 to 8 tablespoons of ice-cold water, mixing until the dough just comes together.
  4. Divide the dough into two disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  5. While the crust chills, peel and slice 6 to 7 medium apples, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples with ½ cup of sugar, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of flour, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
  7. Toss the apples until they are well coated and set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
  8. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  9. Roll out one disk of dough on a floured surface to approximately 12 inches in diameter.
  10. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish, trimming any excess.
  11. Pour the apple filling into the crust, ensuring an even distribution.
  12. Roll out the second disk of dough for the top crust, then place it over the filling.
  13. Seal the edges by crimping with your fingers and cut slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
  14. Place the assembled pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
  15. Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour.
  16. When ready to serve, cut into wedges and enjoy your Classic American Apple Pie warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 2gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 2gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Expert tips: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for balanced flavor. Chill butter for a flaky crust. Don't skip lemon juice for brightness. Allow pie to cool before slicing for cleaner cuts.

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