Classic Apple Pie with Cinnamon
A timeless dessert featuring tart apples spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, encased in a flaky, buttery crust. This classic pie combines simple ingredients to create a comforting treat perfect for any occasion.
Equipment
- 1 9-inch pie dish Deep enough to hold filling without overflowing.
- 1 Rolling Pin For rolling out dough evenly.
- 1 Mixing Bowls For preparing crust and filling.
- 1 Pastry brush For applying egg wash.
- 1 Sharp knife or peeler For peeling and slicing apples.
- 1 Measuring Cups and Spoons For precise ingredient measurements.
Ingredients
Crust Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups All-purpose flour Sifted for even texture.
- 1 tsp Salt Enhances flavor.
- 1 tbsp Granulated sugar Adds slight sweetness to the crust.
- 1 cup Unsalted butter (cold) Cut into small cubes for flakiness.
- 6-8 tbsp Ice water Added gradually to bind the dough.
Filling Ingredients
- 6–7 medium Apples A mix of Granny Smith (tart) and Honeycrisp/Fuji (sweet).
- ¾ cup Granulated sugar Balances tartness; adjust based on apple sweetness.
- ¾ cup Brown sugar Adds caramel notes and depth.
- 2–3 tbsp All-purpose flour Helps thicken the filling.
- 1 ½ tsp Ground cinnamon Provides warm spice; adjust to taste.
- ¼ tsp Ground nutmeg Adds earthy depth.
- 1–2 tbsp Fresh lemon juice Prevents browning and adds brightness.
- 2 tbsp Unsalted butter (cold) Dotted over filling for richness.
- ⅛ tsp Ground ginger for brightness. (Optional)
Egg Wash
- 1 large Egg Beaten with 1 tbsp milk or water for golden crust.
Instructions
Step-by-Step Recipe
Prepare the Crust:
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar. Add cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough comes together. Divide into two equal portions, shape into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
Prepare the Filling:
- Peel, core, and slice apples evenly. In a large bowl, toss them with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Let the mixture rest for 30 minutes to release juices.
Assemble the Pie:
- Roll out one disc of dough on a lightly floured surface to fit the bottom of the pie dish. Transfer it to the dish and trim the edges.
- Pour the apple filling into the crust, spreading it evenly. Dot the top with small pieces of cold butter.
- Roll out the second disc of dough and place it over the filling. Trim, crimp the edges, and cut slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
Apply Egg Wash:
- Brush the top crust with the egg wash. Sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired for extra crunch and sweetness.
Bake the Pie:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch drips. Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for 30–35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Cover edges with foil if they brown too quickly.
Cool and Serve:
- Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing. This allows the filling to set properly. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
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- Storage: Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days. Reheat slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes.
- Freezing: Wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven before serving.
- Variations: Add spices like allspice or cardamom, or drizzle caramel sauce over the finished pie for extra indulgence.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What are the essential ingredients for a traditional apple pie?
- Firm apples (like Granny Smith), sugar, cinnamon, flour, cold unsalted butter, and lemon juice.
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How can I incorporate cinnamon into my apple pie for the best flavor?
- Mix cinnamon evenly with the sugar and spices coating the apples. Use about 1–2 teaspoons for balance.
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What is the secret to making a flaky and tender pie crust?
- Use cold butter, handle the dough gently, and chill it before rolling. Adding ice water or cold vodka helps keep the dough tender.
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Can you provide step-by-step guidance on preparing classic apple pie?
- Make the crust, prepare the filling by mixing apples with sugar, spices, and lemon juice, assemble the pie, apply egg wash, and bake at high heat initially, reducing for the remainder.
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What are some variations of the classic apple pie recipe?
- Use a lattice crust, add spices like nutmeg or allspice, or drizzle caramel sauce. Mixed apple varieties enhance flavor and texture.
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How do I ensure that my apple pie filling is not too runny?
- Pre-cook the filling to reduce moisture, add cornstarch or flour as a thickener, and let the pie cool completely before slicing.
Tips & Tricks
- Flavor Enhancement: Add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of ground cloves for extra complexity.
- Presentation: Dust the cooled pie with powdered sugar or sprinkle coarse sugar before baking for added visual appeal.
- Leftovers: Reheat slices briefly in the oven to restore the crust’s crispness and warm the filling.
Plating and Garnishing
- Garnish: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- Serving Style: Cut into neat slices and arrange on plates with garnishes like cinnamon sticks or apple slices for decoration.
- Sides: Pair with hot coffee, tea, or mulled cider for a cozy experience.