Apple Pie - Fraîche Living
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Delight in the classic comfort of this homemade apple pie, featuring a flaky crust and perfectly spiced apple filling.
This apple pie recipe brings together the flavors of sweet and tart apples, cinnamon, and a touch of nutmeg, wrapped in a buttery crust. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Classic flavors that evoke nostalgia
- A buttery, flaky crust that's easy to make
- Perfectly spiced apple filling that's both sweet and tart
The Perfect Apple Selection
Choosing the right apples is crucial for achieving the perfect apple pie. Granny Smith apples, with their tartness, provide a wonderful contrast to the sweetness of the added sugar, while Honeycrisp apples bring a delightful crunch and sweetness to the mix. Combining these two varieties results in a well-balanced filling that is both sweet and tangy. When selecting apples, look for firm, unblemished fruit for the best flavor and texture.
To enhance the flavor even further, consider adding a few other apple varieties such as Fuji or Braeburn. These apples add depth to the filling and contribute to a more complex taste profile. Remember, the key to a great apple pie is not just in the spices, but also in the quality of the apples you use.
Mastering the Art of Pie Crust
A flaky, buttery crust is the foundation of any great apple pie. The secret to achieving this texture lies in the handling of the butter and flour. When cutting in the chilled butter, aim for a mixture that resembles coarse crumbs. This will create pockets of butter that steam while baking, leading to the desired flakiness. Be mindful not to overwork the dough; a gentle touch is key to keeping the crust tender.
Chilling the pie dough is equally important. Allowing the crust to rest in the refrigerator not only makes it easier to roll out but also helps prevent shrinkage during baking. Patience is essential here—letting your dough chill for at least four hours, or even overnight, will yield a crust that is easy to work with and holds its shape beautifully.
Serving and Enjoying Your Apple Pie
Once your apple pie is baked to golden perfection, the real challenge begins: waiting for it to cool! Allowing the pie to rest for at least an hour helps the filling set, making it easier to slice and serve. The aroma wafting through your kitchen during this time is simply irresistible, and it builds anticipation for that first delicious bite.
To elevate your apple pie experience, consider serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The creamy texture complements the warm, spiced apples beautifully. For an extra touch, drizzle with caramel sauce or sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt for a delightful contrast of flavors.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make your apple pie.
For the Pie Crust
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling
- 6 cups sliced apples (Granny Smith and Honeycrisp work well)
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter, to dot
Make sure to have all your ingredients prepped and ready for a smooth baking experience!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create the perfect apple pie.
Prepare the Pie Crust
In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the mixture forms a ball.
Make the Filling
In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice. In a separate bowl, mix the sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sprinkle over the apples and mix until well combined.
Assemble the Pie
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out one disc of pie crust on a floured surface and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan. Fill with the apple mixture and dot with butter.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the apples are soft and the crust is golden brown. Cool before serving.
Let your pie cool to allow the filling to set before slicing.
Pro Tips
- For a golden crust, brush the top with an egg wash before baking.
Tips for Perfecting Your Pie
For an added depth of flavor, feel free to experiment with additional spices in your apple filling. A pinch of allspice or cloves can elevate the taste and make your pie even more memorable. Just be cautious with quantities; a little goes a long way.
If you prefer a sweeter pie, you can adjust the sugar content to your liking. Start with the recommended amount and taste the filling before baking. Remember, the sweetness of the apples can vary, so adjust accordingly for your perfect pie.
Storing Leftover Apple Pie
If you happen to have leftovers, storing your apple pie properly is important to maintain its freshness. Allow the pie to cool completely before covering it to prevent moisture from accumulating. Store it at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate it for longer storage.
To reheat, simply place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This will revive the crust's flakiness while warming the filling to perfection. Enjoy your pie just as much the next day!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Yes, store-bought pie crust can save time and still yield a delicious pie.
→ What apples are best for apple pie?
A mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp works best.
→ How do I store leftover apple pie?
Cover and refrigerate the pie for up to 3 days.
→ Can I freeze apple pie?
Yes, you can freeze apple pie before baking for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra time.
Apple Pie - Fraîche Living
Delight in the classic comfort of this homemade apple pie, featuring a flaky crust and perfectly spiced apple filling.
Created by: Sienna Brooks
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
For the Pie Crust
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling
- 6 cups sliced apples (Granny Smith and Honeycrisp work well)
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter, to dot
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the mixture forms a ball. Divide the dough in half, shape into discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice. In a separate bowl, mix the sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sprinkle over the apples and mix until well combined.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out one disc of pie crust on a floured surface and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan. Fill with the apple mixture and dot with butter. Roll out the second disc and place it over the filling. Seal and flute the edges. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the apples are soft and the crust is golden brown. Cool before serving.
Extra Tips
- For a golden crust, brush the top with an egg wash before baking.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 3g