Best Recipe for Apple Pie

If you’re looking for the Best Recipe for Apple Pie, you’ve come to the right place! This recipe transformed me from an apple pie skeptic to a die-hard fan. What I adore about this pie is its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The apples are tender but not mushy, thanks to a little pre-cooking—this ensures every bite is packed with flavor. Plus, it’s made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen!

This pie is the perfect dessert for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering with friends. Trust me, once you make this apple pie, it will become your go-to recipe for years to come!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet and tart apples creates an unforgettable taste that will leave everyone wanting more.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love digging into a warm slice of homemade apple pie!
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the filling in advance and assemble the pie when you’re ready to bake—it saves time on busy days!
• Perfectly Textured: The cooked filling gives you that ideal texture—no more mushy bites!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this apple pie is half the fun! You’ll find that these simple, wholesome ingredients come together beautifully to create one delightful dessert.

Ingredients:
– 1 homemade double pie crust (2 sheets of pie dough)
– 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
– 1 tablespoon milk (for brushing on pie)
– 1 tablespoon beaten egg (optional, for brushing on pie)
– 1 tablespoon raw sugar (for topping pie)

Variations

The beauty of this apple pie recipe lies in its versatility! Feel free to get creative and adapt it to your taste.

• Change Up the Apples: Use your favorite variety or mix different types for a unique flavor profile.
• Add Other Fruits: Consider mixing in some berries or pears for additional sweetness and complexity.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with spices like ginger or cloves for a warm twist on the classic flavors.
• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans in the filling for an added crunch.

How to Make Best Recipe for Apple Pie

Step 1: Choose Your Apples

Start by selecting 5 pounds of apples—about 11 large ones should do. I recommend using a mix like Granny Smith, Gala, and Golden Delicious. Each type brings its own flavor profile, making your pie even more delicious.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a high-sided skillet, zest 1/4 teaspoon of lemon peel and add juice from half a lemon. This keeps your apples from browning while adding brightness to their flavor.

Step 3: Prepare Your Apples

Peel and slice each apple into 1/8 inch pieces. I find it best to do one at a time: peel, slice, and toss them into the lemon juice mixture as you go. It helps keep everything fresh!

Step 4: Cook the Apples

Place your sliced apples over medium heat in the skillet. Add brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional cardamom. Stir gently until combined; this mixture should be moistened but not mushy.

Step 5: Simmer Until Tender

Cover your skillet with a lid and cook for about 20 minutes. Stir every few minutes until the apples are fork-tender but still hold their shape. Taste it—this is where you can adjust if needed!

Step 6: Add Vanilla

Once cooked, remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This adds depth to your filling; trust me—it’s worth it!

Step 7: Cool the Filling

Transfer your apple mixture to a half sheet pan or another container with edges. Spread it out so it cools quickly—pop it in the fridge or freezer if you’re short on time.

Step 8: Prepare Your Pie Crust

Roll out your homemade double crust and fit one sheet into a deep 9-inch pie dish. Let excess hang over the edges; we’ll trim later!

Step 9: Fill Your Pie

Scrape all that deliciously cooled apple filling into the crust using a rubber spatula. Get every last drop—that gooey goodness is what makes this pie special!

Step 10: Top Your Pie

Place the second crust over your filled dish. Whether you want a lattice top or just a full crust is up to you—both will be delicious! Be sure to vent by cutting slits if using a full crust.

Step 11: Chill Again

Pop your assembled pie back in the fridge or freezer for about 20-30 minutes before baking; this helps achieve that flaky crust we all love.

Step 12: Preheat Your Oven

While chilling, preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. It’s crucial that it’s nice and hot when you put your pie in!

Step 13: Brush & Sprinkle

Before baking, brush your crust with milk or beaten egg (or both!) for that lovely golden finish. Sprinkle raw sugar over top—it adds sweetness and crunch.

Step 14: Bake Time!

Place your chilled pie on a baking sheet and bake at 425 degrees F for about 15 minutes until golden brown around the edges.

Step 15: Protecting Your Crust

Create a foil shield by cutting out a circle in foil; place it over your crust once it’s lightly browned after those first minutes of baking.

