A Slice of Tradition: The Perfect Homemade Apple Pie

There’s something undeniably comforting about a slice of homemade apple pie. The tender, flaky crust encasing sweet, spiced apples creates a dessert that’s as timeless as it is delicious.

>>>Get the Recipe in Details: Homemade Apple Pie

This guide will take you through the process of crafting the perfect apple pie from scratch, complete with tips, tricks, and answers to common questions.

Homemade Apple PiePhoto byRecipe Formula

Why You’ll Love Homemade Apple Pie

Homemade apple pie isn’t just a dessert—it’s a tradition. Whether it’s gracing a holiday table or capping off a weeknight meal, the combination of buttery crust and juicy, flavorful apples is universally adored. Plus, making it from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and tailor the flavors to your liking.

Ingredients for Homemade Apple Pie

For the Crust:

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

For the Filling:

• 6-8 medium apples (a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp works well)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For Assembly:

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling)

Step-by-Step Recipe

1. Make the Crust:
2. • In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough begins to come together. Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
3. Prepare the Filling:
4. • Peel, core, and slice the apples. In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with lemon juice.
   • In a separate bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Sprinkle this mixture over the apples and toss to coat evenly.
5. Assemble the Pie:
6. • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to fit your pie plate, about 1/8 inch thick. Transfer the dough to the pie plate, gently pressing it into the bottom and sides.
   • Fill the crust with the apple mixture, mounding it slightly in the center.
   • Roll out the second disk of dough and place it over the filling. Trim and crimp the edges to seal. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Brush the top crust with the beaten egg and sprinkle with granulated sugar.
7. Bake the Pie:
8. • Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
   • If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with foil or a pie shield.
9. Cool and Serve:
10. • Let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing. This allows the filling to set. Serve warm or at room temperature, possibly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

FAQs About Homemade Apple Pie

1. What are the best apples for pie? A mix of firm, tart apples like Granny Smith and sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji creates the best balance of flavor and texture.

2. Can I use store-bought pie crust? Yes, store-bought pie crust can be used for convenience. However, homemade crust offers superior flavor and texture.

3. How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust? Blind baking the crust (pre-baking it partially before adding the filling) and using a metal pie plate can help prevent a soggy bottom. Ensure your filling isn’t too watery by tossing the apples with flour.

4. Can I make apple pie ahead of time? Yes, apple pie can be made a day ahead. Store it in the room