Classic Apple Pie with Golden Crust

Few desserts evoke nostalgia and warmth like a Classic Apple Pie with a golden, flaky crust. Bursting with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples and topped with a perfectly baked crust, this pie is the ultimate comfort food. Ideal for family dinners, holidays, or simply enjoying a cozy afternoon treat, it’s a timeless dessert that never fails to impress. Whether you serve it warm with ice cream or allow it to cool to room temperature, every slice is a harmonious blend of sweetness, spice, and buttery crust.

 

Why This Apple Pie Is Special

The secret to a perfect apple pie lies in both the filling and the crust. Tender, juicy apples infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of sugar create a filling that is sweet yet not overpowering. The crust, golden and flaky, provides a buttery counterpoint that enhances the flavor of the apples. Using a mix of tart and sweet apples adds depth, while careful preparation ensures a pie that holds its shape and slices beautifully.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 6–8 tablespoons ice water

For the Filling:

• 6–7 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (to thicken)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

For the Topping:

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon milk or cream
• 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for sparkle)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pie Crust

1. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
2. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together.
4. Divide dough in half, shape into disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

2. Prepare the Apple Filling

1. Peel, core, and slice the apples into even slices.
2. In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, flour, and vanilla extract until evenly coated.

3. Assemble the Pie

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roll out one dough disk on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Carefully place in the pan and trim excess.
3. Pour the apple filling into the crust, mounding slightly in the center.
4. Roll out the second dough disk and cover the filling. Trim, fold, and crimp edges to seal.
5. Cut small slits in the top crust for steam to escape.
6. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.

4. Bake the Pie

1. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20 minutes.
2. Reduce heat to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for 35–45 minutes until the crust is golden brown and filling is bubbling.
3. If the edges brown too quickly, cover with foil halfway through baking.
4. Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours before slicing to let the filling set.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. A classic apple pie pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or a chilled dessert wine for a festive touch.

Tips for Perfect Apple Pie

• Use a combination of tart and sweet apples for depth of flavor.
• Keep butter and water cold when making the crust for a flaky texture.
• Avoid overfilling the pie to prevent juices from spilling over during baking.
• Chill the dough before rolling for easier handling and less shrinkage.

Storage

Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 4–5 days. Reheat in a warm oven for 10–15 minutes to restore a crisp crust.

Final Thoughts

A Classic Apple Pie with a golden crust is more than a dessert; it’s a symbol of warmth, home, and tradition. By following simple steps and using quality ingredients, you can create a pie that’s both visually stunning and irresistibly flavorful. Each slice offers tender apples enveloped in a buttery crust, perfect for making memories with every bite.

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