Grandma's Hug: the Ultimate Homemade Apple Pie

Recipe Introduction: A Slice of Heaven

Ever crave that warm, comforting feeling of home? honestly, for me, it comes in the form of a slice of homemade apple pie .

This isn't just any pie; it's grandma's apple pie , with a perfectly balanced sweet tart flavor that'll make your taste buds sing.

An Old Fashioned Apple Pie with a Story

This apple pie recipe homemade comes straight from my grandma. she taught me how to make homemade apple pie when i was just a little tacker.

This recipe has been passed down for generations. each slice connects you to tradition. it's a taste of home, no matter where you are.

This recipe falls into the medium difficulty range. from start to finish, budget about 3 hours. that includes chilling time for the crust.

This recipe makes a standard 9 inch pie, perfect for about 8 servings.

Why This Homemade Apple Pie is the Best Apple Pie

One of the best things about this pie (besides the taste, duh!) is that it uses simple ingredients. apples are packed with fiber and antioxidants, making this a slightly healthier treat.

This 10 inch apple pie recipe is just the thing for family gatherings, sunday dinners, or any time you need a bit of comfort.

What makes this recipe special is the perfect balance of spices and the flaky, buttery crust. you can even learn how to make homemade pie crust for apple pie with it.

Let's move on to the ingredients you'll need to bake this Apple Pie Recipe Easy !

Alright, let's dive into the heart of grandma's hug: the ultimate homemade apple pie ! it's all about those simple, quality ingredients and the gear you need to whip up this comforting classic.

Ingredients & Equipment: The Heart of This Old Fashioned Apple Pie

Honestly, the magic of how to make homemade apple pie isn't some secret spell. It's about using good stuff and knowing why you're using it. Don't overthink it!

Main Ingredients Breakdown: The Apple Pie Recipe Easy Path

Here's what you'll need. Don't panic. We'll break it down, including measurements and tips. We aim to bake The Best Homemade Apple Pie ever.

For that Perfect Homemade Pie Crust for Apple Pie

• All-purpose flour: 2 1/2 cups (315g) . Plain old flour, not self raising, yeah?
• Salt: 1 teaspoon (6g) . Don't skip it. Enhances flavor.
• Cold unsalted butter: 1 cup (227g) , cut into cubes. Seriously cold. Think butter from the fridge straight into the bowl. That's the secret for a flaky crust .
• Ice water: 1/2 cup (120ml) . Ice water. Keep it chilly.
• Apple cider vinegar (optional): 1 tablespoon (15ml) . Makes the crust more tender. Trust me, it's worth it.

Apple Filling: The Soul of our Apple Pie Recipe Homemade

• Apples: 6-7 medium (approx. 3 pounds/1.36kg) . A mix of Granny Smiths (for tang) and Honeycrisp or Gala (for sweetness). Good quality apples are essential.
• Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup (100g) . White sugar, as you know?
• Packed light brown sugar: 1/4 cup (50g) . Adds a caramel-y depth.
• All-purpose flour (or cornstarch): 3 tablespoons (24g) . Thickens the filling.
• Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon (2g) . Essential .
• Ground nutmeg: 1/2 teaspoon (1g) . Warm and cozy.
• Ground allspice (optional): 1/4 teaspoon (0.5g) . Adds complexity.
• Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Brightens the flavours.
• Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons (30g) , cut into pieces. Makes the filling richer.

Egg Wash (Optional, but Pretty)

• Egg: 1 large , beaten.
• Milk/Cream: 1 tablespoon (15ml) .
• Turbinado sugar (for sprinkling).

Seasoning Notes: The Secret Weapon

Cinnamon and nutmeg are the classic power couple. the aroma alone brings back childhood memories of grandma’s apple pie . don't be afraid to add a pinch of allspice or cloves for extra warmth.

A little lemon juice brightens everything up. you can experiment!.

Equipment Needed: No Fancy Gadgets

Here's what you'll need. No need to get fancy. It's apple pie recipe easy !

• 9 inch pie plate. Glass or metal will do.
• Food processor (optional). For making the dough. You can also do it by hand.
• Rolling pin. For rolling out the dough.
• Measuring cups and spoons. Obvious, yeah?
• Mixing bowls. For the filling.
• Pastry brush (for egg wash). If you're doing the egg wash.
• Baking sheet. To catch any drips.

Grandma's Hug: The Ultimate Homemade Apple Pie

Honestly, who doesn't love a slice of warm homemade apple pie ? it’s like a hug from your grandma, right? this recipe is inspired by the old fashioned apple pie recipes handed down through generations.

Think comforting flavours and that amazing aroma filling your kitchen. i'll guide you step-by-step to bake the best homemade apple pie !

Prep Like a Pro: Get Your Mise en Place Sorted

Mise en place sounds fancy, but it just means "everything in its place". it's basically preparing all your ingredients before you start cooking.

So, peel, core, and slice those apples now. get the butter cubed and chilled. having everything ready seriously cuts down on stress! for this apple pie recipe homemade , it's key.

step-by-step: Baking a Pie That'll Make You Proud

1. Dough Time : Combine 2 1/2 cups (315g) of flour and 1 teaspoon (6g) of salt. Cut in 1 cup (227g) cold butter until it resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Hydrate : Slowly add 1/2 cup (120ml) ice water and 1 tablespoon (15ml) apple cider vinegar. Mix until the dough comes together. Form a disc, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour .
3. Apple Magic : Combine sliced apples with 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar, 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar, 3 tablespoons (24g) flour, spices and 2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice.
4. Roll and Fill : Divide the dough. Roll out one half and place it in a 9 inch pie plate. Pour in the apple filling and dot with 2 tablespoons (30g) butter.
5. Top it Off : Roll out the other half, top the pie. Crimp the edges and cut slits. Or, if you feel fancy, do a lattice top!
6. Egg Wash Glam : Brush with an egg wash – 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon (15ml) milk and sprinkle with turbinado sugar.
7. Bake It Real Good : Bake at 425° F ( 220° C) for 15 minutes , then reduce to 375° F ( 190° C) for 35- 45 minutes , until golden and bubbly.
8. Cool Down : Let it cool completely before slicing. I know it's hard, but trust me!

