Description
A classic American dessert featuring a tender, perfectly spiced apple filling encased in a flaky, buttery crust. This recipe offers unparalleled comfort and flavor, with techniques to ensure a gap-free filling and a perfectly golden crust.
Ingredients
2 homemade pie crusts or all butter pie crusts (for bottom and top), chilled.
10 cups apples (about 8 large apples), peeled and cored, sliced 1/4-inch thick (Gala, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith recommended).
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar (or packed brown sugar).
1/4 cup (31g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled.
1 Tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice.
1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon.
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice.
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg.
1/4 teaspoon salt.
1 Tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces (optional, for dotting the filling).
1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash).
1 Tablespoon water (for egg wash).
Instructions
Prepare the pie crusts and chill for at least 2 hours. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and salt. Toss gently to coat the apples evenly.
Line a 9-inch pie plate with one chilled pie crust. Trim and crimp the edges as desired.
Pour the apple filling into the prepared crust. Dot the filling with small pieces of butter, if using.
Place the second pie crust over the filling. Trim and crimp the edges to seal. Cut vents in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and water for the egg wash. Brush the top crust with the egg wash.
Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
Bake at 400°F (205°C) for 20 minutes.
Reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for another 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil.
Let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 2-3 hours before slicing and serving to allow the filling to set.
Notes
For a pre-cooked filling: After tossing ingredients in Step 2, place the apple mixture in a saucepan and cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened. Drain any excess liquid before filling the pie.
A combination of apple types can provide more complex flavor and texture.
Serve warm or at room temperature. Delicious with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 45
- Cook Time: 80
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg