Few desserts are as quintessentially American as a perfectly baked Classic Apple Pie. With its flaky, buttery crust and sweet-tart apple filling, it's a dish that brings forth feelings of warmth and nostalgia. Whether you're preparing it for a special occasion or simply longing for a comforting slice of pie, this recipe serves as your ultimate guide to crafting the Best Classic American Apple Pie.
Ingredients:
For the Pie Crust:
A) 21/2 cups of all-purpose flour
B) 1 teaspoon of salt
C) 1 cup of cold unsalted butter (2 sticks), cubed
D) 6-8 tablespoons of ice water
For the Apple Filling:
E) 6-7 cups of Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (approximately 6-7 apples)
F) 3/4 cup of granulated sugar
G) 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
H) 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
I) 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
J) A pinch of salt
K) 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
L) 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
For the Pie Crust:
M) In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
N) Incorporate the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture.
O) Use a pastry cutter or your hands to blend the butter into the flour until it reaches a coarse crumb-like consistency.
P) Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough forms. Be cautious not to overwork the dough.
Q) Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape them into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
For the Apple Filling:
In a spacious mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice until the apples are evenly coated.
Assembling the Pie:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Roll out one of the chilled pie crusts on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish.
Place the rolled-out crust into the pie dish and trim any excess overhang.
Pour the prepared apple filling into the pie crust and scatter small pieces of butter over the top.
Roll out the second pie crust and place it over the apples. Trim and crimp the edges to seal the pie.
Create a few slits on the top crust to allow steam to escape.
Optionally, you can brush the top crust with milk or an egg wash and sprinkle sugar for a golden finish.
Position the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack before serving.
Enjoy Your Classic American Apple Pie!
This Best Classic American Apple Pie Recipe is a bona fide crowd-pleaser. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate indulgence. Whether you're celebrating a holiday or seeking a simple weeknight treat, this homemade apple pie is destined to become a cherished family favorite, preserving the legacy of delicious and comforting American desserts.
Get ready for a timeless classic! This recipe presents the ultimate Traditional Apple Pie you'll ever prepare.
It's the quintessential all-American autumn dessert, and every kitchen needs a trusty apple pie recipe to savor throughout the season and all the way into the holidays!
Today, I'm revealing my own cherished recipe, and I can guarantee it won't disappoint! Immerse yourself in the delectable flavors of perfectly spiced baked apples swirled in a rich, caramel-like glaze, all encased within a flaky, buttery crust. Plus, a special egg wash adds a delightful crunch, with sweet sugar crystals adorning the top crust for a stunning and extra flavorful finish.
When it comes to making pies, it's advisable to opt for apples with a firmer and more tart profile. These apples, often referred to as 'baking apples,' have the unique ability to maintain their shape and perform exceptionally well in baking. (It's no surprise, really!) In my pie-making endeavors, I typically rely on a blend of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples for that perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Q: What is the most popular apple pie followed by in the US?
Ans: Apple pie is essentially synonymous with Thanksgiving and Christmas, and it may come as a surprise that it ranks as the most popular choice in the U.S., closely followed by pumpkin, chocolate, lemon meringue, and cherry pies.
Q: What Accompanies Apple Pie in American Tradition?
Ans: In American culinary tradition, apple pie is frequently enjoyed with accompaniments such as whipped cream, ice cream (often referred to as 'apple pie à la mode'), custard, or even cheddar cheese. Typically, it features a double crust—pastry both above and below the filling—with the upper crust being either solid or latticed, woven from crosswise strips
Q: Is apple pie traditionally American?
Ans: As per Food52, the roots of apple pie trace back to England, with its culinary evolution influenced by France, the Netherlands, and even the Ottoman Empire as far back as 1390—many centuries before the Pilgrims' arrival on Plymouth Rock. Subsequently, European settlers introduced apple pie to the colonies, where it swiftly gained popularity.
Q: What is the difference between American apple pie and English apple pie?
Ans: The contrast lies in the seasoning and the apple varieties used," he clarified. "In the U.S., what sets it apart is the generous amount and size of apples, along with the bold and robust flavors. The inclusion of cinnamon is especially noteworthy.
Q: What type of pie is American?
Ans: Some American specialties are pecan pie, pumpkin custard pie (traditionally served on Thanksgiving Day), lemon pie with a soft meringue topping, and shoofly pie, a Pennsylvania Dutch (see Pennsylvania German) pie with a rich filling containing molasses.
Q: Which is better for apple pie?
Ans: Known for its firmness and pronounced tartness, this apple variety is a popular choice for pies due to its excellent ability to maintain its shape during baking. However, it's not particularly celebrated for its individual flavor. Therefore, Granny Smith apples shine brightest when combined with sweeter and more flavorful apple varieties.
Q: Why does apple pie taste good?
Ans: A delicate pastry crust paired with a lusciously sweet fruit filling creates a harmonious combination that's truly remarkable. However, not all apple pies reach the same level of perfection. Some feature soft, overly cooked fruit that resembles applesauce rather than distinct apple slices. Others overpower the pure apple essence with an excessive amount of cinnamon or end up tasting excessively sweet or excessively tart.
