The Apple pie recipe is an iconic dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. It is a symbol of warmth, comfort, and home cooking. With its crispy crust, sweet and tart filling, and a range of toppings, apple pie remains one of the most popular desserts in the world.
It is the perfect dessert for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or a cozy evening at home. In this article, we will explore the varieties of apples, toppings for apple pie, how to make the perfect apple pie and different apple pie variations.
SEE ALSO: 3 Best Carrot Cake Recipe to spice up Your Dessert Game
Apple Varieties for Apple Pie Recipe
Not all apples are created equal when it comes to making apple pie. Some varieties of apples are better for baking than others. Here are some of the best apples to use for apple pie:
1. Granny Smith
Granny Smith apples have long been considered the favorite for apple pies. This is likely because they are extremely firm, and do not mush under almost any amount of cooking. A mushy pie is widely considered a bad apple pie, so this may explain why many people refer back to Granny Smith for their pies.
Related: 4 Best Egg White Recipes
2. Honeycrisp
This apple is known for its sweetness and crisp texture, making it a great choice for those who prefer a sweeter pie. However, they stay are not as firm as granny smith’s and this makes them a great combination of flavor and texture for your pies.
Related: Fish Curry Recipe
3. Braeburn
Braeburn is a unique apple that has almost a citrusy aroma to it. The Braeburn is very firm, which is perfect for baking apple pies, and some have said that it almost tastes like a pear after baking this.
Related: Pasta Salad Recipe
4. Jonathan
Jonathan apples are more like classic apples, with a nice red skin and a pleasant blend of tart and tangy flavor that holds up well in pies. It has a firm texture and holds its shape during baking.
Related: 20 Healthy Smoothie Recipes for a Delicious and Energizing Breakfast”
5. Rome
This apple is known for its dense, firm texture, making it perfect for pies. It has a mildly sweet flavor and holds its shape well during baking.
Related: Vegetable Soup Recipes: How To Cook the Nigerian Efo Riro
6. Pink Lady
This apple is known for its sweetness and crisp texture, making it a great choice for those who prefer a sweeter pie.
It’s best to use a combination of different apple varieties when making apple pie to create a well-balanced flavor and texture. Experiment with different types of apples and find the perfect combination that works for you.
Related: 15+ Must-Try Cocktail Recipes For Your Home Bar
Apple Pie Recipe
Ingredients for Apple Pie
- 3 pounds of good cooking apples such as Granny Smith or Jonagold(about 6 to 8 apples, depending on the size of your apples)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup to ⅔ cup sugar, depending on how sweet you like your pie
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon brandy, optional 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 double sour cream pie dough, OR all-butter crust, OR your favourite pie crust recipe
For the egg wash
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon cream
Related: How to make pancakes
Instructions on How to make the Apple Pie Recipe
- Peel, core, and slice or roughly chop the apples into ¼ -inch to ½ -inch slices or chunks.
- As you cut your apple slices, add them to a large bowl and toss them with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to help keep them from turning brown.
- Make the apple pie filling:
Combine the sugar, flour, and spices (allspice, nutmeg, cinnamon) in a bowl. Add the flour mixture to the apple slices and use your hands to distribute the flour through the apples so they are well coated. Sprinkle with brandy (if using) and vanilla extract and stir to coat all the apples.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Place one oven rack in the lowest position and put a large-rimmed baking sheet on it to catch any drippings from the pie. Position a second rack the next rung up (still in the lower third of the oven).
- Roll out the dough and line the pie plate
Remove one disk of pie dough from the refrigerator. Let sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes. Place the disk on a lightly floured, clean, flat surface. Using a rolling pin, roll out the pie dough to a 12-inch circle, about 1/8-inch thick. As you roll out the dough, check to make sure it isn’t sticking.
If and when it starts to stick, gently lift it up and sprinkle a little more flour on the table surface or on the pie dough to keep the dough from sticking. Gently place the rolled-out dough onto a 9-inch pie plate. Press down to line the pie dish with the dough.
- Add the apple filling:
Arrange the apple slices on the dough-lined pie plate. Mound the apples in the center.
- Roll out the top crust, place over apples, trim and crimp edges
Roll out the second disk of dough, again to 12 inches. Gently place the second round of pie dough over the apples. Trim excess dough with kitchen shears, leaving a 3/4 inch overhang from the edges of the pie pan.
Fold the dough under itself so that the edge of the fold comes right to the edge of the pan. Press the top and bottom dough rounds together as you flute edges using your thumb and forefinger or press with a fork.
- Brush with the egg wash and cut the vents
Place egg yolk and cream in a small bowl and use a fork to stir until well combined. Use a pastry brush to brush the egg wash over the top and fluted edges of the pie. Use a sharp knife to cut slits on the top of the pie crust for steam vents.
- Bake
Place the pie on the oven rack centered over the baking sheet on the rack below it to catch any drippings. Bake the pie at 375°F until the crust begins to lightly brown, about 20 minutes, then reduce heat to 350°F. Bake until the crust is golden brown and the juices are bubbling all over, an additional hour or up to another hour and a half, depending on the type of apples you are using. If you have an instant-read thermometer, it should read 200°F when inserted in the center of the pie.
