Warm slices of the classic apple pie bring back the simple joys of home. Tart apples, sugar, and cinnamon melt together under a flaky crust, each bite rich and sweet. Hours spent peeling, mixing, and rolling pay off the moment you lift that golden pie from the oven. Nothing feels as satisfying as sharing it with people you care about, each slice proof that care and patience matter.
Ingredients
- 7 large Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored and sliced into ½ inch slices)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar (loosely packed)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (plus the zest of half of a lemon)
- 1 large egg (lightly beaten in a small bowl for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons sanding sugar (optional)
- 2 (9″ pie crust)
Directions:
- Start by preparing the 2 (9″) pie crusts, one for the bottom and one for the top of the pie. How to Make Pie Crust: The Complete Guide The pie dough will need to chill for at least 1 hour before rolling out. Or use a store-bought pie crust and follow package directions.
- Place oven rack in the center position and Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice and lemon zest; toss to coat evenly.
- Remove the pie crust dough from the fridge and let rest at room temperature for 5-10 minutes. On a lightly floured surface, roll one disc into a 12″ circle that is ⅛” thick. Carefully lay the crust into the bottom of a deep dish pie plate.
- Spoon the apple filling over the bottom crust and discard juices at the bottom of the bowl. Roll out the second disc of pie crust until it is ⅛” thick and lay it over the apple filling.
- Use a sharp knife to trim the dough along the outside edge of the pie plate. Lift the edges where the two pie crust meet, gently press to seal and fold them under. Rotate the pie plate and repeat this process until edges are neatly tucked under themselves. Cut 4 slits in the top of the dough to allow steam to vent. Place the pie on a baking sheet.
- Brush the surface of the pie crust with the egg wash and sprinkle with sanding sugar. Cover the edges with a pie shield or a strip of foil to keep them from over browning during the first 25 minutes.
- Bake at 400°F (204°C) for 25 minutes. Carefully remove the pie shield, turn the oven down to 375° and continue to bake for an additional 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the juices are bubbly. Cool at room temperature for at least 3 hours.
Best Apple Varieties for Flavor and Texture
A mix of apples delivers the best results. Each type brings its own character:
- Granny Smith: Tart, firms up nicely, resists breaking down.
- Honeycrisp: Sweet-tart, holds shape, juicy with bright flavor.
- Braeburn: Balance of sweet and tart, adds complexity.
- Jonagold: Mild tartness, makes soft, flavorful filling.
How to Test Ripeness and Sweetness
Look for apples that feel solid, not mealy or spongy. Avoid bruised or wrinkled skin. When ripe, apples give off a fragrant, sweet aroma. Bite a slice: it should snap with gentle pressure. Apples that feel soft or taste starchy haven’t ripened. Overly soft ones lose structure and make mushy pies. Clean, crisp apples give you the cleanest flavor.
How to Make Pie Crust: The Complete Guide
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