A Step-by-Step Recipe for the Perfect Apple Pie

You might think you're a pro at making apple pie but with this recipe you'll be able to take your pie-making skills to the next level. From the type of apples to use to the perfect crust we'll walk you through every step of the process so that you can bake the perfect apple pie. Ready to get started? 

What Ingredients You Need for the Perfect Apple Pie

To make the perfect apple pie you'll need:

• A 9" pie crust (homemade or store-bought)

• 6-7 cups of thinly sliced granny smith apples

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

• Pinch of nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
In a large bowl, combine the apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt mix well.
Pour mixture into the pie crust dot with butter.
Bake for 45 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Serve warm or cold.

How to Make a Traditional Apple Pie Crust

It's time to roll up your sleeves and get ready to make the perfect apple pie crust here's what you'll need:

• 2 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1 cup (2 sticks) cold and cubed unsalted butter

• 6-8 tablespoons ice water

Start by whisking together the flour, salt and sugar in a large bowl. Then add the butter and use a pastry cutter (or two forks) to cut it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Slowly add in 6 tablespoons of ice water, stirring with a fork as you go if the dough is still crumbly add an extra tablespoon or two of water until it comes together. You don't want the dough to be too wet, or it will be difficult to work with.
Make a ball of the dough, then flatten it into a disc. Wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days).

Preparing the Apples for Your Pie

Since you're using Granny Smith apples you'll need to add a little sugar and lemon juice to them before tossing them with the flour and spices this will help them keep their shape and ensure that they don't turn to mush when baked.
First combine the sugar and lemon juice in a large bowl. Cut the apples into quarters and then add them to the bowl. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated then set aside.

Making Your Pie Filling

Now comes the fun part—filling your pie with delicious ingredients! Start by peeling, coring and slicing your apples. You want to make sure they’re cut into thin slices so they can cook evenly but not too thin or they won’t stay together when you're ready to serve your apple pie.

Once your apples are sliced toss them in a bowl with some sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and lemon juice. Mix everything together until the apples are evenly coated and the filling is fragrant. Then add a few tablespoons of flour, which will help thicken the filling as it bakes.

Once you have all the ingredients mixed together, scoop the mixture into your chilled pie crust and spread it into an even layer. And voilà—your apple pie filling is ready for baking!

Tips for Assembling and Baking Your Apple Pie

Now it's time to layer up your apple pie. Start by placing one single piece of dough in the bottom of the dish and brushing it lightly with butter. Then, start adding the apples in an even layer, making sure that the ones on top are curling up slightly. Sprinkle generously with brown sugar, and then add a few dots of butter over the apples. Next, lay out your second sheet of dough, giving it a light brush of butter as well before crimping the edges.

As for baking, some people like to blind-bake their pies first to ensure that the bottom is cooked before filling it with apples and sugary goodness. This might be necessary if you want extremely crispy or flaky crusts - but if you're in a hurry or don't have the patience for this step, feel free to skip it.

As far as temperature and time go, I recommend cooking at 350°F for about 30 minutes or until golden brown on top. To know when your pie is done baking, insert a toothpick into one of the vents - when it comes out clean with no wet batter sticking to it, you can take your delicious creation out of the oven!

Topping Ideas to Take Your Pie to the Next Level

Once your pie has been assembled and chilled, it's time to top it off. For a traditional topping, cover your apple pie with a sheet of pre-made puff pastry. This adds a delicious flaky top crust that creates a nice contrast to the tart-sweet apple filling. Another option is to sprinkle the top with panko crumbs before you bake it; this adds a crunchy texture that pairs beautifully with the apples underneath.

To take your pie over the top, try tossing some toasted pecans or walnuts on top for an extra nutty flavor. You can also add streusel topping by combining butter, brown sugar, flour and oats together, then sprinkle the mixture over the entire pie before baking.

Once your pie is topped off and ready to go in the oven, all you have to do is wait for it to bake until golden brown! Enjoy your warm, comforting dessert with friends and family for a sweet end to any meal.

Conclusion

So, there you have it—a foolproof recipe for the perfect apple pie. Just remember to enjoy the process, and don't be discouraged if it doesn't turn out perfectly the first time. With a little practice, you'll be a pie-making pro in no time!