Homemade Apple Pie

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 50–60 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 6–8 tablespoons ice water

For the Apple Filling

• 6–7 medium apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

For the Egg Wash

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water
• Coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions

Make the Crust

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.
3. Add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing just until the dough comes together.
4. Divide the dough into two equal discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Prepare the Filling

1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla.
2. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.

Assemble the Pie

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roll out one disc of dough into a 12-inch circle and place it into a 9-inch pie plate.
3. Pour the apple filling into the crust and dot the top with the butter pieces.
4. Roll out the second disc of dough and place it over the filling. Trim and crimp the edges to seal.
5. Cut 4–5 small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
6. Whisk together the egg and water, then brush the top crust with the egg wash. Sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.

Bake

1. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20 minutes.
2. Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for 30–40 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
3. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them loosely with foil.

Cool and Serve

1. Let the pie cool for at least 2–3 hours before slicing so the filling can set.
2. Serve warm or at room temperature with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a slice of sharp cheddar cheese if you like.

Tips

• A combination of tart and sweet apples creates the best flavor and texture.
• Keep the butter and water very cold for a flaky crust.
• Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any juices that may bubble over during baking.