For food enthusiasts and dessert lovers alike, there’s a universal appeal in the classic American apple pie. It’s a dessert that holds a special place in the hearts of many, embodying the essence of home, comfort, and tradition. The delightful combination of sweet, tender apples and a flaky, buttery crust, subtly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, creates a dessert experience that is both heartwarming and delicious. Let’s dive into a recipe that captures the quintessential charm of this beloved American dessert.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 4-8 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling:
- 6 cups thinly sliced apples (a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp works well)
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- A pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Additional sugar for sprinkling on top
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and sugar. Add the chilled butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, stirring until the dough comes together. Divide the dough into two halves, form each into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss to coat the apples evenly.
- Assemble the Pie: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a floured surface, roll out one dough disk for the bottom crust and place it in a 9-inch pie dish. Fill with the apple mixture and dot with butter. Roll out the second dough disk and place it over the filling. Trim, seal, and crimp the edges. Cut slits in the top crust for steam to escape.
- Baking the Pie: Beat the egg with a tablespoon of water and brush it over the crust. Sprinkle with a little sugar for a sparkling finish. Bake for about 50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the filling to set.
- Enjoy: Serve your apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate treat.
Tips and Tricks
- Choosing Apples: Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for a balanced flavor. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices.
- Chilled Butter: Keep the butter and water as cold as possible for the crust. This ensures a flaky texture.
- Thickening the Filling: The flour in the filling helps to thicken the apple juices, preventing a soggy bottom crust.
- Prevent Burning: If the edges of the crust brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil.
There you have it, a delightful recipe for a classic American apple pie that is sure to please any crowd. This pie isn’t just a dessert; it’s a slice of Americana, perfect for any gathering, holiday, or simply as a treat to brighten a regular day. Enjoy the process of baking and the joy of sharing this sweet, comforting pie with friends and family!