Are you ready to embark on a delightful journey into the world of baking? Look no further than this easy apple pie recipe tailored for beginner bakers.
Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned pro looking for a simple yet satisfying treat, this recipe is sure to impress.
Let’s dive in and discover the joy of baking your very own apple pie from scratch!
Getting Started: Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we roll up our sleeves and get baking, let’s gather all the ingredients required for this delicious apple pie:
Pie Crust:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
6-8 tablespoons ice water
Apple Filling:
6-7 medium-sized apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Egg Wash:
1 egg
1 tablespoon water
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preparing the Pie Crust:
Let’s start by making the pie crust. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and granulated sugar.
Add the chilled and cubed butter to the mixture and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to incorporate the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Adding Ice Water:
Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together.
Be careful not to overwork the dough.
Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape each portion into a disk, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preparing the Apple Filling:
While the dough is chilling, it’s time to prepare the apple filling.
Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples.
In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and lemon juice until well combined.
Set aside.
4. Rolling Out the Pie Crust:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Once the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough into a circle large enough to fit your pie dish.
5. Assembling the Pie:
Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to your pie dish.
Press it gently into the bottom and sides of the dish. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges.
Pour the prepared apple filling into the pie crust, spreading it out evenly.
6. Adding the Top Crust:
Roll out the second disk of dough into a circle large enough to cover the top of the pie.
You can either place the entire circle over the filling or cut it into strips for a lattice design.
Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal the pie.
7. Egg Wash and Ventilation:
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash.
Brush the top crust of the pie with the egg wash. This will give the pie a beautiful golden color as it bakes.
Use a sharp knife to make small slits or designs on the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
8. Baking the Pie:
Place the assembled 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.
If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, you can cover them with aluminum foil.
9. Cooling and Serving:
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
This allows the filling to set and makes for easier slicing.
Serve your homemade apple pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect finishing touch.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve just mastered the art of baking an easy apple pie from scratch.
With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is ideal for beginner bakers looking to impress family and friends with a delicious homemade treat.
So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and let the baking begin!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use store-bought pie crust instead of making my own?
Absolutely! While homemade pie crust adds a special touch to the pie, you can definitely use store-bought crust for convenience.
2. Can I use a different type of apple for the filling?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different apple varieties based on your personal preference.
However, tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp work best for apple pie.
3. How do I prevent my pie crust from becoming soggy?
To prevent a soggy bottom crust, you can blind bake the bottom crust before adding the filling.
Simply line the pie crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans before baking.
4. Can I freeze the pie for later?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked pie for up to three months.
When ready to bake, simply transfer the frozen pie to the oven and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
5. How should I store leftover apple pie?
Store any leftover apple pie in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent the filling from drying out.