Indulge in the classic American dessert with this easy-to-follow recipe for All-American Apple Pie. Made with a flaky homemade crust and a delicious apple filling seasoned with cinnamon and nutmeg, this pie is the perfect sweet treat for any occasion. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly irresistible dessert.
Ingredients
- For the crust:
- - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- - 1 teaspoon salt
- - 1 teaspoon sugar
- - 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- - 4-6 tablespoons ice water
- For the filling:
- - 6 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (about 6-7 medium-sized apples)
- - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- For the egg wash:
- - 1 egg
- - 1 tablespoon milk or cream
- For the optional topping:
- - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions
- Start by making the crust. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your hands to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it 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 them into discs, and wrap each disc in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a circle large enough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to the pie dish and press it gently into the bottom and sides.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
- Pour the apple filling into the prepared pie crust. Dot the top with small pieces of butter.
- Roll out the second disc of dough into a circle. You can either place it on top of the pie as a solid crust or cut it into strips and create a lattice pattern. If using a solid crust, make sure to cut a few slits on top to allow steam to escape.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk or cream to make the egg wash. Brush the top crust or lattice with the egg wash. If desired, sprinkle with a mixture of sugar and cinnamon for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips, and bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving. This will allow the filling to set.
- Slice and serve the All-American Apple Pie warm or at room temperature, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired. Enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Apple pie is often considered a symbol of American culture and tradition.
The first apple pie recipe was published in England in 1381.
The phrase 'as American as apple pie' became popular during World War II when American soldiers longed for the taste of home.
Apple pie is the official state pie of Vermont.