Apple pie is a classic dessert made with a filling of sliced apples, sugar, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, all encased in a pastry crust. It’s a popular dish in the United States, where it’s often considered a symbol of home and comfort, even being referred to as “as American as apple pie.”

The pie can be made with a variety of apples, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or McIntosh, which are chosen for their balance of sweetness and tartness. The filling is usually sweetened and thickened with sugar and flour or cornstarch, and flavored with spices.

The crust can be made from scratch or store-bought and is typically made of flour, butter, salt, and water. Apple pies can have a single crust, with the filling exposed on top, or a double crust, where the top is covered with another layer of pastry. Some variations include a lattice top, where the top crust is woven into a decorative pattern.

Apple pie is often served warm, sometimes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It’s a popular dessert during the fall and winter months, especially around holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas in the U.S.

Here’s how you make it!

Ingredients:

• Pie Crust:
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes
  • 6-8 tablespoons ice water
• Apple Filling:
  • 6-7 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• Topping:
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (for sprinkling)

Instructions:

1. Make the Pie Crust:
   • In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar.
   • Add the chilled butter cubes and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough begins to come together.
   • Divide the dough into two equal parts, shape into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
   • In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice.
   • In a separate bowl, mix together the sugars, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
   • Pour the sugar mixture over the apples and toss until evenly coated.
   • Stir in the vanilla extract if using.
3. Assemble the Pie:
   • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
   • Roll out one disc of the pie dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish.
   • Place the dough in the pie dish and trim the edges.
   • Pour the apple filling into the crust and dot with small pieces of butter.
   • Roll out the second disc of dough and place it over the apples. Trim the edges, leaving about 1 inch overhang. Tuck the top dough under the bottom dough and crimp the edges to seal.
   • Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
4. Bake the Pie:
   • Brush the top crust with the beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar.
   • Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake for 20 minutes at 425°F (220°C).
   • Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 40-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
5. Cool and Serve:
   • Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours before serving to let the filling set.
   • Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.

Enjoy your delicious classic apple pie!