Pro Tips for Pie Perfection

Want to make the perfect homemade pie crust for apple pie ? keeping your butter and water seriously cold is crucial.

Also, don't overwork the dough! overmixing develops the gluten, resulting in a tough crust. blind baking is a good option for the bottom of the pie crust, especially if using high moisture apples.

I had a disaster once where i didn't chill the dough enough, oh my gosh, it was a sticky mess! the trick for a perfect grandma’s apple pie is all in the details! remember to be patient, and don't rush any steps.

This apple pie recipe easy can be a success, even if it is your first time!. it is also the best homemade apple pie if you add a pinch of love!

This 10 Inch Apple Pie Recipe is sure to impress! How To Make Homemade Apple Pie is made simple. Let's get baking, shall we?

Alright, let's talk recipe notes for this killer homemade apple pie . honestly, this section is just as important as the recipe itself.

It's where we nail the details that take your pie from "meh" to "omg, this is the best homemade apple pie i've ever had!".

You know? it's about making it your perfect pie.

Serving It Up Right

Plating Like A Pro

Presentation is key! after all that work, you want it to look amazing. i like to dust the top with a little icing sugar.

A dollop of vanilla ice cream? heaven. seriously. think about a slice next to a scoop, maybe a drizzle of caramel.

Fancy!

Perfect Pairings

This old fashioned apple pie screams for some classic partners. a strong brew, like a proper english breakfast tea, works wonders.

Spiced cider? oh my gosh, yes. or even a glass of chilled dessert wine if you're feeling posh. a slice of cheddar on top? sounds weird, i know, but it’s a new england thing and… don’t knock it 'til you’ve tried it!

Keeping It Fresh (Or Freezing It!)

Chill Out

Leftover pie? Lucky you! Keep it in the fridge, covered. It'll stay good for about 3-4 days. I swear it gets better the next day!

Freezing For Later

You can totally freeze this best apple pie . Let it cool completely first. Then wrap it well in cling film and foil. It'll keep for a month or two.

Reheating Tips

Want a slice warm? Microwave it for a bit, or heat it up in the oven until it's all lovely and warm. The oven is better, honestly.

Remixing The Recipe

Dietary Tweaks

Want to make it gluten-free? use a gluten-free flour blend. it'll work a treat! dairy-free? try using coconut oil in the crust.

It'll give it a slightly different flavour, but it's still yummy.

Seasonal Swaps

Got some other fruit hanging around? Plums, pears, even blackberries work great with apples! Just adjust the sugar as needed. This apple pie recipe easy is your canvas!

Nutrition Nuggets

The Basics

Ok, so this isn't health food. But it's delicious! A slice is about 400-450 calories. It has some fibre from the apples, but it's mostly sugar and carbs.

Goodness Inside

Apples have some vitamins, and cinnamon is good for you, apparently. It's comfort food. It makes you happy! And that's good for your soul.

So there you have it. that's how to make homemade apple pie . don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.

This grandma’s apple pie recipe is just the beginning. have fun and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my homemade apple pie filling so runny?

Runny pie filling is a common baking woe! It often happens when the apples release too much juice during baking, and the thickening agent (like flour or cornstarch) isn't enough. Ensure you're using enough thickener, and consider pre-cooking the apple filling slightly to reduce moisture before adding it to the crust.

Also, patience is key letting the pie cool completely allows the filling to set properly, like giving it a chance to have a good cuppa and compose itself!

How do I get a perfectly flaky crust for my homemade apple pie?

A flaky crust is the holy grail of pie baking! The secret is keeping everything cold the butter, the water, even your hands if you can manage it! Don't overmix the dough, as this develops gluten, resulting in a tough crust. Chill the dough for at least an hour before rolling.

Think of it like a spa day for your dough, it needs to relax! A good quality butter also helps immensely.

Can I use different types of apples in my homemade apple pie?

Absolutely! In fact, using a mix of apple varieties will elevate your homemade apple pie. Aim for a combination of sweet and tart apples for a balanced flavor profile. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Gala apples are all excellent choices.

This approach ensures a multi dimensional flavour, rather than a one-note wonder a bit like a good band, you need different instruments for a full sound.

How should I store leftover homemade apple pie?

To keep your leftover pie fresh, store it at room temperature for up to two days, loosely covered. After two days, it's best to refrigerate it. To reheat, warm individual slices in the oven or microwave. You can also freeze leftover pie for longer storage, but the crust texture may change slightly.

Pop it in the oven for a few minutes to get it nice and crispy again!

Is there a healthier way to make homemade apple pie?

You can definitely make a slightly healthier version! Reduce the amount of sugar in the filling and consider using whole wheat flour in the crust (though it will alter the texture). You could also swap some of the butter in the crust for a little applesauce.

While it's still a treat, these tweaks can lighten the load a bit every little helps, as they say!

Can I make homemade apple pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Preparing elements in advance can save you time. You can make the pie dough a day or two ahead and store it in the refrigerator. The apple filling can also be prepared a day in advance. If you want to bake the whole pie ahead of time, bake it and then freeze it, unbaked, then bake from frozen when ready.

Just add about 15 minutes to the baking time - just like a professional baker!