Apple Pie Recipes With Fresh Apples From Scratch
Introduction
Apple pie is a classic dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is a timeless dish that is perfect for any occasion, from a family dinner to a holiday gathering. Making an apple pie from scratch may seem daunting, but it is actually quite simple. With fresh apples and a few basic ingredients, you can create a delicious apple pie that will impress your friends and family.
Choosing the Right Apples
The key to a perfect apple pie is choosing the right apples. You want to choose apples that are firm and slightly tart. Some of the best apples to use for apple pie are Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Braeburn. These apples hold their shape well when baked and provide a nice balance of sweet and tart flavors.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cubed and chilled
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water
For the filling:
- 6 cups peeled and sliced apples
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed
Instructions
1. Make the crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse sand. Add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together in a ball. Divide the dough in half and shape into two disks. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Make the filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss to combine.
3. Assemble the pie: Preheat the oven to 375°F. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the disks of dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Transfer the dough to the pie dish and trim the edges. Add the apple filling to the pie crust and dot with butter.
4. Add the top crust: Roll out the second disk of dough and place it on top of the apple filling. Trim the edges and crimp to seal. Cut a few slits in the top of the crust to allow steam to escape.
5. Bake the pie: Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Let cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Conclusion
Making an apple pie from scratch is a fun and rewarding experience. With fresh apples and a simple crust, you can create a delicious dessert that will impress your friends and family. Try experimenting with different types of apples and spices to create your own unique apple pie recipe. Happy baking!
