Celebrate the essence of American tradition with this All-American Apple Pie. A symbol of comfort and nostalgia, this pie is a delightful combination of sweet and tart apples encased in a flaky, buttery crust.
Whether it’s a holiday gathering, a summer picnic, or just a cozy evening at home, this classic American dessert is always a crowd-pleaser. Join us as we embark on a journey to create the perfect All-American Apple Pie.
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust
- 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 6-8 tablespoons of ice water
For the Apple Filling
- 6-8 medium-sized apples (a mix of sweet and tart varieties), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 3/4 cup of granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
For Assembly
- 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, cold and cubed (for dotting)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar (for dusting)
- Steps to Make:
Step 1
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt.
- Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture.
- Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape each into a disc, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced apples, lemon juice, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and cornstarch.
- Toss the apple mixture until the apples are evenly coated with the mixture.
Step 3
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the chilled pie crust discs into a circle large enough to line a 9-inch pie dish.
- Carefully transfer the rolled-out crust to the pie dish, gently pressing it into the bottom and along the sides.
Step 4
- Pour the prepared apple filling into the pie crust, spreading it out evenly.
- Dot the filling with cubes of cold, unsalted butter.
Step 5
- Roll out the second chilled pie crust disc into another circle.
- Place the second crust over the apple filling. Trim any excess crust and crimp the edges to seal the pie.
Step 6
- Using a sharp knife, make several small slits or a decorative pattern in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Brush the top crust with the beaten egg and sprinkle granulated sugar over it for a golden finish.
Step 7
- Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown, and the apple filling is bubbling.
- Remove the All-American Apple Pie from the oven and let it cool for a while before serving.
Conclusion
The All-American Apple Pie embodies the heartwarming and timeless flavors of American baking. With sweet and tart apples nestled in a flaky, buttery crust, it’s a dessert that’s as comforting as it is delicious.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a taste of tradition, this classic American pie will bring smiles to everyone at the table.
FAQs
What types of apples are best for apple pie?
A mix of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Jonathan apples works well for a balanced flavor.
Can I use a store-bought pie crust for this recipe?
While homemade crust is recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use a pre-made crust for convenience.
Can I make this pie in advance?
Yes, you can make the pie a day ahead and store it at room temperature. Reheat it in the oven before serving if desired.
How can I prevent the pie crust from getting soggy?
Pre-baking the bottom crust for a few minutes before adding the filling can help prevent a soggy crust.
What can I serve with apple pie?
Classic accompaniments include vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a slice of cheddar cheese.
