Here’s a complete recipe and story-style profile for a Classic Apple Pie using the ingredients you provided:
Introduction:
Few desserts capture the heart and home quite like a traditional apple pie. With its flaky, golden crust and warm spiced filling, this beloved classic evokes memories of family gatherings, holidays, and the comforting aroma of fall. Whether served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, this pie is a timeless treasure.
Origin and Cultural Significance:
Although often associated with Americana, apple pie traces its roots to Europe—particularly England—where the earliest printed recipe appeared in the 14th century. When European settlers brought apple seeds and pie-making traditions to North America, the dessert evolved into a symbol of American culture and resilience. Today, “as American as apple pie” reflects its deep connection to home, tradition, and community.
Ingredients (Quantities):
For the crust (base):
- 3¾ cups (470g) all-purpose flour
- 1½ tablespoons sugar
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 3 sticks (12 oz or 340g) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- ¾ cup very cold water
For the apple filling:
- 3½ to 4 lbs apples (about 10 cups), peeled, cored, chopped into ½-inch pieces
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice
- ⅔ to ¾ cup sugar (adjust to apple sweetness)
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
To finish:
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream OR
- 1 beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for brushing crust)
Optional Additions:
- Add ½ tsp vanilla extract or a splash of bourbon to the apple mixture
- Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for depth (like Granny Smith + Honeycrisp)
- Top with a streusel instead of a top crust for a Dutch-style pie
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch
- Dust with coarse sugar after brushing with cream/egg for sparkle and texture
Tips for Success:
- Keep butter and water very cold to ensure a flaky crust.
- Don’t overwork the dough—visible butter pieces are ideal.
- Chill the pie before baking to prevent shrinking crusts.
- Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch bubbling filling.
- Let it cool before slicing for clean cuts and set filling.
Instructions:
- Make the crust:
In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add cold water gradually and mix just until dough forms. Divide into two discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour. - Prepare the filling:
In a large bowl, toss chopped apples with lemon juice. Add sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Stir to coat evenly. - Assemble the pie:
Roll out one disc of dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Transfer it to the dish, pressing gently into place. Add the apple filling. Roll out the second dough disc and lay it over the top (or cut into strips for a lattice). Crimp the edges to seal and cut slits in the top if using a full crust. - Brush and bake:
Brush with heavy cream or egg wash. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 45–55 minutes, or until the crust is golden and filling is bubbling. Cover edges with foil if browning too quickly. - Cool:
Let cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving.
Description:
This classic apple pie boasts a buttery, tender crust encasing a luscious, warmly spiced apple filling. Each slice offers a harmonious balance of tart and sweet, juicy fruit and flaky pastry—making it a true crowd-pleaser any time of year.
Nutritional Information (approx. per slice, 1/8 of pie):
- Calories: 420
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Sugars: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 210mg
Conclusion and Recommendation:
This pie is a labor of love worth every step. Ideal for celebrations, potlucks, or cozy nights in, it can be made a day ahead and stored at room temperature. Serve with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added decadence.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence:
To make this classic treat more wholesome, consider using whole wheat pastry flour for part of the crust, reducing the sugar slightly, and skipping the top crust for a lighter version. Apples offer fiber, antioxidants, and natural sweetness—reminding us that indulgence can also nourish the body and soul.
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