There's something truly special about a freshly baked Traditional American Apple Pie. This iconic dessert has been a staple in American kitchens for generations, often evoking memories of family gatherings and holiday celebrations. The combination of sweet and tart apples nestled in a buttery, flaky crust makes it a comforting fall dessert that is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale:
For the Pie Crust:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
6 to 8 tablespoons ice water
For the Apple Filling:
6 to 8 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (about 6 cups)
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon butter, to dot
For the Topping:
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions
Prepare the Pie Crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Add the chilled, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add 6 to 8 tablespoons of ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough begins to come together. Divide the dough in half, shape into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Make the Apple Filling: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, ¾ cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg, and 2 tablespoons of flour. Toss until the apples are well-coated.
Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out one disk of dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie pan.
Fill the Pie: Pour the apple filling into the prepared pie crust, mounding it slightly in the center. Dot the filling with small pieces of butter.
Prepare the Top Crust: Roll out the second disk of dough into a 12-inch circle. Place it over the filled pie, trim excess dough, and crimp the edges to seal.
Apply Egg Wash: Brush the top crust with the beaten egg and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of sugar.
Bake the Pie: Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Lower the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 30 to 35 minutes.
Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 2 hours before slicing.
