Are you ready to take your dessert game to the next level? Alton Brown's "Apple Pie" is not just any pie; it's a masterpiece that perfectly balances sweet and tart flavors, wrapped in a flaky, buttery crust that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. With its mouthwatering aroma wafting through your kitchen, this classic American dessert is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding. Dive into the world of homemade apple pie, and discover the secret to creating a dessert that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 pounds Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 recipe pie crust
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the pie crust. You can use a store-bought crust or make your own from scratch. If making your own, combine 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon sugar in a large bowl. Cut in 1 cup of cold unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Divide the dough in half, shape into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it is hot enough for baking the pie.
- While the crust is chilling, prepare the filling. Peel and slice the 2 1/2 pounds of Granny Smith apples. Aim for even slices to ensure uniform cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples with 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour. Toss the mixture gently until the apples are evenly coated with the sugar and spices. The lemon juice will help prevent the apples from browning and add a nice tartness to the filling.
- Take the dough out of the refrigerator. Roll out one disc of dough on a lightly floured surface to fit your pie dish. Transfer the rolled dough to a 9-inch pie pan, pressing it gently into the corners and letting the excess hang over the edges.
- Pour the apple filling into the pie crust, mounding it slightly in the center. This will ensure an appealing appearance after baking.
- Roll out the second disc of dough and place it over the apple filling. You can either cut slits in the top crust to create a lattice effect or simply cut a few vents to allow steam to escape. Trim any excess dough from the edges and crimp them together to seal the pie.
- Brush the top crust with an egg wash made from 1 beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon of water. This will give the pie a beautiful golden color when baked.
- Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake it in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 45 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown.
- Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. This cooling time allows the filling to set properly.
- Serve the pie warm or at room temperature, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.
Tips
- Choose the Right Apples: For the best flavor and texture, stick with tart apples like Granny Smith. Their firm flesh holds up well during baking and balances the sweetness of the sugar.
- Chill Your Dough: If you decide to make your own pie crust, ensure that the dough is well-chilled before rolling it out. This prevents the butter from melting and helps achieve a flaky crust.
- Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice: Adding lemon juice not only enhances the flavor but also prevents the apples from browning, keeping your filling vibrant and appealing.
- Mound the Filling: When pouring the apple filling into the crust, make sure to mound it slightly in the center. This helps the pie maintain its shape and gives it a beautiful presentation once baked.
- Use an Egg Wash: For that golden, glossy finish, brush the top crust with an egg wash made from beaten egg and water before baking.
- Let It Cool: Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours after baking. This cooling period helps the filling set properly, making it easier to slice and serve.
- Serve with a Twist: Elevate your pie experience by serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. It’s the perfect finishing touch!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
