Traditional American Apple Pie

🕒 Prep: 30 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour
🍽 Serves: 8
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There's something timeless about a classic American apple pie, especially as the leaves start to turn and there's a chill in the air. This recipe offers a flaky crust and a filling that's just the right balance of sweet and tart, making it perfect for any fall gathering or holiday table.

Ingredients for Traditional American Apple Pie

All-purpose flour is the backbone of our crust, providing structure and a tender crumb. Butter is key for that flaky texture we all love. Keep it chilled for the best results. Apples are the star of the show; choose a mix of sweet and tart varieties for depth of flavor. Granulated sugar and brown sugar work together to sweeten and add a hint of caramel. A touch of lemon juice brightens the filling, while cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice bring warmth and complexity.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a super flaky crust, keep your ingredients cold and work quickly.
  • If your dough feels too sticky, add a bit more flour while rolling it out.
  • Use a variety of apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a balanced flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a cozy touch, serve it warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the pie crust ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be made a day in advance and kept in the fridge. Just let it sit at room temperature for a bit before rolling out.
What type of apples are best?
A mix of apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Braeburn works well for texture and flavor.

Traditional American Apple Pie Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures it's ready to go once your pie is assembled. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the chilled, diced butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for a flaky crust. Gradually add water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough forms a ball. Divide it in half, flatten into discs, wrap, and chill for about 30 minutes.

While the dough chills, let's tackle the filling. In another bowl, combine your sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, spices, salt, and lemon juice. Mix until the apples are well-coated, and you can already smell those wonderful fall spices.

Roll out one of your dough discs on a floured surface to fit your 9-inch pie plate. Gently ease it into the pan, letting the edges hang over slightly. Pour in your apple mixture, mounding it a bit in the center.

Now, roll out the second dough disc and carefully place it over the filling. Trim the excess, leaving about a half-inch overhang. Tuck this under the bottom crust edge and crimp to seal. Don't forget to cut a few slits in the top for steam to escape.

Brush the top with milk and sprinkle with a little sugar for a hint of sweetness and a beautiful golden finish. Bake your pie for 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 35–45 minutes, until the apples are soft and the crust is golden brown. Let it cool before serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • No fancy equipment needed – just basic kitchen tools.
  • The perfect balance of spices to highlight the apple's natural flavor.
  • Step-by-step guidance for pie crust success, even if it's your first try.
  • Great for making ahead – it tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
8 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground allspice
1/4 tsp salt
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp milk

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Stir in water, a tablespoon at a time, until mixture forms a ball. Divide dough in half, shape into discs, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
4. In another bowl, combine apples, sugars, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, salt, and lemon juice.
5. Roll out one dough disc to fit a 9-inch pie plate. Place bottom crust in pan and fill with apple mixture, mounding slightly.
6. Roll out second dough disc, place over filling, seal and flute edges, and cut slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
7. Brush the top crust with milk and sprinkle with a little sugar.
8. Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 35 to 45 minutes, until apples are soft and crust is golden brown.
9. Cool before serving.

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