Best Recipe for Apple Pie

I used to be a total Apple Pie hater. It’s always too mushy and bland. But no longer! I’ve found the perfect method to make the Best Recipe for Apple Pie of your life! This classic recipe features a double crust (you won’t miss that crumble), a cooked filling for the best texture and flavor, and is super easy. Perfect for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or just a cozy night in, this pie will surely impress everyone at the table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor – The combination of sweet apples with warm spices creates an irresistible taste.
• Perfect Texture – A unique cooked filling ensures tender apples without being mushy.
• Easy to Make – Simple steps make this recipe approachable for bakers of all levels.
• Versatile Serving Options – Great on its own or paired with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce.
• Classic Appeal – A timeless dessert that never goes out of style and is loved by many.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making the Best Recipe for Apple Pie, gather your tools. Proper equipment makes the process smoother and helps you achieve the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Rolling pin
• 9-inch pie dish
• Mixing bowls
• Rubber spatula
• High-sided skillet

Importance of Each Tool

• Rolling pin – Essential for rolling out your dough evenly, ensuring a perfectly shaped pie crust.
• 9-inch pie dish – Provides enough depth to hold all the delicious apple filling without spilling over.
• Mixing bowls – Useful for combining ingredients without mess; having multiple sizes makes prepping easier.
• Rubber spatula – Great for scraping every last bit of filling into your pie crust.

Ingredients

• 1 homemade double pie crust (2 sheets of pie dough)
• 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
• juice from half a lemon (2 tablespoons)
• 5 pounds apples (5 pounds before peeling and coring*)
• 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 & 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 3/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 tablespoon milk (for brushing on pie)
• 1 tablespoon beaten egg (optional, for brushing on pie)
• 1 tablespoon raw sugar (for topping pie)

How to Make Best Recipe for Apple Pie

Step 1: Choose Your Apples

Select about 11 large apples totaling roughly five pounds. A mix like Granny Smith, Gala, and Golden Delicious provides a balanced flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

Use a microplane grater to zest 1/4 teaspoon lemon peel into a high-sided skillet.

Step 3: Add Lemon Juice

Squeeze in juice from half a lemon, approximately 2 tablespoons, into the skillet.

Step 4: Peel and Slice Apples

Peel five pounds of apples using a potato peeler or apple peeler. Slice them into 1/8 inch pieces. To avoid browning, peel one apple at a time, slice it immediately, then toss it in the lemon juice.

Step 5: Cook Apples

Place all sliced apples in the skillet over medium heat.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Add 3/4 cup packed brown sugar, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 5 tablespoons flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 & 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, 3/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and optional cardamom. Stir gently to coat the apples without breaking them.

Step 7: Simmer

Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for about 20 minutes. Stir every three minutes. The apples should become fork-tender but still hold their shape.

Step 8: Vanilla Addition

Once cooked, remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla.

Step 9: Cool Filling

Transfer the apple mixture to a half-sheet pan. Spread it evenly and chill completely in the fridge or freezer.

Step 10: Roll Out Dough

Roll out your homemade pie dough and fit it into a deep 9-inch pie dish. Leave excess dough hanging over the edges.

Step 11: Fill Pie Dish

Scrape all cooled apple filling into the prepared pie dish using a rubber spatula.

Step 12: Top with Crust

Cover with another sheet of dough. You can either cut slits for ventilation or place it whole on top.

Step 13: Crimp Edges

Fold edges inward and crimp as desired. If not doing lattice, vent by poking holes in several places on top.

Step 14: Chill Again

Chill assembled pie in the fridge or freezer for another 20–30 minutes to ensure flaky crust.

Step 15: Preheat Oven

Place a baking sheet in the center rack of your oven and preheat to 425°F. Allow it to heat thoroughly for at least 20–25 minutes.

Step 16: Brush Crust

Brush entire crust with milk or beaten egg mixture before baking.

Step 17: Add Sugar Topping

Sprinkle raw sugar over the top of your unbaked pie.

Step 18: First Bake

Bake on preheated baking sheet for about 15 minutes. Check if edges start turning light brown.

Step 19: Prepare Foil Shield

Cut out a circle from tin foil to protect edges from burning during final baking stage.

Step 20: Lower Temperature

Reduce oven temperature to 350°F. Cover edges loosely with foil shield after first bake is done.

Step 21: Final Bake

Return pie to oven and bake an additional 40–45 minutes. Look for golden brown color on both edges and center.

