Best Recipe for Apple Pie

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then you’ve come to the right place! The Best Recipe for Apple Pie is not just about satisfying your sweet tooth; it’s about creating memories in the kitchen. There’s something so comforting about the smell of cinnamon and baked apples wafting through your home, right? This pie is perfect for family gatherings, cozy weeknights, or just when you need a little pick-me-up. Trust me; once you taste this, you’ll never look at apple pie the same way again!

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and deliciousness. With a few fresh ingredients and some love, you’ll create a show-stopping dessert that everyone will adore. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This pie is surprisingly simple to prepare, even if you’re new to baking!
• Family Favorite: Everyone loves apple pie; it’s a classic that brings smiles all around.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling in advance and assemble it when you’re ready to bake.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of spices and sweet apples creates an irresistible flavor profile.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving dinner or just a weeknight treat, this pie fits right in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather up some simple, wholesome ingredients to make our dreamy apple pie! Most of these should already be in your pantry or easily accessible at your local store.

For the Pie Crust

• 1 homemade double pie crust (2 sheets of pie dough)

For the Apple Filling

• 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
• juice from half a lemon (2 tablespoons)
• 5 pounds apples (5 pounds before peeling and coring)
• 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 & 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 3/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

For Topping

• 1 tablespoon milk (for brushing on pie)
• 1 tablespoon beaten egg (optional, for brushing on pie)
• 1 tablespoon raw sugar (for topping pie)

Variations

This recipe is super flexible! Feel free to get creative with your ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal taste preferences.

• Add Dried Fruit: Toss in some dried cranberries or raisins for added texture and sweetness.
• Spice It Up: Try adding ginger or cloves along with the cinnamon for an extra kick.
• Nutty Crunch: Mix in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
• Change the Apples: Experiment with different varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for unique flavors.

How to Make Best Recipe for Apple Pie

Step 1: Choose Your Apples

Start by selecting 5 pounds of apples. I love using a mix like Granny Smith, Gala, and Golden Delicious. This variety gives the best flavor and balance between tartness and sweetness.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a large skillet, zest 1/4 teaspoon of lemon peel and add the juice from half a lemon. The acidity helps keep those beautiful apples from browning while adding depth to the flavor.

Step 3: Slice Those Apples

Peel and slice each apple into 1/8 inch pieces. I find it easiest to peel one at a time; this way, they stay fresh! As you slice each apple, toss them into the skillet with lemon juice to coat them well.

Step 4: Heat It Up

Set your skillet over medium heat once all apples are sliced. You’ll want to add brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom. Stir gently so as not to break up those lovely slices.

Step 5: Cook Until Tender

Cover with a lid and cook for about 20 minutes while stirring every few minutes. The goal here is fork-tender apples that still hold their shape. You want them soft but not mushy!

Step 6: Add Vanilla & Cool

Remove from heat and stir in your vanilla extract. Transfer this caramelized goodness into a half sheet pan or any pan with sides. Allow it to cool completely – this step is crucial for preventing a soggy crust!

Step 7: Roll Out Your Crust

Roll out your homemade double crust dough into a deep 9-inch pie dish. Don’t worry if it looks imperfect; it’ll be delicious no matter what!

Step 8: Assemble Your Pie

Gently scrape all that cooled filling into your crust-lined dish. Don’t forget every last bit of that gooey filling!

Step 9: Top It Off

Place another sheet of dough over your filling. Crimp the edges as you like and ensure there are vents cut into the top crust so steam can escape during baking.

Step 10: Chill Again

Pop your assembled pie back in the fridge or freezer for about 20-30 minutes before baking—this helps create that flaky crust we all crave!

Step 11: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F while placing a baking sheet inside—it catches any drips from the pie while baking.

Step 12: Brush & Sprinkle

Before heading into the oven, brush the top crust with milk or egg wash (or both!) and sprinkle raw sugar over it—this adds sweetness and texture!

Step 13: Bake Your Pie

Bake at high temperature for about 15 minutes until golden brown edges form before reducing heat to 350°F. Cover with foil if needed after initial baking time to protect those edges.

