Perfectly Baked Apple Pie Recipe

Savor the sweetness of a traditional apple pie with this easy to follow recipe! Learn how to prepare a delicious, homemade apple pie that will become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients for Perfectly Baked Apple Pie

• 5 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Fuji work well)
• 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• A pinch of nutmeg for a warm spice touch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 unbaked pie crust (store-bought or homemade)

Equipment Needed

• A rolling pin to roll out the pastry
• An oven for baking
• Parchment paper to line your baking dish if needed
• A sharp knife to cut apples and other ingredients

Cooking Time: About 1 hour total, including preparation time.

Servings: Approximately 8 slices of pie.

Steps for Making a Perfectly Baked Apple Pie

1. Prepare the Filling: Start by peeling and slicing your apples into thin wedges. Toss them with sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice to prevent browning while baking. Set aside for about 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
2. Roll Out the Crust: Carefully roll out the pastry dough on a lightly floured surface until it is large enough to line your pie dish with an overhang of approximately 1 inch all around.
3. Bake the Pie Shell: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the rolled-out crust into the pie dish. Fill the pastry-lined dish with the prepared filling and dot the top of it with melted butter. Blind bake the pie shell for about 15 minutes until the edges are golden brown.
4. Assemble the Pie: After removing from the oven, carefully transfer the partially baked shell to your working surface. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the bottom pastry layer. Cover this with another piece of unbaked dough that has been rolled out similarly and trimmed to fit snugly over the filling.
5. Bake the Pie: Place the assembled pie back into the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for approximately 45-50 minutes, ensuring the crust remains golden brown. Rotate the pan halfway through baking to ensure even cooking. An internal temperature of about 208°F is ideal when a thermometer is used.
6. Cooling Time: Once baked, allow your pie to cool down for at least an hour before slicing and serving. This gives time for the juices to set into a thickened sauce that enhances the overall flavor and texture of each slice.

Tips for Baking the Best Apple Pie

• For extra crunch, sprinkle a little sugar on top of the pie before baking.
• To prevent soggy crusts, consider placing small pieces of parchment or aluminum foil under the edges to allow air circulation and drying out while cooking.
• Pile the filling towards the center slightly so that it doesn’t overflow during cooling and setting up properly after baking.

Storage Options for Your Apple Pie

Your freshly baked apple pie can be stored in a tightly sealed container at room temperature for about three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to ten days. Alternatively, you could freeze portions of your apple pie; simply wrap them well before placing them into the freezer where they will stay fresh for several months.

Apple pies are excellent enjoyed either warm or cold, but they truly shine when freshly baked. Share this traditional treat with friends and family during autumn gatherings or holiday meals! The sweet aroma and delightful taste of an apple pie make it a favorite among many people looking to enjoy some comfort food.

Conclusion

The classic apple pie remains timeless, perfect for any occasion from casual dinners to special events. By following these straightforward steps, you will soon be enjoying your homemade version that promises nothing but satisfaction and nostalgia with every bite!