Step 22: Cool Down

Allow your beautifully baked apple pie to cool on a wire rack for about four hours before slicing—patience is key!

Step 23: Serve

Slice up that deliciousness! Consider serving with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce—an indulgent treat awaits!

Step 24: Store Leftovers

Store any leftover slices covered on the counter for up to two days; after that, refrigerate.

Enjoy making this timeless dessert!

How to Serve Best Recipe for Apple Pie

Serving the Best Recipe for Apple Pie can elevate your dessert experience. This classic dish pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments that enhance its flavors and textures.

A La Mode

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a delightful contrast to the warm pie.
• Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over each slice for a rich and indulgent treat.
• Whipped Cream: Soft, fluffy whipped cream provides a light topping that complements the pie’s sweetness.

With Fresh Fruits

• Berries: Fresh raspberries or blueberries can add a tartness that balances the sweetness of the pie.
• Sliced Bananas: Adding banana slices brings a tropical twist to your apple pie serving.

For a Unique Twist

• Cheddar Cheese: A slice of sharp cheddar cheese on top of warm apple pie is a traditional pairing that enhances the flavors.
• Crème Fraîche: Use tangy crème fraîche as a sophisticated topping option for those who like a bit of zest.

How to Perfect Best Recipe for Apple Pie

To ensure you achieve the Best Recipe for Apple Pie, consider these helpful tips. They will guide you in creating a delicious and visually appealing dessert.

• Choose the right apples: Select a mix of sweet and tart apples, like Granny Smith and Gala, for balanced flavor.
• Pre-cook your filling: Cooking the apple filling before baking prevents a soggy crust and enhances flavor.
• Use cold ingredients: Make sure your butter and water are cold when preparing your pie crust to achieve flakiness.
• Don’t skip chilling: Chill your assembled pie before baking. It helps maintain structure during baking.
• Vent your crust: If not using lattice, make sure to cut slits in your top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
• Let it cool: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing; this ensures cleaner cuts and better texture.

Best Side Dishes for Best Recipe for Apple Pie

Pairing side dishes with apple pie can create an inviting meal experience. Here are some delicious options to consider when serving this classic dessert.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture complements the warm pie perfectly.
2. Cheese Platter: Serve with assorted cheeses like brie and sharp cheddar for a savory contrast.
3. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds brightness and balance after enjoying rich apple pie.
4. Caramelized Nuts: Sweet, crunchy nuts provide an interesting texture alongside each slice of pie.
5. Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of pumpkin soup creates a cozy atmosphere and pairs well with dessert.
6. Spiced Tea: Offer hot spiced tea as a soothing drink option that enhances the flavors of apple pie.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the Best Recipe for Apple Pie can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to avoid. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Using the wrong apples: Not all apples are created equal! Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for depth of flavor.
• Skipping the chilling time: Don’t rush the chilling of your pie crust. A well-chilled crust ensures flakiness and prevents shrinkage.
• Not precooking the filling: Cooking your apple filling before baking helps achieve a perfect texture and prevents a soggy bottom crust.
• Overfilling the pie: Resist the temptation to pack in too much filling. Overfilling can lead to spills and uneven baking.
• Ignoring oven temperatures: Preheat your oven adequately. A hot oven is essential for creating that golden, flaky crust.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store the pie at room temperature for up to 2 days, ensuring it is covered with plastic wrap.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate it, where it can last up to 5 days.

Freezing Best Recipe for Apple Pie

• Wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Best Recipe for Apple Pie

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Slice and heat on medium power for about 30 seconds at a time until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat slices in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, adding a bit of butter if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about the Best Recipe for Apple Pie.

What type of apples are best for apple pie?

The best recipe for apple pie uses a combination of tart and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith, Gala, and Golden Delicious.

Can I make apple pie ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare your Best Recipe for Apple Pie in advance. Just store it properly in the fridge or freezer until ready to bake or serve.

How do I prevent my pie crust from getting soggy?

To avoid a soggy crust, ensure you precook your filling and consider blind-baking your crust before adding the filling.

What is the best way to serve apple pie?

Serving warm slices of apple pie with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce enhances its flavors beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Best Recipe for Apple Pie is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding different spices or using various types of apples. Whether you enjoy it plain or with toppings, this recipe is sure to impress family and friends alike. Don’t hesitate—give this classic dessert a try!