Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
- Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining.
- Add Ice Water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing.
- Chill: Divide the dough into two equal portions, flatten into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 2 days.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
- Peel and Slice Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin, uniform slices.
- Mix Filling Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, flour, vanilla extract (if using), and salt until well combined. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the apples to release their juices.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough into a 12-inch circle for the bottom crust. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie pan, trimming any excess overhang.
- Fill with Apples: Pour the apple filling into the pie crust, spreading it evenly. If desired, dot the filling with a few small pieces of butter.
- Top Crust: Roll out the second disk of dough into another 12-inch circle. Place it over the filling. Trim and crimp the edges to seal the pie. Cut several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Egg Wash: For a beautiful finish, beat one egg with a tablespoon of water and brush it over the top crust. Sprinkle with a little granulated sugar for added sweetness and crunch.
Step 4: Bake the Pie
- Bake: Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 30-35 minutes or until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown.
- Cool: Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing. This cooling time helps the filling set up nicely.
Pro Tips for Success
- Apple Variety: A mix of sweet and tart apples provides depth of flavor. Good combinations include Granny Smith and Fuji or Honeycrisp and Jonagold.
- Pre-Bake the Crust: If you prefer a crisper bottom crust, consider blind baking it for 10 minutes before adding the filling.
- Thicker Filling: If you like a thicker filling, increase the flour in the filling to 3 tablespoons.
Variations to Try
- Caramel Apple Pie: Drizzle caramel sauce over the apple filling before adding the top crust for a rich twist.
- Spiced Rum: Add a splash of spiced rum to the apple filling for extra depth of flavor.
- Nut Topping: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the apples before adding the top crust for added texture and flavor.
Conclusion
The Perfect Apple Pie is a classic dessert that captures the essence of home and comfort. Whether served at holiday gatherings or simply enjoyed on a cozy evening, this pie is sure to impress everyone at the table. Enjoy each bite of this delicious creation and savor the sweet, warm flavors of fall!
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste, and enjoy making the perfect apple pie!