Name: The Ultimate Apple Pie
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 70 min
Ingredients: 4-6 large apples (Macintosh, Cortlands, or Empire); ⅓ to ½ cup sugar; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (preferably Ceylon); ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional); 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade); 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed); ¼ to ½ cup ice water

Fill your home (and belly!) with the tantalizing aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and apples in this melt-in-your-mouth apple pie. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a family gathering, or just because, this classic dessert will bring warmth and comfort to your table. Follow this detailed guide for a foolproof pie that’s sure to impress.

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How to Make the Ultimate Apple Pie

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a freshly baked apple pie wafting through your home. This iconic dessert, with its tender, flaky crust and sweet, spiced apple filling, is a true classic that has won the hearts of generations.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or a kitchen novice, mastering the art of the perfect apple pie is within your reach. In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step, from selecting the best apples to crafting a beautiful homemade crust, and share tips and tricks to ensure your pie is the star of any gathering.

Ready to impress your family and friends with a dessert they won’t soon forget? Let’s get baking!

Ultimate Apple Pie Ingredients:

First, let’s start with the ingredients. What you use to craft your pie is going to ultimately decide how it comes out.

4-6 Large Apples: Macintosh or Cortlands are ideal for pies due to their balance of sweetness and tartness, as well as their ability to hold their shape during baking.

Empire apples are a cross between McIntosh and Red Delicious, inheriting the sweet-tart flavor and tender texture of McIntosh, making them an excellent substitute for baking.

They hold their shape relatively well, though they tend to soften like McIntosh, which is ideal for pies that require a balance of firmness and tenderness in the filling.

1/3 to 1/2 cup sugar: Adjust the amount of sugar based on the sweetness of the apples you use. Macintosh apples are naturally sweeter, so you may prefer the lower amount of sugar, while a more tart apple, such as Granny Smiths might require the full 1/2 cup.

1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Flour helps to thicken the juices released by the apples as they bake, preventing a runny pie.

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Cinnamon adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile of the pie. Use a quality ground cinnamon for the best taste.

The best type of cinnamon for baking, especially in apple pies, is Ceylon cinnamon. Known as “true cinnamon,” Ceylon cinnamon has a delicate, sweet flavor with subtle notes of citrus and a complex aroma, making it ideal for enhancing desserts.

It’s less pungent and less spicy than the more common Cassia cinnamon, allowing the flavors of the apples and other spices to shine without being overpowering.

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Nutmeg adds a subtle, slightly nutty flavor that complements the cinnamon and apples perfectly. Freshly grated nutmeg will give a more intense flavor.

2 tablespoons butter or margarine: Butter adds richness to the pie, helping to create a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth texture. If using margarine, actually, don’t. Just don’t use margarine. It’s unhealthy, tastes terrible and isn’t comparable to butter, period.

1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional): Toss the apple slices with lemon juice before adding the sugar mixture to prevent browning and enhance the tartness of the filling.

Pie Crust: You can use a store-bought refrigerated pie crust for convenience, but for the best flavor and flakiness, making your own homemade crust is highly recommended. A homemade pie crust made with butter or a butter-shortening blend will give your pie an exceptional texture.

Homemade Pie Crust Recipe (Optional):

If you prefer to make your pie crust from scratch, here’s a simple recipe:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
Cut in Butter: Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Add Water: Gradually add ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to add too much water—stop as soon as the dough holds together when pressed.
Form and Chill: Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before rolling out.

How to Prepare the Ultimate Apple Pie

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature helps to cook the crust quickly, ensuring it becomes beautifully golden and crisp.
Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin slices, about 1/4 inch thick, to ensure even cooking. Place the apple slices in a large mixing bowl and toss with lemon juice, if using.

peeled sliced mcintosh apples

Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mixing these ingredients together beforehand ensures they are evenly distributed throughout the pie filling.
Combine Apples and Spices: Pour the sugar and spice mixture over the apples, tossing them gently to coat all slices evenly. This step helps to flavor the apples and thicken the filling as it bakes.

seasoned sliced apples ready for pie

Assemble the Pie: Pour the seasoned apples into your prepared pie shell. Dot the apples with small pats of butter; this will melt during baking and add a rich flavor to the filling.

butter slices on top of apples in pie shell

Top with the Crust: Cover the apples with the second pie crust. Seal the edges by pressing them together and flute as desired to create a decorative edge. Use a sharp knife to cut a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.

apple pie ready for the oven

Bake the Pie: If you don’t have a pie crust shield to prevent the edges from burning, make one by cutting a thin strip of aluminum foil and wrapping it around the edge of the pie, covering about 1-inch of the crust.

Bake the pie for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the juices begin to bubble through the slits. Remove the foil during the last 15 minutes of baking to allow the edges to brown.

freshly baked apple pie

Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool slightly before serving to allow the filling to set. Serve warm for the best flavor, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: ~350 (varies based on crust type and portion size)

Fat: 15g

Carbohydrates: 52g

Sugar: 25g

Protein: 3g

Serving Size and Yield:

This recipe yields 8 servings.

Preparation and Total Cooking Time:

Preparation Time: 30 minutes (add 30 minutes if making the crust from scratch)

Baking Time: 40-50 minutes

Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes

Storage Instructions:

Refrigeration: Store any leftover pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing: You can freeze the baked pie for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes.

Variations and Add-Ons:

Add-Ins: Consider adding a handful of raisins or chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans) to the filling for extra texture and flavor.

Caramel Apple Pie: Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples before adding the top crust for a rich, decadent twist.

Spice Variations: Experiment with a pinch of cloves or allspice for a slightly different flavor profile.

Allergen Information:

Contains Gluten: The pie crust contains gluten. Substitute with a gluten-free flour blend if needed.

Contains Dairy: The recipe includes butter. Substitute with dairy-free margarine or a plant-based butter alternative if needed.

Troubleshooting Tips:

Soggy Bottom Crust: To avoid a soggy bottom crust, bake the pie on a lower oven rack and consider pre-baking the bottom crust for 5-7 minutes before adding the filling.

Watery Filling: If the filling is too watery, make sure you’re using enough flour to thicken the apple juices. You can also try adding 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to the flour mixture.

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Historical and Cultural Context:

Apple pie has long been a symbol of American tradition, often associated with family gatherings and festive occasions. While its origins trace back to medieval England, it has evolved over centuries into the beloved dessert we enjoy today, embodying the essence of home-cooked comfort.

This comprehensive recipe should provide you with all the information needed to bake a perfect apple pie every time. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!

The Ultimate Homemade Apple Pie Recipe