Classic American Apple Pie Recipe

Introduction

Apple pie is a timeless American classic, beloved for its flaky crust and sweet-spiced apple filling. Perfect for holidays or cozy family gatherings, this dessert brings warmth and comfort to any table. Making it from scratch is easier than you might think, and the results are truly rewarding.

Ingredients

• 6–7 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
• ¾ cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons flour or cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 cup cold butter (cut into cubes)
• 6–8 tablespoons ice-cold water

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and sugar. Add cold butter cubes and rub them into the flour mixture until it looks crumbly. Gradually add ice-cold water, stirring until a soft dough forms. Divide the dough into two portions, wrap each in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
2. Step 2: Peel, core, and slice the apples. In a separate bowl, combine apples with sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, flour (or cornstarch), and vanilla extract. Toss gently until all apple slices are evenly coated.
3. Step 3: Roll out one portion of chilled dough on a floured surface and fit it into a pie dish. Pour the apple filling into the crust. Roll out the second dough portion and lay it over the apples. Seal the edges firmly and cut small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
4. Step 4: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pie on the middle rack for 45–50 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown and the filling bubbles through the slits.
5. Step 5: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 1 hour before slicing. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a balanced flavor and complex texture.
• Always keep your butter cold to ensure a flaky, tender crust.
• Don’t omit the lemon juice—it brightens the filling and balances the sweetness.
• For a decorative touch, use lattice or cut-out shapes for the top crust instead of a full cover.
• Try adding a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for extra warmth in the filling.

Storage

Store leftover apple pie covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving to keep the crust crisp.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples instead of fresh?

Fresh apples are preferred for the best texture and flavor, but if using frozen, thaw and drain them well to avoid a soggy filling.

How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Using cold butter and chilling the dough helps create a flaky crust. Adding flour or cornstarch to the filling absorbs excess moisture, and cutting steam vents on the top crust allows moisture to escape during baking.

Classic American Apple Pie Recipe

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Classic American Apple Pie is a beloved dessert featuring a flaky buttery crust and a sweet, spiced apple filling. Perfect for holidays and family gatherings, this pie embodies warmth and comfort with a blend of tart and sweet apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg baked to golden perfection.

• Author: reem
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Filling:

• 6–7 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• ¾ cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons flour or cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Crust:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 cup cold butter (cut into cubes)
• 6–8 tablespoons ice-cold water

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust: In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar. Add cold butter cubes and rub them into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice-cold water, stirring until a soft dough forms. Divide the dough into two equal parts, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
2. Make the Filling: Peel, core, and slice the apples. In a bowl, mix the sliced apples with sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, flour or cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Toss everything together until the apple slices are evenly coated with the sugary spice mixture.
3. Assemble the Pie: Roll out one portion of chilled dough on a floured surface to fit your pie dish. Gently transfer the dough into the dish, trimming excess edges. Pour the apple filling evenly over the crust. Roll out the second dough portion and cover the filling. Seal the edges by pinching or pressing with a fork, then cut small slits in the top to allow steam to escape during baking.
4. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pie for 45–50 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the steam vents.
5. Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool for at least 1 hour to let the filling set. Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a classic finish.

Notes

• Use a combination of sweet and tart apples to enhance the flavor complexity.
• Always use cold butter when making the crust to ensure a flaky texture.
• The lemon juice balances the sweetness and prevents the apples from browning.
• Allow the pie to cool before slicing for clean, neat servings.

Keywords: Apple Pie, Classic Dessert, American Pie, Holiday Dessert, Homemade Pie