Apple Pie

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this apple pie for its comforting, nostalgic flavors and its beautifully golden, flaky double crust. The blend of spices enhances the natural tartness of the apples, creating a cozy and delicious dessert. It’s perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or any time you crave a classic homemade pie.

Ingredients

Dough for double-crust pie
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
6 to 7 cups thinly sliced peeled tart apples
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon butter
1 large egg white

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Prepare the double-crust pie dough and roll out the bottom crust; place it in a 9-inch pie plate.
3. In a large bowl, combine sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
4. Add sliced apples and lemon juice to the sugar mixture; toss gently to coat the apples evenly.
5. Pour the apple mixture into the prepared pie crust. Dot the filling with small pieces of butter.
6. Roll out the top crust and place it over the filling. Trim, seal, and flute the edges.
7. Cut slits or shapes in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
8. Brush the top crust with the beaten egg white for a glossy finish.
9. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 35–45 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
10. Cool on a wire rack before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 50–60 minutes

Variations

• Add a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• Mix in raisins or dried cranberries for a fruity twist.
• Use a crumb topping instead of a double crust for a different texture.
• Substitute half the white sugar with maple syrup or honey for a richer flavor.
• Add a splash of vanilla extract or apple cider to the filling for depth.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover pie covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 4 days. Reheat slices in a warm oven (350°F/175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.

FAQs

What kind of apples should I use?

Tart apples like Granny Smith work best for a balanced sweet-tart flavor and firm texture.

How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?

Ensure the filling is well-coated with flour to absorb excess juices, and bake the pie on a lower rack in the oven.

Can I prepare the pie dough in advance?

Yes, dough can be made and refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage.

How do I make sure the top crust browns evenly?

Brushing with egg white and placing a foil shield around the edges if they brown too quickly helps.

Can I freeze this apple pie?

Yes, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months.

How long should the pie cool before serving?

Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set properly.

Can I use a single crust instead of double crust?

Yes, but you may need to adjust baking time and consider a topping like crumble.

What can I serve with apple pie?

Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or cheddar cheese are classic accompaniments.

How do I make the pie filling less sweet?

Reduce the sugar amounts or use tart apples exclusively.

Can I add fresh spices instead of ground?

Yes, but be sure to finely grate and use sparingly as fresh spices can be stronger.

Conclusion

This Classic Double-Crust Apple Pie offers a perfect harmony of flaky crust, spiced apple filling, and buttery richness. It’s a comforting dessert that brings warmth and tradition to any table. Easy to customize, it’s an ideal choice for both everyday treats and special occasions.

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