How to make the best apple pie

### Apple Pie Recipe

Apple pie is a timeless dessert that combines a flaky, buttery crust with a sweet and spiced apple filling. Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or any time you want a comforting dessert, this recipe serves about 8 people and ensures a delightful experience with every bite.

#### Ingredients

**For the Crust:**

- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar

- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes

- 6-8 tablespoons ice water

**For the Filling:**

- 6-7 cups thinly sliced, peeled apples (a mix of tart and sweet varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)

- 3/4 cup granulated sugar

- 1/4 cup brown sugar

- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

- 1 tablespoon lemon juice

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

**For the Topping:**

- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling)

#### Instructions

**1. Make the Crust:**

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Mix well.

2. Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork after each addition, until the dough begins to come together.

4. Divide the dough into two equal parts, shape each into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days).

**2. Prepare the Filling:**

1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Toss to coat the apples evenly. Let the mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the apples to release some of their juices.

**3. Assemble the Pie:**

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough into a 12-inch circle. Fit it into a 9-inch pie dish, leaving some overhang.

3. Pour the apple filling into the pie crust, mounding it slightly in the center.

4. Roll out the second disk of dough into a 12-inch circle and place it over the filling. Trim the overhang to about 1 inch beyond the edge of the pie plate.

5. Fold the top crust under the bottom crust edge, pressing to seal, and crimp as desired.

6. Cut a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.

**4. Bake the Pie:**

1. Brush the top crust with the beaten egg and sprinkle with granulated sugar.

2. Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips, and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

3. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil.

**5. Cool and Serve:**

1. Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving. This helps the filling set and makes slicing easier.

2. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

### Tips for the Perfect Apple Pie

1. **Choose the Right Apples:** Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for a balanced flavor. Granny Smith apples provide tartness, while Honeycrisp or Golden Delicious add sweetness.

2. **Keep Ingredients Cold:** Cold butter and water are essential for a flaky crust. Handle the dough as little as possible to keep it from warming up.

3. **Pre-Cook the Apples:** For a less runny filling, you can sauté the apple slices briefly in a pan to reduce moisture before placing them in the pie crust.

4. **Use a Baking Sheet:** Baking the pie on a sheet helps catch any overflow juices, keeping your oven clean.

5. **Let it Cool:** Allowing the pie to cool fully helps the filling to thicken and set, making it easier to slice and serve.

This classic apple pie recipe combines a tender, flaky crust with a flavorful, spiced apple filling. Perfectly balanced with sweetness and tartness, it’s sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Enjoy every delicious slice!