Table of Information

Detail	Description
Preparation Time	30 minutes
Cooking Time	1 hour
Total Time	1 hour 30 minutes
Servings	8

Introduction

Apple pie is a classic dessert that embodies the comfort and warmth of home baking. Known for its flaky crust and sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple filling, it’s a favorite in many cultures, especially popular in American cuisine.

Ingredients

• Pie Crust:
  • All-Purpose Flour – 2 1/2 cups
  • Unsalted Butter – 1 cup (cold and cubed)
  • Salt – 1 teaspoon
  • Ice Water – 4 to 8 tablespoons
• Filling:
  • Apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) – 6 cups, peeled, cored, and sliced
  • Sugar – 3/4 cup
  • Brown Sugar – 1/4 cup
  • Cinnamon – 1 teaspoon
  • Nutmeg – 1/4 teaspoon
  • Lemon Juice – 1 tablespoon
  • Cornstarch – 2 tablespoons

Directions:

1. Prepare the Crust: In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, stirring until the dough comes together. Divide into two balls, flatten, and chill in the refrigerator.

2. Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine apples, sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch.

3. Assemble the Pie: Roll out one dough ball and place it in a pie dish. Fill with the apple mixture. Roll out the second dough ball and place it over the filling. Trim and crimp the edges. Cut slits in the top crust.

4. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pie for approximately 1 hour, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly.

5. Cool: Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before serving.

Important Tips

• Apple Selection: Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for depth of flavor.
• Prevent Soggy Crust: Pre-bake the bottom crust for a few minutes or brush with egg white to prevent sogginess.
• Thickening the Filling: Ensure your filling is thick enough to prevent it from becoming too runny.

Apple Pie Variations

• Dutch Apple Pie: Top with a crumbly streusel topping instead of a top crust.
• Caramel Apple Pie: Drizzle caramel sauce over the apple filling before adding the top crust.
• Cheddar Cheese Crust: Add grated cheddar to the crust dough for a savory twist.

Storing and Reheating

• Storing: Store covered at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

How to Reheat Apple Pie

• Oven Method: Warm in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave Method: For individual slices, microwave for a few seconds, but the crust may soften.

Pros and Cons of Apple Pie

• Pros:
  • Classic Flavor: A universally loved dessert with a comforting taste.
  • Versatile: Can be adapted with different apple types and toppings.
  • Nutritional Value: Contains fiber and vitamins from the apples.
• Cons:
  • Time-Consuming: Requires significant prep and baking time.
  • Calorie-Dense: High in sugar and carbs, especially if served with ice cream or extra toppings.
  • Skill Level: Making a good pie crust requires some baking skill.