Classic Homemade Apple Pie: Sweet, Crisp, and Delicious
The Perfect Harmony of Aromatic Apples and a Crisp Crust: Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
The sweet and fragrant aroma of freshly baked apple pie is always heartwarming! Make your own classic apple pie at home, bursting with a soft apple filling and a wonderfully crisp crust. It’s a perfect dessert for special occasions or a delightful treat with your afternoon tea.
For the Crisp Pie Dough
- 200g All-purpose flour
- 2g Salt (a pinch)
- 115g Unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 2 Large egg yolks
- 52g Ice water (use cold water with a few ice cubes)
For the Sweet Apple Filling
- Apples (firm, tart-sweet varieties recommended), peeled, cored, and diced
- 70g Brown sugar
- 3g Unsalted butter
- 2 Tbsp Cornstarch or potato starch
- 1/2 Tbsp Ground cinnamon
For Finishing & Glaze
- Egg wash (1 egg mixed with 1 tsp water) – for a golden sheen!
- Apples (firm, tart-sweet varieties recommended), peeled, cored, and diced
- 70g Brown sugar
- 3g Unsalted butter
- 2 Tbsp Cornstarch or potato starch
- 1/2 Tbsp Ground cinnamon
For Finishing & Glaze
- Egg wash (1 egg mixed with 1 tsp water) – for a golden sheen!
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s begin making your warm and delicious apple pie! First, prepare all the ingredients for the pie dough. It’s crucial that the butter is kept very cold and firm in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it, as this is the secret to a flaky, crisp crust. Just preparing the ingredients feels like you’re already on your way to baking a wonderful pie!
Step 2
In a food processor or a large bowl, combine the sifted all-purpose flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. These butter pieces will create the flaky layers when baked.
Step 3
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and ice water. Gradually add this liquid mixture to the flour and butter mixture, stirring with a spatula or fork until the dough just comes together into a cohesive ball. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the crust tough. Mix just until no dry flour is visible.
Step 4
Once the dough is formed, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a plastic bag and flatten it into a disk. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting period allows the gluten to relax and the butter to firm up again, making the dough easier to handle. While the dough rests, you can prepare the apple filling – it’s the perfect timing!
Step 5
Now, let’s make the sweet apple filling that will be the heart of your pie! Heat a frying pan over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and 3g of butter. Stir until the sugar melts and the butter is incorporated, releasing a sweet, fragrant aroma.
Step 6
Add the diced apples to the pan and mix them with the melted butter and sugar syrup. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften slightly and become slightly translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the cornstarch (or potato starch) and cinnamon powder until well combined and no lumps remain. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the filling thickens. Be careful not to overcook, or the apples will become mushy.
Step 7
Take the rested pie dough out and lightly flour your work surface. Roll out the dough to a circle slightly larger than your pie dish, about 3mm thick. Gently drape the rolled dough over the pie dish, carefully pressing it into the bottom and up the sides. Trim any excess dough. Using a fork, prick the bottom of the crust all over at about 2-3 cm intervals. This venting prevents the crust from puffing up while baking.
Step 8
Spread the delicious apple filling evenly into the prepared pie crust. If you have remaining dough, you can cut it into strips to create a lattice top, or cut out decorative shapes to place on top for a beautiful finish. Once the top is in place, brush it generously with the prepared egg wash. This will give your pie a beautiful golden-brown, glossy finish. Bake in a preheated oven at 190-200°C (375-400°F) for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Your delightful homemade apple pie is ready to be enjoyed!
