This homemade apple pie features a flaky, buttery crust that cradles sweet, spiced apples. It’s the perfect treat for family gatherings or cozy nights in!
Baking this pie is always fun for me—there’s something special about the smell of apples and cinnamon filling the kitchen. Plus, you can never go wrong with extra whipped cream on top! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base for the crust. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. I find that the texture can vary slightly but still creates a lovely crust.
Unsalted butter: Cold butter is vital for that flaky texture. You could substitute with chilled vegetable shortening for a dairy-free option; just keep in mind the flavor will change slightly. I often stick with butter for the best taste!
Apples: Using a mix of Granny Smith and a sweeter variety like Fuji enhances the flavor. If they’re not available, feel free to use just one variety, or other apples like Honeycrisp or Braeburn would work well too. I usually prefer a tart apple for balance.
Spices: You can adjust the spices based on your preference. If you don’t have nutmeg or cloves, just stick with cinnamon, or add a pinch of allspice for warmth. Cinnamon is a must in my book for that homey flavor!
How Do I Make Sure My Crust is Flaky?
The key to a flaky crust lies in how you handle the butter and dough. Here are some essential tips:
- Keep your ingredients cold. Use chilled butter and ice water to prevent the fat from melting before baking.
- Don’t overwork the dough. Mix just until it comes together. A few visible chunks of butter are okay—they’ll create those flakiness layers!
- Chilling the dough before rolling helps maintain its shape and reduces shrinkage during baking. 1 hour is ideal, but if you can manage a few hours or overnight, even better!
Following these tips will help you achieve that perfect flaky crust. Enjoy making your apple pie! It’s a classic that warms the heart. 😊
Homemade Apple Pie with Flaky Crust
Ingredients:
For the flaky crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water
For the apple filling:
- 6 to 7 medium-sized apples (a mix of tart Granny Smith and sweet Red Delicious or Fuji)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For assembly and topping:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
Time Estimate:
This homemade apple pie will take about 30 minutes to prepare and around 1.5 hours to bake, plus a cooling time of at least 2 hours. You’ll enjoy your delightful pie in just about 4 hours total, allowing the flavors to mesh beautifully!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the crust:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar until well combined. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to mix until it looks like coarse crumbs with small pieces of butter. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently just until the dough holds together when pressed. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic, and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
2. Make the apple filling:
While the dough chills, prepare your apple filling. Peel, core, and thinly slice your apples. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves (if using), lemon juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Toss everything together to coat the apples evenly, and then set aside.
3. Assemble the pie:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie plate, easing it in without stretching the dough. Spoon the apple filling into the crust, mounding it slightly in the center. Roll out the second disk of dough into another 12-inch circle. You can create a lattice top by slicing the dough into strips and weaving them over the filling, or simply place it over the pie whole, cutting a few slits in the top for steam to escape. Trim and crimp the edges to seal the pie.
4. Finishing touches and baking:
Brush the top crust with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar if you like. Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, then lower the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 40-50 minutes, until the crust is golden and the filling bubbles. If the edges brown too quickly, don’t hesitate to cover them with foil.
5. Cool and serve:
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 2 hours, allowing the filling to set properly. Serve it warm or at room temperature, and for an extra treat, top it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream!
Enjoy your homemade apple pie with its perfect flaky crust and sweet, warmly spiced filling! Happy baking! 🍏🥧
Can I Use Store-Bought Pie Crust Instead?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a store-bought pie crust can save you some effort. Just follow the package instructions for pre-baking or filling the crust before adding your apple filling.
What Can I Substitute for the Apples?
If you’re looking to mix things up, pears or peaches make excellent substitutes for apples in pie. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces and adjust the sweetness based on the fruit’s natural sugar content.
How Do I Prevent a Soggy Bottom Crust?
To avoid a soggy crust, try pre-baking the bottom crust for about 10-15 minutes before adding your filling. You can also sprinkle a thin layer of flour or cornstarch on the bottom crust before adding the filling to help absorb moisture.
How Long Will Leftover Pie Last?
Leftover apple pie can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. To reheat, pop slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or microwave them for a quick warm-up. Enjoy it just like a fresh slice!