Description
This classic Crust Apple Pie recipe features a flaky, buttery homemade crust filled with a spiced Honeycrisp apple filling. The perfect balance of tart and sweet apples combined with warming cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger create a comforting dessert ideal for any occasion. The pie is baked to golden perfection with a beautifully crimped top crust and a shiny sugar glaze.
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced
- 6-8 tablespoons ice-cold water
For the Apple Filling
- 6-7 medium-sized Honeycrisp apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
For Topping
- 1 small egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients for crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt for the crust to start the base dough.
- Incorporate cold butter: Add cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture and use your hands to mix until it resembles coarse crumbs, ensuring a flaky crust.
- Add ice water gradually: Slowly add ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just comes together without overworking it to maintain tenderness.
- Chill dough: Divide dough into two balls, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to relax gluten and firm up the butter.
- Prepare bottom crust: Remove one portion, let it rest briefly, then roll it on a floured surface into a 9-inch circle and transfer to the pie dish, pressing gently on sides and bottom.
- Preheat oven: Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it is ready for baking the pie.
- Toss apples with lemon juice: In a large bowl, coat sliced apples with lemon juice to prevent browning and add brightness.
- Combine filling spices and sugars: Mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt in a separate bowl for the spice blend.
- Mix filling: Add the sugar and spice mixture to the apples and toss until the apples are evenly coated.
- Fill the crust: Pour the apple mixture into the prepared crust, mounding slightly in the center for an even bake.
- Add butter dots: Dot the apple filling with small butter pieces to enhance richness and flavor.
- Roll out top crust: Roll the second dough portion into a circle slightly larger than the pie dish for coverage.
- Cover filling and seal: Place the top crust over the filling, trim excess dough leaving a 1-inch overhang, then fold it under and crimp edges to seal fully.
- Create vents: Cut small slits or decorative vents in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking, preventing sogginess.
- Egg wash and sugar topping: Brush the top crust evenly with beaten egg, then sprinkle granulated sugar for a shiny, sweet finish.
- Bake the pie: Bake for 45-50 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and the filling is bubbling hot.
- Cool the pie: Transfer the pie to a wire rack and cool for at least 2 hours to let the filling set for clean slicing.
- Serve: Enjoy warm or at room temperature, optionally paired with vanilla ice cream or yogurt for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Use Honeycrisp apples for a balance of sweetness and tartness that holds well during baking.
- Keep butter and water cold to achieve a flaky, tender crust.
- Do not overwork the dough to avoid tough crust texture.
- Allow the pie to cool completely before cutting to avoid runny filling.
- For extra browning on the crust, bake the pie on a lower rack position in the oven.
- Leftover pie can be stored covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American