Grandma’s Secret Apple Pie Recipe

Grandma’s Secret Apple Pie Recipe

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Discover the timeless joy of a homemade apple pie with this delicious and foolproof recipe. With a flaky, golden-brown crust and a filling bursting with cinnamon-spiced apples, this apple pie is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply craving a comforting dessert, this recipe brings you all the nostalgia of Grandma’s kitchen. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat!

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

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

For the Filling:

  • 6-7 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp ground allspice
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

For the Top:

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

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crust:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter.
  2. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough starts to come together.
  4. Divide the dough in half, shape each into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

2. Prepare the Filling:

  1. In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and flour. Mix until well combined.
  2. Stir in the vanilla extract and set aside while you roll out the dough.

3. Assemble the Pie:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. On a floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a 12-inch circle. Gently place it into a 9-inch pie dish, leaving an overhang around the edges.
  3. Fill the pie crust with the apple mixture, arranging the slices evenly. Dot the filling with small pieces of cold butter.
  4. Roll out the second disc of dough into another 12-inch circle. Place it over the apples, trimming excess dough, and crimp the edges to seal.
  5. Cut a few slits in the top crust for steam to escape.

4. Bake the Pie:

  1. Brush the top crust with beaten egg and sprinkle with granulated sugar for a golden, crispy finish.
  2. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
  3. If the edges are browning too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil halfway through baking.

5. Cool and Serve:

  1. Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving.
  2. Slice and enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Tips for the Perfect Pie:

  • Use a mix of apples for the best flavor—Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp for sweetness.
  • Refrigerate the dough for at least an hour to make it easier to handle and create a flakier crust.
  • Don’t skip the egg wash—it gives the crust a beautiful golden hue.

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