Apple Pie with Flaky Crust
Introduction
Welcome to the delightful journey of crafting the perfect Apple Pie with an exquisitely flaky crust. This timeless dessert is a celebration of crispy, golden pastry encasing a warm, spiced apple filling. Whether you’re preparing for a festive occasion or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this apple pie promises to impress family and friends alike. Follow along with this detailed recipe to step into the world of classic, homemade goodness.
Kitchen Equipment Required
- Pie Dish or Pan (9 inches / 23 cm)
- Mixing Bowls
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Rolling Pin
- Pastry Brush
- Knife or Apple Peeler/Slicer
- Baking Sheet
Cooking Time
Total estimated time: 2 hours
Ingredients
Pie Crust:
- 300g (2 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 15g (1 tbsp) granulated sugar
- 5g (1 tsp) salt
- 226g (1 cup) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 120ml (1/2 cup) ice water
Apple Filling:
- 6-7 medium apples (about 900g / 2 lbs), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
- 50g (1/4 cup) packed light brown sugar
- 15g (2 tbsp) all-purpose flour
- 1g (1/2 tsp) ground cinnamon
- 1g (1/4 tsp) ground nutmeg
- 15ml (1 tbsp) lemon juice
- 5ml (1 tsp) vanilla extract
- 15g (1 tbsp) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the chilled, cubed butter and using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, a little at a time, mixing just until the dough holds together. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Place a baking sheet on the middle rack to catch any bubbling juices from the pie.
Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling
In another bowl, toss the sliced apples with both sugars, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix well, ensuring all apple slices are coated evenly. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
Divide the chilled dough into two equal halves. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one dough half to fit your pie dish (about 12 inches / 30 cm in diameter). Carefully transfer it to the pie dish, leaving any overhang.
Step 5: Assemble the Pie
Pour the apple filling into the prepared crust, mounding slightly in the center. Dot with small pieces of butter. Roll out the second dough half and place it over the filling. Trim and crimp the edges to seal. Cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape. Beat the egg and gently brush it over the crust for a golden finish.
Step 6: Bake the Pie
Transfer the pie to the preheated baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 20 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 180°C (350°F) and continue baking for an additional 40-50 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing. This cooling period helps the filling set to keep each slice neat and picture-perfect. Serve at room temperature or gently warmed, optionally with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent experience.
Conclusion
You’ve now mastered the classic Apple Pie with Flaky Crust! With its perfect harmony of soft, spiced apple filling and crisp, buttery crust, this pie is an extraordinary treat that celebrates the joy of baking. It’s a dessert that invites creativity, allowing you to personalize the choice of apples or spices to suit your preferences. Enjoy this pie as the delightful culmination of a hearty meal, and share the comfort and warmth it brings with loved ones on any occasion.
