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Classic American Apple Pie Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 119 reviews

Classic American Apple Pie is a delicious, traditional dessert featuring a flaky buttery crust filled with tender spiced Granny Smith apples. Baked to golden perfection, this pie offers the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, making it a timeless favorite for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Pie Crust

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water

Apple Filling

  • 6 to 7 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Topping

  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon milk or water
  • Coarse sugar (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the Pie Dough: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the cold unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, stirring until the dough begins to form. Gather the dough and divide it into two discs. Wrap each in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
  2. Prepare the Apple Filling: Peel, core, and slice the Granny Smith apples. In a bowl, combine the apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Toss well to coat all apple slices evenly. Let the mixture sit for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and to release juices, then drain off the excess juice.
  3. Preheat Oven and Roll Dough: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the chilled dough discs to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Carefully transfer the dough to the pie dish and gently press it into place. Trim the edges to leave a slight overhang.
  4. Add Filling and Top Crust: Pour the prepared apple filling into the crust-lined pie dish, spreading evenly. Dot the filling with the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Roll out the second dough disc for the top crust. You can create a lattice pattern or cover with a full crust. Seal and crimp the edges well to prevent leakage. Beat the egg with milk or water to form an egg wash, then brush the top crust. Sprinkle coarse sugar if desired for added texture and sweetness.
  5. Bake the Pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake at 425°F for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for another 40 to 50 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, tent the pie loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
  6. Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool for at least 2 hours. Cooling allows the filling to set properly for clean slices and enhances the pie’s flavor. Serve warm or at room temperature as desired.

Notes

  • Use Granny Smith apples for a balance of tartness and sweetness; you can mix with sweeter apples if preferred.
  • Chilling the dough is crucial for a flaky crust and easier rolling.
  • Letting the filling rest and drain excess juices helps prevent a soggy crust.
  • Use a pie shield or foil strips to protect the crust edges if they brown too fast.
  • For extra shine and crunch, brush the crust with egg wash and sprinkle coarse sugar before baking.
  • Allowing the pie to cool thoroughly ensures the filling thickens properly.

Keywords: apple pie, classic apple pie, American dessert, homemade pie, Granny Smith apples, baked pie, fall dessert

Find it online: https://foodbylina.com/classic-american-apple-pie-recipe/