Auntie's Apple Pie isn't just any dessert—it's a bite of homemade comfort that brings back memories of cozy autumn days. This pie combines a flaky, buttery crust with a warm, spiced apple filling, making it the perfect treat for any occasion.
The all-purpose flour forms the base of our crust, providing structure. Using unsalted butter ensures we control the saltiness, and its chilled state helps create the flaky layers we all adore. Salt enhances all the flavors, while ice water binds the dough without melting the butter prematurely.
For the filling, apples are the star—choose firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture. Granulated sugar sweetens the apples just right, while ground cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and depth. A splash of lemon juice balances the sweetness and keeps the apples from browning. Lastly, a bit of flour thickens the filling as it bakes.
The egg yolk and milk mixture creates a lovely golden finish on the crust, making it as beautiful as it is tasty.
Serve a warm slice of Auntie's Apple Pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a bit of extra indulgence, drizzle with caramel sauce.
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While it heats, prepare the crust. In a large bowl, mix 2 1/2 cups of flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Add 1 cup of diced, chilled butter, and use a pastry cutter or your hands to combine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add 1/2 cup of ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together in a ball. Wrap it in plastic and pop it in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can.
When you're ready to bake, roll out half of the chilled dough on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie plate. Carefully lay it into the plate, pressing it into the bottom and sides.
Next, prepare the filling. In a separate bowl, toss the sliced apples with 3/4 cup of sugar, 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of flour. Make sure everything is evenly coated. Pour this delicious mixture into your prepared crust and dot with 1 tablespoon of butter.
Roll out the remaining dough and place it over the apple filling. Seal the edges and flute them for a decorative touch. Cut a few slits in the top crust to let steam escape. In a small bowl, mix 1 egg yolk with 1 tablespoon of milk and brush it over the crust.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 35 to 45 minutes, until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown. Let the pie cool a bit before slicing—it'll help the filling set up nicely.
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