Old-Fashioned Apple Pie

🕒 Prep: 40 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour
🍽 Serves: 8
★★★★★
Be the First to Review!

If there's one dessert that screams comfort, it's the classic Old-Fashioned Apple Pie. With its buttery, flaky crust and sweet, spiced filling, this pie is perfect for any occasion, especially during the cooler months when apples are at their best.

Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Apple Pie

Flour forms the base of our crust, giving it structure and tenderness. A pinch of salt enhances flavor, while a touch of sugar adds a subtle sweetness. The magic of a pie crust lies in the butter; it must be cold and diced to create those irresistible flaky layers. For the filling, tart apples, like Granny Smith, bring a delightful contrast to the sweet spices. Sugar sweetens the apples, while cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice add warmth. A splash of lemon juice brightens and prevents the apples from browning. Finally, egg yolk and milk brushed over the crust give it a beautiful golden finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • Keep your butter as cold as possible; this helps create a flaky crust.
  • Use a mix of apple varieties for a more complex flavor.
  • Chill your pie dough for at least an hour to prevent shrinking during baking.
  • Don’t skip the slits in the top crust; they allow steam to escape, preventing a soggy pie.

Serving Suggestions

This pie pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a cozy fall evening, try serving it warm with a side of caramel sauce. If you're entertaining, a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top can add a lovely touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes, feel free to experiment with other tart apple varieties or even mix a few for a unique flavor.
What if I don’t have allspice?
You can substitute it with an equal amount of additional cinnamon or nutmeg.
How do I store leftovers?
Cover the pie with plastic wrap or foil and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Old-Fashioned Apple Pie Recipe Walkthrough

Start by mixing the flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Gradually stir in the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough just holds together. Divide it into two, shape into disks, wrap in plastic, and let them chill in the fridge for at least an hour.

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out one of your dough disks on a floured surface to fit your 9-inch pie pan and gently place it in the pan. In another bowl, toss your sliced apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and lemon juice, ensuring everything is well coated. Pour the apple mixture into your pie crust and dot the top with little bits of butter.

Roll out your second dough disk and carefully cover the apple filling. Trim the edges, press to seal, and flute them nicely with your fingers or a fork. Make a few slits in the top crust to let steam escape. Mix the egg yolk with milk and brush this over the crust for a lovely shine.

Bake your pie in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Then, lower the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 35 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the apples are tender and the crust is a gorgeous golden brown. Let your pie cool before serving to allow the filling to set.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfectly flaky homemade crust that beats store-bought any day.
  • Just the right balance of sweetness and spice in the filling.
  • Uses simple, everyday ingredients you probably already have.
  • Impresses guests with its classic, rustic look and rich flavor.

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
6 to 8 tbsp ice water
6 cups thinly sliced peeled tart apples (such as Granny Smith)
3/4 cup sugar
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground allspice
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp butter, diced
1 egg yolk
1 tbsp milk

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Stir in water, a tablespoon at a time, until mixture forms a ball. Divide dough in half and shape into disks. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
3. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out one disk of dough on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Place crust in pie pan.
4. In a large bowl, toss apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and lemon juice. Pour into prepared crust and dot with butter.
5. Roll out remaining dough and cover filling. Trim, seal, and flute edges. Cut slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
6. Mix egg yolk and milk, and brush mixture over crust.
7. Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350°F (175°C), and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until apples are tender and crust is golden brown. Let cool before serving.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!