Perfect Apple Pie Recipe

Indulging in a warm slice of homemade apple pie is a timeless treat that is simply irresistible. If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate apple pie recipe, then you’re in luck as you’ve stumbled upon a gem. This recipe has stood the test of time and is considered a favorite among many. The aroma of cinnamon and freshly baked apples wafting through the air is enough to make your mouth water. So roll up your sleeves, head to the kitchen, and give this apple pie recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!

Ah, the classic apple pie – a timeless dessert that evokes memories of home and comfort with every bite. This recipe, passed down from Grandma Ople, is a treasure trove of flavor and nostalgia. With its tender, cinnamon-kissed apples nestled within a flaky crust, it's sure to delight your taste buds and warm your soul. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a masterpiece that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Vadim Rachok

Chef

What is Apple Pie?

Apple pie is a classic dessert. It consists of a sweet and aromatic apple filling, caramel filling, and a crispy crust. Warm spices like cinnamon add depth and flavor to the filling, creating a delightful combination of tart and sweet flavors. The soft, tender apples on the top are complemented by the buttery, crisp texture of the crust.

Apple pie originated in Europe and has become an iconic American dessert. It is often associated with holidays such as Thanksgiving and the Fourth of July. Apple pie has been a popular dessert for centuries, although its exact origins are unclear. In America, it became popular during the Colonial Era and came to symbolize home-cooked comfort and hospitality.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Pie

• No complicated ingredients in this classic recipe.
• Golden crust contrasts crispness with soft, moist filling.
• Caramelized filling peeking through the crust.
• The filling is deliciously sweet and spiced with cinnamon.
• Tall slices with plenty of tender apples that aren’t overly mushy.
• Comforting, nostalgic flavor.
• Totally out of this world with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

Apple Pie Ingredients

Dough:

• Butter: Adds richness and taste to the dough.
• White Sugar: Sweeten the dough and aid in browning.
• Chicken Egg: Adds texture and aids in the binding of ingredients together.
• Salt: Enhances the flavor of the dough and helps to balance the sweetness.
• Baking Powder: Helps the dough rise as a leavening agent.
• Wheat Flour: Gives dough its main structure and consistency.

Caramel Filling:

• Sugar: Provides the sweet caramel base for the cake.
• Butter: Gives caramel richness and taste.
• Water: Helps dissolve the sugar and create the caramel syrup.

Apple Filling:

• Apples: The main ingredient in the pie, providing sweetness and texture.
• Butter: Adds richness to the pie and enhances the flavor of the apples.
• Cinnamon: Brings out the taste of the apples and provides warmth and spiciness.

Best Apples for Apple Pie

This recipe requires Granny Smith apples for a couple of reasons. First, their firmness allows them to maintain their shape while cooking. Second, their tart flavor balances out the sweetness of the sugar. Some bakers prefer using Granny Smith apples in combination with a slightly sweeter variety, such as Honeycrisp.

How to Make an Apple Pie?

1. To make the dough: Combine butter and sugar and beat with a blender (whisk attachment) until smooth (5-6 minutes). 
2. Then, add the egg and beat again until smooth (2-3 minutes). 
3. Add salt, flour, and baking powder sifted through a sieve. Mix well with a silicone spatula.
4. Then cut out a piece of parchment paper to fit the baking pan. Spread the dough in diameter over the pan, cover with another sheet of parchment, and place in the freezer for 20-30 minutes.
5. To make the caramel filling: Place the sugar in a saucepan and set over low heat. Melt the sugar until it turns amber. 
6. Then, add butter and water. Cook until the caramel is homogeneous.
7. Next, cover a baking pan with parchment paper and pour in the caramel. 
8. To make apple filling: Peel the apples, remove the core, and cut them into thin slices. Then, put them in water with vinegar to prevent them from darkening.
9. When all the apples are sliced, drain the water and place them in a circle on the caramel. Then, sprinkle with cinnamon and add 1 ounce (30 g) of butter.
10. Bake in a preheated oven at 338 degrees F (170 degrees C) for 20 minutes. 
11. Then, remove the cooked apples, place the frozen dough layer on top, and return the pie to the oven for another 40 minutes. 
12. After baking, remove the pan from the oven and let the pie cool completely (at least 2 hours).
13. Finally, remove the cake from the pan and flip it over. Enjoy!

Chef Recipe Tips:

• When melting the caramel, stir only with a wooden or silicone spatula. If you stir with a regular spoon, the caramel will curdle due to the temperature difference. 
• You can add vanilla and ginger to the dough to add more flavor and aroma. 
• The cake will be kept in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

How Long to Bake Apple Pie

The recipe calls for baking the cake in two stages: first, place the apples in an oven preheated to 338 degrees F (170 degrees C) and bake for 20 minutes, then cover with the dough and bake for another 40 minutes. The total baking time will be around one hour. You will know the pie is done when the crust has turned a beautiful golden brown color.

How to Store Apple Pie?

 If you end up with any leftovers, don’t worry, your extra homemade apple pie doesn’t have to go missing. To keep your pie fresh, refrigerate for 2 hours after baking. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days by covering the entire pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Do you have some left over? Store in the refrigerator for another 2 days! When you’re ready for a slice, just microwave it for a few seconds.

Can You Freeze Apple Pie?

Absolutely. When it comes to freezing apple pies, it is important to note that pies containing custard or cream do not freeze well. However, an apple pie that does not contain custard or cream can be safely frozen for later consumption. To do so, it is recommended that you wrap the pie in two layers of plastic wrap and one layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn and maintain its quality. You can then place the pie in an airtight container or cover it in another layer of foil for added protection. Finally, make sure to squeeze out any excess air before placing it in the freezer, where it can be stored for up to three months.

Apple Pie FAQs 

What are the different types of apple pie crusts?

This apple pie recipe offers a convenient way to make a delicious dessert with homemade dough and two different fillings. The first filling is caramel, which is generously spread on the bottom of the pan. Next, a layer of apple filling is added to the caramel, seasoned with cinnamon, and dotted with butter for added richness. Once the apples and caramel have baked to perfection, the prepared pastry is placed on top. After baking, turn the pie over to reveal a deliciously aromatic and flavorful treat.

How should I serve apple pie?

Of course, this homemade apple pie is delicious on its own. But why not double the decadence with some tasty toppings? Serve it with a scoop of ice cream. It is our favorite way to enjoy apple pie. Warm a slice of this simple apple pie in the microwave for a few seconds and top with a hefty scoop of vanilla ice cream. You’ll get an absolutely delicious result that can’t be beaten. Add a sweet drizzle of caramel topping and a sprinkling of pecans for a satisfying crunch, if you have some on hand. Dessert doesn’t get any better than this!

How do I make apple pie so that the bottom crust doesn’t get soggy?

If your pies have soggy crusts, you may not be baking them long enough. We recommend following the instructions and baking time suggested in the recipe.