American apple pie is a traditional dish that has been loved by Americans for countless centuries. It is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to holiday celebrations.
The recipe for American Apple Pie typically consists of a buttery pie crust filled with a mixture of sliced apples, sugar, spices, and sometimes butter. The filling is then baked until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown and crispy.
How To Make:
To make the pie crust, you will need all-purpose flour, salt, unsalted butter, and ice water. The flour and salt are mixed together in a large bowl, and then cold butter is cut into the mixture until it forms pea-sized pieces. Ice water is then added a little at a time until the dough comes together into a ball.
For the filling, you will need apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. The apples are peeled, cored, and sliced thinly, and then mixed with the sugar, spices, and flour until well combined.
The pie crust is then rolled out into a circle and placed in a pie dish, and the apple filling is added. A top crust is then added, either as a full crust or in a lattice pattern. The edges are crimped together, and the pie is then baked in a preheated oven until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
American apple pie is typically served warm and topped with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It is a classic dessert that is sure to delight anyone who tries it and is a staple of American cuisine.
Tips and Variations:
Tips:
Choose apples that are firm and slightly tart, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. Softer apples, like Macintosh or Gala, may turn mushy when baked.
Use a mix of apples with different textures for a more interesting flavor and texture.
Pre-cook the apples with sugar, spices, and butter to ensure they are fully cooked and flavorful.
Use a lattice crust or cut out decorative shapes from the top crust to add visual interest to the pie.
Brush the crust with an egg wash and sprinkle with sugar before baking for a golden brown, shiny finish.
Variations:
Caramel Apple Pie: Add a layer of caramel sauce to the bottom of the pie crust before adding the apples for a decadent twist.
Streusel Topping Apple Pie: Top the apple filling with a crumbly mixture of flour, sugar, and butter for added texture and sweetness.
Apple Cranberry Pie: Mix fresh or frozen cranberries with the apples for a tart and tangy twist.
Apple Cheddar Pie: Add grated sharp cheddar cheese to the crust for a savory and sweet combination.
Dutch Apple Pie: Use a crumbly topping made from flour, sugar, butter, and cinnamon instead of a top crust for a more rustic, streusel-like pie.
Ingredients:
- For the crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 1 cup of cold, finely chopped unsalted butter
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water
- For the filling:
- 8 cups of apples, cut thin (about 8 medium-sized apples)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
Start by making the crust. Flour, salt, and sugar should all be combined in a sizable mixing dish. Add the chilled butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until the mixture is crumbly and the butter is about the size of small peas.
Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and stir until the dough comes together into a ball. Make each half of the dough into a flat disc after dividing it in half. Put in the fridge for at least 30 minutes after wrapping in plastic wrap.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out one of the chilled dough discs on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie dish and trim the edges to leave a 1/2-inch overhang.
Combine the sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a sizable mixing basin. Toss to coat the apples evenly.
Spoon the apple mixture into the prepared pie crust, mounding it slightly in the center. Little chunks of butter should be placed all over the apples' tops.
Roll out the second chilled dough disc on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Cut into strips and weave them over the top of the apple filling in a lattice pattern. Trim the edges and fold the overhang under the edge of the bottom crust, then crimp the edges together.
Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Before slicing and serving, allow the pie to cool for at least 30 minutes.