Apple Pie Recipe

Apple Pie That Melts in Your Mouth: A 5-Minute Recipe

Apple pie is a timeless classic, loved for its rich history, delightful flavors, and nostalgic appeal. This guide will help you create the perfect apple pie, whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out. From selecting the best apples to mastering the crust, this recipe has everything you need for a delicious and memorable dessert.

Making the Pie Crust

Ingredients:

• 2.2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter, chopped
• 6 to 8 tablespoons ice-cold water

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt.
2. Add the chilled, chopped butter to the flour. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add the cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough forms a ball. Mix gently to avoid overworking the dough.
4. Gather the dough into a ball, divide it in half, and flatten each half into a disk. Wrap each disk in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour.

Preparing the Filling

Ingredients:

• 6 to 8 cups peeled, cored, and sliced apples
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 2 tablespoons flour or cornstarch (for thickening)

Instructions:

1. Place the sliced apples in a large bowl.
2. Add the lemon juice, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Toss to coat the apples evenly.
3. For a thicker filling, mix in the flour or cornstarch to the apple mixture.

Assembling the Pie

Bottom Crust:

1. Roll out one disk of dough on a floured surface to a 12-inch diameter. Fit it into a 9-inch pie plate, gently pressing it into the corners and bottom.

Filling:

1. Evenly spread the apple filling over the bottom crust.

Top Crust Options:

Double Crust:

1. Roll out the second disk of dough into a circle and place it over the apples.
2. Trim the excess dough, seal the edges by pinching, and cut a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.

Lattice Crust:

1. Roll out the second disk of dough and cut it into 1/2-inch-wide strips.
2. Arrange half of the strips over the pie in one direction and weave the remaining strips over and under to create a lattice pattern.

Streusel Topping:

1. Mix melted butter with flour and sugar to create a streusel.
2. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the apple filling.

Baking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly.

Cooling and Serving

Allow the pie to cool for at least two hours before slicing. This helps the filling set properly. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Enjoy your delightful homemade apple pie!