Making a delicious apple pie involves creating a flaky crust and a flavorful apple filling. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making a classic apple pie:

Ingredients:

For the Pie Crust:

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 6-8 tablespoons ice water

For the Apple Filling:

  • 6-7 cups peeled, cored, and sliced apples (a mix of sweet and tart varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp works well)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pie Crust:

a. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar.

b. Add the chilled butter cubes to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to incorporate the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

c. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.

d. Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape each into a disk, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

2. Preheat the Oven:

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

3. Roll Out the Pie Crust:

a. On a floured surface, roll out one of the chilled dough disks to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Place the rolled-out crust into the pie dish and trim any excess overhang.

b. If desired, crimp the edges of the crust using your fingers or a fork.

4. Prepare the Apple Filling:

a. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and cornstarch. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.

5. Assemble the Pie:

a. Pour the prepared apple filling into the pie crust, spreading it evenly.

b. Roll out the second chilled dough disk and place it over the apple filling. Trim any excess and crimp the edges to seal the pie.

6. Vent the Pie:

  • Cut slits or shapes in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking. You can create a lattice pattern or simply make a few slits with a sharp knife.

7. Bake the Pie:

  • Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

8. Cool and Serve:

  • Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours before slicing. This helps the filling set. Serve the apple pie on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Enjoy your homemade apple pie! Adjust the sweetness and spices according to your taste preferences, and feel free to get creative with the crust design.