Step 16: Lower Temperature

Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F and continue baking for another 40–45 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Step 17: Let It Cool

This part is vital! Allow your beautiful creation to cool on a wire rack for about four hours before slicing—you want those juices to settle perfectly.

Step 18: Serve & Enjoy

Slice into that gorgeous apple pie! Serve warm with vanilla ice cream if desired—or indulge yourself with caramel sauce drizzled on top!

Now sit back and enjoy each bite of what’s sure to become everyone’s favorite dessert—the Best Recipe for Apple Pie!

Pro Tips for Making Best Recipe for Apple Pie

Making the perfect apple pie is all about the details, so here are some pro tips to help you achieve that golden crust and flavorful filling!

• Choose a mix of apples: Using different varieties like Granny Smith, Gala, and Golden Delicious adds depth to the flavor profile and creates a balanced sweetness and tartness in your pie.

• Pre-cook your filling: This step ensures that your apples are perfectly tender while still holding their shape, preventing a mushy filling and giving you that ideal apple pie texture.

• Chill your pie before baking: Allowing your assembled pie to chill in the fridge or freezer for 20-30 minutes helps achieve a flaky crust by keeping the butter solid until it hits the hot oven.

• Use a baking sheet: Placing a baking sheet on the middle rack while preheating not only ensures even cooking but also catches any juices that may bubble over during baking, keeping your oven clean.

• Let it cool properly: Patience is key! Letting your pie cool for about 4 hours allows the filling to set, ensuring those beautiful slices hold their shape when served.

How to Serve Best Recipe for Apple Pie

Serving up a slice of apple pie is an experience in itself! Here are some delightful ideas to present this classic dessert with style.

Garnishes

• Whipped cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream on top adds richness and lightness, making each bite even more indulgent.
• Caramel drizzle: A sweet ribbon of caramel sauce not only enhances the flavor but creates an eye-catching presentation on top of your pie slices.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with warm apple pie, creating a comforting contrast that’s hard to resist.
• Cheddar cheese: A slice of sharp cheddar cheese can cut through the sweetness of the pie, adding a savory element that many people adore.
• Hot coffee or tea: A warm beverage like coffee or herbal tea complements the flavors of apple pie beautifully, making it an ideal pairing for cozy gatherings.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad can lighten up the meal and provide a colorful side that balances out the richness of the pie.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips in mind, you’re sure to impress family and friends with your delicious homemade apple pie. Enjoy every slice!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Best Recipe for Apple Pie is perfect for meal prep! You can easily store it for later enjoyment, making it a fantastic choice for gatherings or cozy nights in.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover apple pie at room temperature for up to 2 days, covered with plastic wrap.
• After 2 days, transfer the pie to the refrigerator to keep it fresh.

Freezing

• Wrap the cooled apple pie tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place the wrapped pie in an airtight freezer bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place slices of pie on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with aluminum foil.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe!

What makes this the Best Recipe for Apple Pie?

This recipe features a cooked apple filling that gives you perfect texture and flavor, avoiding that mushy disappointment found in many other pies. The combination of spices adds warmth and depth, making every slice a joy to savor.

Can I use different types of apples in the Best Recipe for Apple Pie?

Absolutely! A mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith, Gala, and Golden Delicious creates a deliciously balanced flavor. Feel free to experiment with your favorite varieties!

How long does the Best Recipe for Apple Pie last?

If stored properly, this pie can last up to 2 days at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze it as described above!

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the apple filling ahead of time. Just cool it completely before storing it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, assemble the pie with your prepared crusts.

Do I need to pre-bake the crust for this Best Recipe for Apple Pie?

No pre-baking is necessary since this recipe uses a double-crust method that ensures a perfectly cooked crust during baking.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ve enjoyed learning how to make this incredible Best Recipe for Apple Pie! It’s such a comforting dessert that brings back wonderful memories of family gatherings and cozy evenings. I can’t wait for you to try making it yourself—I’m sure you’ll love every delicious bite. Remember, patience is key while waiting for it to cool; it’s worth every moment! Happy baking!