Classic Apple Pie with Buttery Flaky Crust: The Ultimate Comfort Dessert

There’s nothing quite like a warm slice of homemade apple pie with a golden, buttery crust. This Classic Apple Pie recipe delivers all the cozy flavors you crave, featuring a sweet, spiced apple filling enveloped in a flaky, melt-in-your-mouth crust. Perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a family dinner, holiday gathering, or just a weekend treat—this pie will impress your taste buds and your guests. Let’s dive into how to make this traditional and comforting dessert!

Ingredients:

For the Pie Crust:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter (cubed)
• 6-8 tbsp ice-cold water

For the Apple Filling:

• 6-8 medium apples (a mix of tart and sweet like Granny Smith and Gala)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (cut into small cubes)

For Assembling:

• 1 tbsp milk (for brushing the crust)
• 1 tbsp sugar (for sprinkling)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs, with pea-sized bits of butter throughout.
3. Slowly add the ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough begins to come together. You may need more or less water depending on the texture.
4. Once the dough is ready, divide it into two equal portions, shape them into disks, and wrap them in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. Peel, core, and slice the apples evenly. A combination of tart and sweet apples will create the best balance of flavor.
2. In a large mixing bowl, toss the apple slices with the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes to release some of the apple juices.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out one of the dough disks on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch circle. Place it into a 9-inch pie dish, trimming any excess dough from the edges.
3. Pour the prepared apple filling into the pie crust, ensuring the apples are evenly distributed. Dot the filling with the cubed butter.
4. Roll out the second disk of dough and place it over the apples, either as a full top crust or a lattice design for a beautiful finish. Trim the edges and crimp them to seal the pie.
5. Brush the top crust with milk and sprinkle sugar over the top to give it a lovely golden color when baked.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

1. Place the pie in the preheated oven on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
2. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling.
3. If the crust begins to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil or a pie shield to prevent burning.
4. Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool for at least two hours before serving. This ensures the filling sets properly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Once cooled, slice the pie and serve it as-is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate indulgence.
2. Enjoy the comforting flavors of homemade apple pie!

Tips for the Best Apple Pie:

• For an extra flaky crust, be sure the butter is cold when incorporated into the flour. You can even chill the bowl and utensils for a few minutes to keep everything cool.
• If you want a thicker apple filling, add an extra tablespoon of flour to the filling mixture.
• For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of allspice to the filling.

Conclusion:

This Classic Apple Pie with Buttery Flaky Crust is a dessert that brings warmth, comfort, and sweetness to any occasion. With its perfectly balanced filling and golden, crisp crust, it’s a timeless recipe that never fails to impress. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or simply to enjoy a cozy treat at home, this homemade apple pie is sure to become a favorite. Try it today and experience the magic of this classic dessert!