Are you ready to take your holiday dessert game to the next level? Cooking from scratch is a delicious and impressive way to treat your holiday guests. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other special occasion, a homemade apple pie is a true crowd-pleaser. We’re going to guide you through the entire process of how to make apple pie from scratch, from selecting the best apples to serving a perfect slice. Let’s dive into the world of homemade apple pies!
Which Apples Are Best For Making Pie?
When it comes to making the best fresh apple recipes, your choice of apples is crucial. Not all apples are created equal, and some varieties work better for pie filling than others. Let’s take a closer look at the apples that can elevate your pie.
Granny Smith Apples
These famous green apples are great for pie because their tartness adds a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the pie. They have a firm and crisp texture that holds its shape well during baking, making them excellent for classic apple pie recipes.
Honeycrisp Apples
If you’re looking for a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, Honeycrisp apples are the way to go. They have a crisp and juicy texture that provides a burst of flavor in every bite, making them ideal for those who prefer a sweeter filling.
Braeburn Apples
Braeburn apples are an excellent choice due to their sweet, spicy flavor that complements cinnamon and nutmeg. They have a tender and juicy texture with a slightly tart undertone, making them perfect for creating a spiced apple pie with a twist.
Choosing the right apples ensures that your pie will be flavorful and well-textured, leaving your guests asking for seconds.
What Do You Need to Make An Apple Pie?
Before you start baking, make sure you have the necessary kitchen tools and ingredients on hand. Here’s a checklist of what you’ll need:
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Kitchen Tools
- Pie Dish: A standard 9-inch pie dish is perfect for most apple pie recipes.
- Rolling Pin: For rolling out the pie crust.
- Mixing Bowls: You’ll need bowls for the filling and the pie crust.
- Peeler and Corer: To prep your apples efficiently.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For slicing and dicing the apples.
- Pastry Brush: Useful for brushing the pie crust with egg wash.
- Pastry Cutter: For crimping the pie edges.
Homemade Apple Pie
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust
- 2 1/2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 cup Unsalted butter (2 sticks, cold and cut into small cubes)
- 6-8 tbsp Ice water
For the Apple Filling
- 6-7 cups Peeled, cored, and sliced apples (a mix of Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Braeburn works well)
- 3/4 cup Granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup Brown sugar
- 1 tsp Ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp Ground nutmeg
- 1 pinch Salt
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- 2 tbsp Unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)
Instructions
Making the Pie Crust
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture.
- Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter pieces should be about the size of small peas.
- Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix the dough with a fork.
- Stop adding water when the dough begins to come together. You want it to be moist but not too sticky.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each into a flat disc.
- Wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps prevent it from becoming tough.
Making the Apple Filling
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the peeled, sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice. Toss the mixture until the apples are evenly coated.
Assembling the Pie
- Roll out one of the chilled pie crust discs on a floured surface to fit your pie dish. It should be about 1/8-inch thick.
- Carefully transfer the rolled-out crust to your pie dish, gently pressing it into the bottom and along the sides.
- Pour the prepared apple filling into the crust, spreading it evenly.
- Dot the top of the filling with small pieces of butter.
- Roll out the second pie crust disc and place it over the filling.
- Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal the pie.
- Use a sharp knife to make a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
Baking the Pie
- Optional: Brush the top crust with a beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown, and the filling is bubbling.
- If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, you can cover them with foil to prevent over-browning.
Serving the Pie
- Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving. This helps the filling set.
- Serve your apple pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful treat!
Related Article: How to Make Homemade Whipped Cream
Tips and Tricks For Making Apple Pie From Scratch
- Chill the Pie Crust: Keep the pie crust and all the utensils cold to ensure a flaky, tender crust.
- Mix Apple Varieties: Combine different apple varieties for a more complex flavor profile.
- Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs or crushed graham crackers on the pie crust before adding the filling to prevent it from becoming soggy.
- Serve with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with warm apple pie.
Ready to Make An Apple Pie From Scratch?
Making apple pie from scratch may seem like a daunting task, but with the right apples, tools, and a bit of patience, you can create a delicious masterpiece that will impress your holiday guests. From the first slice to the last, the aroma and flavor of homemade apple pie are unbeatable. So, don’t wait any longer—get ready to bake your way to holiday dessert perfection!
FAQs: How to Make Apple Pie From Scratch
Can I use pre-made pie crusts?
Absolutely! Pre-made pie crusts are convenient and work well for this recipe.
Can I make the pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pie a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Can I use frozen apple slices?
While fresh apples are preferred, frozen apple slices can be used in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before use.
Can I add other fruits to the apple pie?
Certainly! Experiment with adding berries or pears to create unique flavor combinations.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover pie?
To maintain its texture, reheat individual slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Enjoy!