The scent of cinnamon wafts through the air like an invitation to a cozy fall gathering. The golden crust cradles tender apples that have been kissed by sugar and spice. This is not just any dessert; this is the All-American Apple Pie that makes you believe in magic.
a slice of warm apple pie served à la mode, melting vanilla ice cream cascading down its sides. It’s nostalgia on a plate! Whether it’s Thanksgiving or a Tuesday night craving, there’s always time for this delightful treat.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This All-American Apple Pie is simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough to wow your guests
- The sweet and tangy filling paired with a flaky crust makes it irresistible
- Its beautiful presentation will steal the show at any gathering
- Perfect for enjoying warm or cold—there’s no wrong way to love this pie!
I remember the first time I baked this pie; my family couldn’t stop raving about it. Their smiles said it all!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for a tender and flaky crust that holds together beautifully.
- Unsalted Butter: Cold butter is crucial for that perfect flaky texture; don’t skimp on quality here!
- Granulated Sugar: Sweeten those apples perfectly; adjust according to your taste preference.
- Cinnamon: The star spice here! It adds warmth and richness to the filling.
- Nutmeg: Just a pinch elevates the flavor profile; use freshly grated if possible.
- Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): Choose firm apples for the best texture during baking; mix varieties for complexity.
- Lemon Juice: A splash brightens the flavors of the apples and prevents browning.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- Ice Water: Keep your dough from getting too warm—this helps create that sought-after flakiness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Crust: Start by mixing flour and salt in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until crumbly—aiming for pea-sized bits of butter throughout.
Add Ice Water: Gradually add ice water while gently stirring until the dough comes together. Do not overmix; you want tender crust vibes!
Chill Dough: Wrap your dough in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step is essential for achieving that flaky goodness.
Make Your Filling: In another bowl, toss sliced apples with lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well coated. Let them sit to absorb all those flavors.
Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll out half of your chilled dough into a circle large enough to fit your pie dish. Don’t stress if it’s not perfect!
Assemble Your Pie: Place rolled dough into the pie dish. Add your prepared apple filling on top and cover with another rolled-out piece of dough. Seal edges with fingers or fork.
Bake It Up!: Brush the top crust with an egg wash (optional) and sprinkle sugar on top—this gives that beautiful golden finish! Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes then reduce heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake another 30-40 minutes until bubbly.
Now simply let it cool slightly before slicing! The aroma will have everyone running to your kitchen like moths to a flame!
And there you have it—the ultimate comfort food experience wrapped in a buttery crust! Enjoy every bite of this All-American Apple Pie while reminiscing about all those wonderful moments shared around the table.
You Must Know
- Baking the perfect All-American Apple Pie is an art; balance sweet and tart apples for flavor harmony
- A flaky crust is key, providing a delightful contrast to the juicy filling
- Remember to let it cool before slicing, ensuring that heavenly filling holds its shape
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by preparing your pie crust first. While it chills, peel and slice your apples. This ensures a cold crust and perfectly baked apples when assembled.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with spices! Add cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth, or even a splash of vanilla extract to elevate the apple flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover pie in the fridge, tightly covered for up to four days. To reheat, pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for depth of flavor
- Ensure your butter is very cold for a flakier crust
- Brush the top crust with egg wash for a beautiful golden color!
Baking my first All-American Apple Pie was an adventure; I accidentally set off the smoke alarm! But the compliments from family made it all worthwhile.
FAQ
What apples are best for an All-American Apple Pie?
Using a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp creates an amazing flavor balance.
Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Absolutely! Store-bought crust saves time and still tastes delicious in this recipe.
How long should I bake my pie?
Bake your pie at 425°F for 15 minutes, then reduce to 350°F for about 30-35 minutes.
All-American Apple Pie
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Description
Delight in the comforting flavors of this All-American Apple Pie, featuring spiced apples nestled in a flaky, homemade crust. Perfect for any gathering or cozy night in.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 5 cups Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples (peeled and sliced)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp salt
- 6–8 tbsp ice water
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly.
- Gradually add ice water, stirring gently until the dough forms. Wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Toss sliced apples with lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in another bowl; let sit to absorb flavors.
- Roll out half of the chilled dough into a circle and fit it into your pie dish.
- Add apple filling on top and cover with another rolled-out dough piece; seal edges.
- Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, then reduce to 350°F for an additional 30-40 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (120g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg