Classic Apple Pie Recipe

2022-11-01

By American Kitchen

American Cuisine

Dessert

Make a traditional American apple pie with this easy recipe from American Kitchen. This classic dessert is perfect for the holidays or any special occasion. 

 Serving Up Apple Pie on the Harvest Table

An American cuisine dessert that is believed to have originated in England during the 14th century. The dish eventually made its way to the United States as English colonists settled in the Northeast. As apple orchards became more prevalent in the Northeastern region, apple pie quickly became a popular dessert, especially during the fall harvest season. 

Fall in Love with the Sweet Aroma

Traditional apple pie typically consists of a buttery, flaky pastry crust filled with sliced apples mixed with sugar, cinnamon, and sometimes other spices, such as nutmeg or allspice. It is typically baked in the oven until the crust is golden brown and the filling is tender. 

The Role of Apple Pie in American Culture and Cuisine

It has been featured in many movies, TV shows, and songs, and is a signature dessert at many diners, bakeries, and restaurants throughout the United States.

The Sweet and Savory History of Apple Pie

Gluten-Free Apple Pie

Replace the regular pie crust with a pre-made GF pie crusts available in stores. Use a GF all-purpose flour or a combination of GF flours (such as rice flour, tapioca flour, and potato starch) to replace the all-purpose flour in the apple filling. 

Substitutes that Cater for Lactose-Free

Replace the unsalted butter with a dairy-free and gluten-free butter alternative, such as margarine or coconut oil, to keep the pie dairy-free and gluten-free.

Pitfalls on Apple Pie

 Choosing the Right Apples: Choosing the right apples is essential for making delicious Apple Pie. It's recommended to use a combination of firm apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for structure and tartness, and softer, sweeter apples like Golden Delicious or Braeburn for flavor and juiciness.

 Spicing the Filling: Spicing the Apple Pie filling can be a challenge as it's essential to achieve the proper balance between sweetness and spice. It's recommended to use a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice for warmth and depth of flavor. Adding a small amount of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar can also provide balance and brightness to the filling.

 Making the Crust: Making the pie crust can be challenging as it's essential to achieve the right balance between flakiness and tenderness. It's recommended to use a combination of butter and shortening for their distinct qualities- butter for flavor and tenderness, and shortening for flakiness. Chilling the dough before rolling it out can also help prevent it from becoming tough.

 Assembling the Pie: Assembling the Apple Pie can be a challenge as it's essential to layer the apples evenly and avoid air pockets. It's recommended to mix the apples and spices together thoroughly before pouring them into the prepared crust. Dotting the top of the filling with butter can also provide richness and flavor.

 Baking: Baking the Apple Pie can be a challenge as it's essential to bake it for the right amount of time to avoid under or overcooking. It's recommended to preheat the oven and place the pie on the lower rack to ensure the bottom crust gets enough heat. Covering the edges of the crust with foil or a pie shield can also prevent them from burning.

 Serving: Serving the Apple Pie can be a challenge as it's essential to allow it to cool and set before slicing. It's recommended to let it cool for at least 30 minutes before serving to prevent the filling from running. Serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can also provide richness and contrast to the spicy filling.

Ingredients

• 1 pie crust

• 8 cups thinly sliced peeled apples

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Stir until apples are evenly coated.

3. Pour apple mixture into a pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish.

4. Cut butter into small pieces and sprinkle over the top of the apples.

5. Cover with a second pie crust, making sure to crimp the edges of the crusts together with a fork to seal.

6. Cut a few slits into the top of the crust to allow steam to escape.

7. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

8. Let cool before serving.

Preparation Time 30 min

Cook Time 1 hr 15 min

Total time 1 hr 45 min

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 325

Fat: 11 g

Saturated Fat: 6 g

Carbohydrates: 56 g

Fiber: 4 g

Sugar: 38 g

Protein: 2 g

Regional Ingredients Variations of Apple Pie

New England, they may use fresh tart apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a double crust made of all-purpose flour and butter to make a classic, comforting apple pie. This version of apple pie is known as "New England-style Nutmeg Apple Pie."

the Midwest, they may add a layer of cheddar cheese on top of the crust, along with an extra sprinkling of cinnamon sugar, giving it a sweet and savory taste. This version of apple pie is known as "Midwest-style Cheddar Cheese Apple Pie."

the South, they may use a buttermilk crust, and add pecans, brown sugar, and bourbon to the filling, giving it a rich and decadent taste. This version of apple pie is known as "Southern-style Bourbon Pecan Apple Pie."

the Pacific Northwest, they may use firmer apples, such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith, mixed with blackberries or raspberries and a crumb topping made of oats, nuts, and brown sugar, giving it a nutty and fruity taste. This version of apple pie is known as "Northwest-style Mixed Berry Crumb Apple Pie."

California, they may use a gluten-free crust made of almond flour and coconut oil, and add a layer of salted caramel on top of the apples, giving it a sweet and salty taste. This version of apple pie is known as "California-style Salted Caramel Apple Pie."

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