- Cool
Transfer the apple pie to a rack to cool for at least 1 hour. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature. Great with a side of vanilla ice cream
Related: Best Green Tea Shot Recipe: (How to Guide)
Tips for making the perfect crust
Making the perfect pie crust can be a bit of a challenge, but with the right techniques and ingredients, it’s possible to achieve a flaky, buttery crust every time. Here are some tips and tricks for making the perfect pie crust:
- Use Cold Butter
Cold butter is key to creating a flaky crust. When the cold butter melts in the oven, it creates pockets of steam that cause the crust to puff up and become flaky. Cut your butter into small cubes and chill it in the refrigerator before using it.
- Add Cold Water
Like butter, cold water is essential for creating a flaky crust. Use ice-cold water when mixing your dough to keep the butter from melting too quickly. Add the water one tablespoon at a time until the dough comes together.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough
Overworking the dough can cause it to become tough and lose its flakiness. Mix the dough just until it comes together, and then chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out.
- Roll the Dough Evenly
When rolling out the dough, start in the center and roll outwards in all directions to create an even thickness. Use a light touch and lift the dough frequently to prevent sticking.
- Use Pie Weights
If your recipe calls for pre-baking the crust, use pie weights to prevent it from puffing up. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans before baking.
- Brush with Egg Wash
For a golden, shiny crust, brush the top of the pie crust with an egg wash before baking. Beat one egg with a tablespoon of water and brush it onto the crust with a pastry brush.
With these tips and tricks, you can make the perfect pie crust every time. Experiment with different recipes and find the one that works best for you
Related: How to make Oobleck
Other Apple Pie Recipe Variations
1. Cranberry Apple Pie Recipe
Cranberry apple pie is a delicious and unique twist on the classic apple pie. This Apple pie Recipe combines the sweet and tart flavors of apples with the bright, tangy taste of cranberries. The result is a beautiful and flavorful pie that is perfect for the fall and winter holidays.
Related: Tomato Paste Substitute
2. Caramel Apple Pie Oatmeal Recipe
Caramel apple pie oatmeal is a wonderful and filling breakfast that will satisfy your sweet tooth and provide you with the energy you need to start your day. It’s a perfect dish for those who love the flavors of apple pie but want a more wholesome and nutritious breakfast option.
Related: How to make Sushi Burrito: Homemade Sushi Recipe
3. Dutch Apple Pie Recipe
This Dutch Apple pie recipe is made special with a mixture of sour cream and egg that you pour over the apples. This adds a really unique custardy, almost creaminess to the inside of the apple pie that we know you’ll fall in love with.
Related: Best Spaghetti Bolognese Recipes you should try (Quick and Easy)
Toppings for Apple Pie Recipe
No apple pie is complete without some classic toppings to enhance its delicious flavors. There are a few classic toppings that pair perfectly with apple pie, and they are sure to delight any taste buds.
1. Whipped cream
It is a simple and classic topping that complements the sweetness of the apple filling. It adds a light and creamy texture that contrasts nicely with the firmness of the pie crust. For an extra touch of flavor, try adding a dash of cinnamon to the whipped cream before serving.
2. Vanilla ice cream
The cool and creamy texture of the ice cream pairs perfectly with the warm and gooey apple filling. As the ice cream starts to melt, it creates a sweet and delicious sauce that adds another layer of flavor to the pie.
3. Caramel sauce
It is a decadent and indulgent topping that takes apple pie to the next level. The rich and buttery caramel sauce adds a sweet and creamy flavour that complements the tartness of the apples. It creates a delicious contrast of flavors and textures that make every bite of the pie even more delightful.
4. Streusel topping
It is made by mixing flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter until crumbly. The streusel is then sprinkled over the top of the apple pie before baking, creating a deliciously sweet and crunchy crust. You can also experiment with adding nuts, such as pecans or almonds, to the streusel for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
Related: 15+ Best Round Steak Recipe You Should Try
How To Store and Freeze Apple Pie
Apple pie will easily last a couple of days, lightly covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, on your counter at room temperature. (Keep any wrapping loose, so the crust can breathe. Otherwise, it will lose its crispness.)
After a couple of days, you can keep the pie chilled for a few more days in the fridge. If you want, warm the pie in a 350°F oven for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
- To freeze the unbaked pie, wrap the assembled pie in plastic wrap, with as much air pressed out as possible. Then wrap the pie in a layer of foil; this will help keep the plastic wrap in place. Freeze for up to a month. When ready to bake, remove it from the freezer, unwrap, and place it into the oven. Bake as directed, adding about 15 minutes to the baking time, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.
- To freeze a baked pie, wrap and freeze the pie as above. When ready to serve, unwrap and let the pie thaw at room temperature. Warm it up in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes to crisp up the top and warm the filling.
Related: 3 Best Carrot Cake Recipe to spice up Your Dessert Game
Conclusion on Apple Pie Recipe
Apple pie is a classic dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. Whether it’s a warm and comforting slice on a chilly day or a sweet treat to celebrate a special occasion, apple pie is the ultimate comfort food. With so many variations and toppings, there’s an apple pie recipe for every taste and occasion.
By using the best apples for pie, making the perfect pie crust, and adding creative toppings and twists, you can elevate your apple pie game and enjoy this classic dessert in all its delicious forms. From streusel toppings to cranberry fillings, there are endless possibilities to explore.
But apple pie is not just a dessert. With recipes like caramel apple pie oatmeal, you can enjoy the flavors of this classic dish any time of day. Apple pie is a versatile and comforting dish that can be enjoyed in so many ways.
In conclusion, apple pie is not just a dessert. It’s a beloved comfort food that brings warmth and happiness to any occasion. So next time you’re in the mood for a sweet treat or a cozy meal, consider making an apple pie and savoring the ultimate comfort food.
