Homemade Apple Pie

Here’s a classic, all-American Homemade Apple Pie recipe — flaky, buttery crust with a sweet-tart spiced apple filling that’s perfect for any occasion, especially fall or holiday gatherings. 🍏🥧

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🥧 Homemade Apple Pie (from scratch)

🍎 Ingredients

For the Pie Crust (makes 2 crusts — top & bottom):

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 6–8 tbsp ice water

For the Apple Filling:

• 6–7 cups peeled and sliced apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or mix)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar (for depth)
• 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour or cornstarch (for thickening)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (prevents browning and balances sweetness)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, for warmth)
• 1 tbsp cold butter, cut into small bits (for dotting the filling)

For the Topping:

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tbsp coarse sugar (optional, for a crunchy top)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Make the Crust:

1. In a large bowl, whisk flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Cut in cold butter with a pastry cutter or forks until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Slowly add ice water, 1 tbsp at a time, until dough comes together when pinched.
4. Divide into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

2. Make the Filling:

1. In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour/cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla.
2. Let sit for 10–15 minutes to release juices.

3. Assemble the Pie:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roll out one dough disc into a 12-inch circle and fit into a 9-inch pie dish.
3. Pour in the apple mixture and dot with butter.
4. Roll out second disc and place over top — or cut into strips for a lattice crust.
5. Trim and crimp the edges. Cut slits if using a full top crust.
6. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.

4. Bake:

1. Bake at 425°F for 20 minutes, then reduce heat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 30–40 minutes more until crust is golden and filling is bubbling.
2. Tent the edges with foil if they brown too quickly.

5. Cool and Serve:

• Let cool at least 2 hours before slicing to allow the filling to set.
• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

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📝 Tips:

• Apple types: Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for best flavor and texture.
• Make ahead: Pie crust can be made up to 2 days ahead and kept chilled.
• Thicker filling: Add 1 extra tbsp of flour or cornstarch if using juicier apples.

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