Description
Learn to make Grandma’s Delightful Apple Pie, a classic dessert with a buttery, flaky crust and a perfectly spiced apple filling. This recipe combines tart Granny Smith and sweet Honeycrisp apples for a balanced flavor. Follow our easy step-by-step guide to create a delightful homemade apple pie from scratch that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 6–8 tablespoons ice water
- 6 cups thinly sliced and peeled apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (adjust depending on sweetness preference)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (to dot on top before baking)
- Milk or egg wash for brushing (optional)
- Sugar for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Pie Crust: In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar. Mix well. Add the chilled, diced butter. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Don’t overwork it. Divide the dough into two portions, shape them into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. Let sit for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and juices to form.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out one dough disc to fit your pie pan (about 1/8 inch thick). Transfer to the pie pan.
- Fill the Pie: Pour the apple filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly. Dot the filling with small pieces of butter.
- Top and Seal: Roll out the second dough disc and place it over the apple filling. Crimp the edges to seal the pie. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Optionally, brush with a milk or egg wash and sprinkle sugar on top for a golden finish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 35-45 minutes or until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown. Check occasionally and cover edges with foil if browning too quickly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least two hours before slicing. This allows the filling to set up nicely. Serve warm or at room temperature, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Notes
- For the best results, ensure your butter and water are very cold when making the crust.
- Adjust the sugar in the filling based on the sweetness of your apples and your personal preference.
- Allowing the pie to cool for at least two hours is crucial for the filling to set properly.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: Approximately 400-500 kcal (this is an estimation and can vary significantly)
- Sugar: Approximately 30-40g (estimation)
- Sodium: Approximately 300-400mg (estimation)
- Fat: Approximately 20-30g (estimation)
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 12-18g (estimation)
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 8-12g (estimation)
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 50-60g (estimation)
- Fiber: Approximately 3-5g (estimation)
- Protein: Approximately 4-6g (estimation)
- Cholesterol: Approximately 50-70mg (estimation)