Apple Pie Recipe

Ingredients:

For the pie crust:

• 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 6-8 tbsp ice water

For the apple filling:

• 6-7 medium apples (use a mix of tart and sweet apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

For topping:

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tbsp coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the pie crust:

• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
• Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your hands to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs (pea-sized).
• Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough starts to come together. You may need to add a little more or less water.
• Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape each into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days).

2. Prepare the apple filling:

• Peel, core, and slice the apples thinly (about ¼-inch thick).
• In a large bowl, toss the apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until the apples are evenly coated.

3. Assemble the pie:

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
• On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the dough discs into a 12-inch circle. Transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish, letting the excess dough hang over the edges.
• Pour the apple filling into the crust and dot the filling with the butter pieces.
• Roll out the second dough disc into another 12-inch circle. Place it over the apples, trim any excess dough, and crimp the edges to seal.
• Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.

4. Add the finishing touches:

• Brush the top crust with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar for a beautiful golden finish.

5. Bake the pie:

• Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20 minutes, then reduce the heat to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for another 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
• If the edges start to brown too quickly, cover them with foil halfway through baking.

6. Cool and serve:

• Let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing to allow the filling to set.

Tips:

• Using a combination of apple varieties adds depth of flavor. Granny Smith adds tartness, while Honeycrisp or Fuji adds sweetness.
• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat.

Enjoy your homemade apple pie with its perfectly flaky crust and delicious spiced apple filling!