Step 14: Cool Down Before Slicing

Let your masterpiece cool on a wire rack for at least four hours—patience pays off here! Once cooled completely, slice up your delicious creation.

Enjoy serving this warm slice of heaven with scoops of vanilla ice cream or drizzles of caramel sauce if you’re feeling indulgent! Store leftovers covered on the counter for up to two days or refrigerate after that; though honestly… I doubt there will be any left!

Pro Tips for Making Best Recipe for Apple Pie

Making the Best Recipe for Apple Pie can be a delightful experience, and a few handy tips will ensure your pie turns out perfectly every time!

• Choose the right apples: Mixing different varieties like Granny Smith and Gala enhances flavor and texture. The tartness of Granny Smith balances the sweetness of Gala, creating a well-rounded filling.

• Cook the filling first: Pre-cooking the apple filling ensures that the apples maintain their shape during baking. This step prevents a mushy pie and leads to a more satisfying texture.

• Keep everything cold: Chilling your dough before rolling it out is crucial for achieving a flaky crust. Cold butter and pie dough help create steam during baking, resulting in a light and airy crust.

• Don’t skip the cooling time: Allowing your pie to cool completely after baking is essential for setting the filling. This patience pays off with each slice holding its shape beautifully instead of spilling out.

• Experiment with spices: While cinnamon is classic, don’t hesitate to add cardamom or even ginger for an extra flavor punch. Adjusting spices can make your apple pie uniquely yours!

How to Serve Best Recipe for Apple Pie

Serving your homemade apple pie is just as important as making it! With some thoughtful presentation ideas, you can impress your guests (or yourself!) every time.

Garnishes

• Whipped cream: A dollop of light, fluffy whipped cream adds a creamy texture that balances the warm pie.
• Cinnamon sprinkle: A light dusting of cinnamon on top gives a hint of spice that complements the apple filling beautifully.
• Caramel drizzle: A swirl of rich caramel sauce over individual slices elevates their sweetness and adds an indulgent touch.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The classic pairing! The cold, creamy ice cream contrasts perfectly with warm apple pie, enhancing every bite.
• Cheddar cheese: For those who enjoy sweet and savory combinations, sharp cheddar cheese pairs wonderfully with apple pie, providing a rich depth of flavor.
• Fruit salad: A fresh fruit salad offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pie, cleansing the palate between bites.
• Coffee or tea: Serving a warm beverage alongside your dessert not only enhances flavors but also creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for enjoying this classic treat.

With these serving suggestions, you’ll create an inviting atmosphere around your Best Recipe for Apple Pie that friends and family will love! Enjoy every slice!

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe for the Best Homemade Apple Pie is perfect for meal prep and can easily be made ahead of time. Whether you’re planning for a special occasion or just want to enjoy a slice whenever the craving strikes, these storage tips will keep your pie fresh!

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover pie covered with plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• After 2 days, transfer the pie to the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
• To keep the crust from getting soggy, it’s best to store slices in an airtight container.

Freezing

• If you’d like to freeze your pie, ensure it has completely cooled first.
• Wrap the entire pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• You can also freeze individual slices by wrapping them separately; they will last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the pie on a baking sheet and cover with foil to prevent burning.
• Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. For individual slices, heat for about 10-12 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making the Best Recipe for Apple Pie:

Can I use different types of apples in this apple pie recipe?

Absolutely! Using a mix of sweet and tart apples enhances flavor and texture. Just make sure you have enough total weight—5 pounds will do nicely.

What makes this the Best Recipe for Apple Pie?

This recipe features a cooked filling that ensures perfect apple texture and flavor, combined with a flaky double crust that gives you that comforting homemade taste.

How long should I let my apple pie cool before serving?

It’s best to let your apple pie cool on a wire rack for about 4 hours. This allows the juices to set and prevents a soupy filling when you cut into it.

Can I make this apple pie ahead of time?

Yes! This recipe is great for making ahead. You can prepare it completely and either refrigerate or freeze it until you’re ready to bake.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find as much joy in making this Best Recipe for Apple Pie as I do! It’s a labor of love that brings delicious results, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Remember, patience is key—waiting for it to cool is worth every bite! Enjoy creating this classic dessert, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions along the way. Happy baking!