Easy Apple Pie

Who doesn’t love a delicious slice of apple pie? This classic dessert is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a sweet treat. With its flaky crust and perfectly spiced filling, this easy apple pie recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

1. Great flavors: The combination of tart Granny Smith apples, warm cinnamon, and nutmeg creates a mouthwatering flavor profile.
2. Quick prep time: This recipe comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
3. Perfect for meal prep: Make a big batch of this apple pie and enjoy it throughout the week for a quick and satisfying dessert.

Ingredient Notes:

• Pie crusts: You can use store-bought or homemade pie crusts for this recipe.
• Granny Smith apples: These apples are ideal for baking as they hold their shape well and provide a nice tartness to balance the sweetness.
• Granulated sugar and light brown sugar: The combination of these sugars adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the filling.
• All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the filling and holds everything together.
• Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: These spices add warmth and complexity to the apple filling.
• Lemon juice and zest: Brightens the flavor of the apples and adds a hint of citrus.
• Egg wash: Gives the pie a beautiful golden-brown finish.
• Sanding sugar (optional): Adds a sparkly, sweet crunch to the top crust.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F and prepare your pie crusts in a 9-inch pie dish.
2. In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and zest.
3. Pour the apple mixture into the prepared pie crust, then cover with the second pie crust. Crimp the edges to seal and cut slits in the top crust for ventilation.
4. Brush the top crust with the egg wash and sprinkle with sanding sugar, if using.
5. Bake the pie for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
6. Let the pie cool before serving. Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Helpful Tips:

• For a decorative crust, use cookie cutters to create shapes out of the top crust before placing it over the filling.
• To prevent the edges of the crust from burning, cover them with aluminum foil halfway through baking.
• Serve the pie with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra special treat.
• Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat slices in the oven for a few minutes to restore the crispness of the crust.

Expert Tips for the Best Results:

1. Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for a well-rounded flavor profile.
2. Let the pie cool completely before slicing to allow the filling to set.
3. Experiment with different spices like cardamom or ginger for a unique twist on the classic apple pie.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve this apple pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Pair it with a cup of hot coffee or cider for the perfect fall dessert.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

To store leftovers, cover the pie with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat individual slices in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
   Yes, you can substitute other baking apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji for the Granny Smith apples.
2. Can I freeze this apple pie?
   Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pie for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
3. How do I prevent the bottom crust from getting soggy?
   To prevent a soggy bottom crust, try pre-baking the bottom crust for a few minutes before adding the filling.

Conclusion:

With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this apple pie recipe is a must-try for any baking enthusiast. Whether you’re a seasoned pie maker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out!

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