Homemade Apple Pie

Savor the sweet, nostalgic flavors of Grandma’s Homemade Apple Pie. With tender, spiced apples and a buttery, flaky crust, this timeless dessert is perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to holiday gatherings.

Ingredients:

• For the Filling:
  • 6-7 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and thinly sliced
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• For the Crust:
  • 2 pre-made pie crusts (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 egg, beaten (for brushing)
  • 1 tbsp coarse sugar (optional, for topping)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Filling:
   • In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss until the apples are evenly coated. Set aside to let the juices develop.
2. Assemble the Pie:
   • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Roll out one pie crust and press it into a 9-inch pie dish.
   • Pour the apple filling into the crust and dot the top with small pieces of butter.
   • Place the second pie crust over the apples, trim any excess dough, and crimp the edges to seal. Cut small slits in the center for ventilation.
   • Brush the top crust with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar for a golden, sparkling finish.
3. Bake the Pie:
   • Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
   • If the crust browns too quickly, cover the edges with foil halfway through baking.
4. Cool and Serve:
   • Let the pie cool for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the filling to set.
   • Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Tips:

• Mix apple varieties for a balanced sweet and tart flavor.
• Chill the pie crust before baking for a flakier result.
• Add a pinch of cloves or allspice for extra warmth in the filling.

For more comforting dessert recipes, visit the Grandma’s Taste category.

FAQ:

Q: Can I make this pie ahead of time? A: Yes! Bake the pie a day ahead and store it at room temperature. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) before serving.

Q: Can I freeze the pie? A: Absolutely! Freeze the unbaked pie for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Q: What apples work best for pie? A: Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great options, as they hold their shape and offer a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.