There’s nothing quite like the taste of grandma’s baking, and this Apple Pie recipe is a true heirloom. Packed with tender, spiced apples and encased in a buttery, flaky crust, it’s a classic dessert that never disappoints.
Why You’ll Love Grandma’s Apple Pie:
- Family Favorite: This timeless recipe has been passed down through generations, guaranteed to bring back warm memories and create new ones.
- Homemade Flaky Crust: No store-bought crust here! This recipe delivers a melt-in-your-mouth crust that elevates the entire pie.
- Simple Ingredients, Extraordinary Flavor: With readily available ingredients, this pie is easy to make yet bursting with flavor.
Ingredients (Makes One 9-inch Pie):
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| For the Crust: | |
| All-Purpose Flour | 2 1/4 cups |
| Cold Unsalted Butter, cubed | 1 cup (2 sticks) |
| Ice Water | 3-4 tablespoons |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| For the Filling: | |
| Apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mixture) | 6-8 large, peeled, and sliced |
| Granulated Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Brown Sugar, packed | 1/4 cup |
| Ground Cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground Nutmeg | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Lemon Juice | 1 tablespoon |
| All-Purpose Flour | 2 tablespoons |
| Unsalted Butter, melted (for brushing) | 1 tablespoon (optional) |
| Coarse Sugar (for sprinkling) | Optional |
Instructions:
- Make the Crust: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Apples: While the dough chills, toss sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Let sit for 10 minutes, allowing the apples to release their juices.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare a 9-inch pie dish by greasing it lightly.
- Assemble the Pie: Divide the chilled dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one half into a circle slightly larger than your pie dish. Gently transfer the dough to the prepared dish. Add the apple filling, making sure to drain off any excess liquid. Roll out the remaining dough and place it over the filling. Crimp the edges to seal. Cut slits in the top crust for ventilation. Brush the top crust with melted butter (optional) and sprinkle with coarse sugar (optional).
- Bake the Pie: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the juices from the apples are bubbling. Cover the edges of the crust with foil if they start to brown too quickly.
- Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Tips for Success:
- Chilling the Dough: This step is crucial for a flaky crust. Don’t skip it!
- Apple Selection: A combination of tart and sweet apples creates the perfect flavor balance.
- Thicken the Filling: If your apples are very juicy, you can use a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) to thicken the filling before adding it to the crust.
- Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Pre-bake the bottom crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling to prevent a soggy bottom.
Conclusion:
Grandma’s Best Apple Pie is a recipe that will become a cherished part of your own family’s traditions. The combination of a flaky crust and a spiced apple filling is pure comfort food at its finest. So, gather your loved ones, and enjoy a slice of nostalgia with this timeless dessert!