My Perfect Apple Pie Recipe

My Perfect Apple Pie

There’s nothing quite like the smell of a freshly baked apple pie wafting through your home. My Perfect Apple Pie is a delightful blend of tart Granny Smith apples and warm spices, all enveloped in a buttery, flaky crust. This pie is not just a dessert; it’s a tradition, a comfort food that connects us with happy memories and gatherings around the table. Whether it’s for a holiday meal or a casual family dinner, this pie will be the highlight of any occasion.

Why Make This Recipe

Making your own apple pie is rewarding. First, you’ll enjoy the process of baking, which can be as therapeutic as it is delicious. This recipe not only allows you to control the ingredients but also provides a wonderful opportunity to experiment with flavors. Plus, there’s something truly special about serving a homemade pie made from scratch. You’ll impress your family and friends and create lasting memories while enjoying each tender slice.

How to Make My Perfect Apple Pie

Ingredients:

2 x homemade shortcrust pastry (this recipe, or store-bought)
1 egg, lightly whisked
2 tsp white sugar (optional)
2kg / 4 lb Granny Smith apples, cored, peeled, halved, cut into 1 cm / 1/3" thick slices
1 cup brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
3/4 tsp cooking/kosher salt
1 tsp unsalted butter
Vanilla ice cream or cream for serving

Directions:

Pie Crust:

Shortcrust: Make a double batch of my shortcrust pastry recipe. Form the dough discs, wrap, and refrigerate per the recipe.
Line Tin: Roll out one dough just large enough to fit a 23cm/9" metal pie tin. Trim off excess pastry and prick the base 30 times with a fork (don’t pierce through).
Freeze: Cover with cling wrap and freeze for 2 hours.
Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 200°C / 400°F (180°C fan).
Blind Bake: Place baking paper in an "X" over the pie tin and fill it with baking beads. Bake for 25 minutes.
Egg Wash: Remove from oven, brush the crust with egg wash, and return it to the oven for another 5 minutes.
Cool: Let the crust cool for 15 minutes before filling.

Apple Pie Filling:

Preheat Oven: Set to 180°C / 350°F (160°C fan).
Spice Mix: Combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl.
Toss Apples: Sprinkle the spice mix over the apple slices and toss well.
Bake Apples: Spread the apples onto two baking trays and bake until soft (about 40 minutes).
Drain Juices: Pour excess juices into a saucepan and set aside to cool.

Assemble and Bake:

Fill: Arrange apples into the pie crust, topping with syrup.
Pastry Lattice or Lid: Add a pastry lattice top, trim excess, and brush with egg wash.
Bake Pie: Bake for about 45 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Cooling: Cool for at least 3 hours before serving.

How to Serve My Perfect Apple Pie

Serve slices of your delicious apple pie warm or at room temperature. For an extra treat, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of cream on the side. This classic combination is truly delightful and elevates the pie’s comforting flavors.

How to Store My Perfect Apple Pie

To store your leftover pie, cover it with plastic wrap or foil and keep it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the pie. Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before enjoying.

Tips to Make My Perfect Apple Pie

Choose the Right Apples: Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tartness, which balances beautifully with the sweetness of sugar.
Chill Your Dough: Keeping your pastry dough chilled makes it easier to roll out and helps maintain its flakiness while baking.
Don’t Skip the Cooling: Allowing your pie to cool for a few hours before slicing helps the juices to settle, making it easier to cut neat slices.

Variation

For a different twist, try adding cranberries or raisins to the apple filling for added flavor. You can also substitute the spices with your favorite pie spice mix for a unique taste!

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for this pie?
Yes, you can use a mix of tart and sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Braeburn for a more complex flavor.
How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?
Blind baking the crust before adding the filling helps prevent sogginess. Make sure to prick the base to allow steam to escape.
Can I make this pie in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pie a day ahead and simply reheat it before serving.

Now, with these simple steps, you’re ready to bake your very own perfect apple pie that will leave everyone craving more! Enjoy the process and the delicious results!