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The Best Classic Homemade Apple Pie with Flaky Double Crust

Close-up of a thick slice of homemade apple pie showing chunky filling and a flaky crust sprinkled with sugar.
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Make the best homemade apple pie from scratch with this recipe. It features a buttery, flaky double crust and a perfectly spiced, tender apple filling that avoids being mushy. This is the classic comfort food dessert you need for holidays or any cozy night.

Ingredients

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  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
  • 1/2 cup ice water (plus more if needed)
  • 6 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced 1/4-inch thick
  • 2 large Macintosh apples, peeled, cored, and sliced 1/4-inch thick
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • 1 large egg, beaten with 1 teaspoon water (for egg wash)
  • 1 tablespoon coarse sugar for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Flaky Pie Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the 2 1/2 cups flour and 1 teaspoon salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix. Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
  2. Prepare the Apple Pie Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, 1/4 cup flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and lemon juice. Toss gently until the apples are evenly coated. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes while you roll out the bottom crust.
  3. Pre-cook the Filling (Optional but Recommended for Texture): Transfer the apple mixture to a large saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 8 to 10 minutes, until the apples have softened slightly and the juices have thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the 2 tablespoons of butter pieces. Let the filling cool slightly.
  4. Assemble the Pie: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim the edges, leaving a 1-inch overhang.
  5. Fill the Crust: Pour the cooled apple filling into the bottom crust, mounding the apples slightly in the center. Dot the top of the filling with any remaining butter pieces from the saucepan.
  6. Top the Pie: Roll out the second disk of dough into an 11-inch circle. Place it over the filling. Trim the top crust overhang to match the bottom. Crimp the edges together to seal. Cut several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
  7. Bake: Brush the top crust evenly with the egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar. Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake at 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and continue baking for another 40 to 50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them loosely with foil.
  8. Cool: Let the **classic apple pie recipe** cool on a wire rack for at least 3 to 4 hours before slicing. This allows the filling to set properly.

Notes

  • For the flakiest crust, keep all your ingredients, especially the butter and water, very cold.
  • If you prefer a Dutch Apple Pie, skip the top crust and instead make a crumb topping using 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/2 cup cold butter mixed until crumbly. Sprinkle this over the filling before baking.
  • Use a mix of tart and sweet apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, for the best flavor balance in your **apple pie filling recipe**.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookincorner.com/best-homemade-apple-pie-flaky-crust-recipe/