Baking an Apple Pie from Scratch

Apple pie is a classic dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries. The warm, gooey filling and flaky crust make it a perfect treat for any occasion. While apple pies can be easily bought from a bakery or a store, there’s really nothing like a homemade apple pie. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of baking an apple pie from scratch.

Here’s what you’ll need for a 9-inch pie:

Crust:

- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1 teaspoon sugar

- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces

- 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water

Filling:

- 2 1/2 to 3 pounds apples (6 to 7 medium-sized), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced

- 1/2 cup sugar

- 1/4 cup brown sugar

- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

- 1 teaspoon cinnamon

- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

- 1/4 teaspoon salt

- 1 tablespoon lemon juice

- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

- 1 egg, lightly beaten

Step 1: Prepare the crust

Mix together the flour, salt, and sugar in a bowl. Add the butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to blend the mixture until it becomes coarse crumbs. Add 1/4 cup of ice water and mix until the dough comes together. If it is too dry, add more water, one tablespoon at a time.

Divide the dough into two equal parts and form them into flat discs. Wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Make the filling

Peel, core, and slice the apples thinly. In a large bowl, mix the apples with sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice. Toss everything together until the apples are coated evenly.

Step 3: Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 4: Roll out the crust

On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the dough discs to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Transfer it to the pie dish and gently press it down to fit the bottom and sides. Trim off any excess dough hanging over the edges.

Step 5: Add the filling

Pour the apple mixture into the pie crust and spread it out evenly. Dot the butter on top of the apples.

Step 6: Add the top crust

Roll out the second dough disc to roughly the same size as the first one. Cut it into strips or shapes using a sharp knife or cookie cutters. Lay the strips or shapes on top of the filling in a lattice or other design. Brush the top crust with the beaten egg.

Step 7: Bake the pie

Bake the pie on the middle rack of your preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the crust is browning too quickly, cover it with foil halfway through baking.

Step 8: Serve and enjoy

Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before cutting into it. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.

Tips for making the perfect apple pie:

- Use a variety of apples: Mix different types of apples for a more complex flavor and texture. Some good choices include Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Braeburn.

- Keep the butter cold: Cold butter is essential for a flaky crust. Make sure to chill it before using it in the dough.

- Don’t overwork the dough: Too much handling of the dough can cause it to become tough. Mix it until it just comes together and then stop.

- Keep the filling moist: Toss the apple slices with lemon juice to prevent them from turning brown and to add a bright, tangy flavor to the filling.

- Vent the crust: Cut some slits or holes in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking. This will prevent the filling from becoming too runny.

- Be patient: Let the pie cool for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the filling to set and make it easier to slice.

Baking an apple pie from scratch may seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite simple. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious and impressive dessert that your family and friends will love. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy the heavenly aroma of a freshly baked apple pie.