The Best Apple Pie Recipe

Gathering the Ingredients To create the perfect apple pie, you'll need a handful of essential ingredients:

• 6-7 cups of peeled, cored, and sliced apples (a mix of Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Jonagold works well)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 prepared pie crusts (homemade or store-bought)

Preparing the Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated. This mixture is the heart of your apple pie, so make sure it's well combined.

Assembling the Pie

1. Roll out one of the pie crusts and place it in a 9-inch pie dish, making sure it hangs over the edge slightly.
2. Pour the apple filling into the pie crust, mounding it slightly in the center.
3. Cut the butter into small pieces and distribute them evenly over the apple filling.
4. Roll out the second pie crust and place it over the apple filling. Trim any excess crust and crimp the edges to seal the pie.
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Venting the Pie

1. To allow steam to escape while baking, create small slits or decorative cutouts on the top crust.
2. If you desire a shiny finish, brush the top crust with a beaten egg or a mixture of milk and sugar.

Baking Your Masterpiece

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Place the assembled pie on a baking sheet to catch any spills and bake for 15 minutes at the higher temperature.
3. After 15 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (180°C) and continue baking for another 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown, and the filling is bubbling.

Cooling and Serving

1. Once your apple pie is out of the oven, allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving. This resting time helps the filling set.
2. Slice and serve your apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a truly delightful experience.

Conclusion: There you have it – the best apple pie recipe that will make your home smell like a cozy autumn day and delight your taste buds with each and every bite. Whether you're baking it for a holiday feast, a family gathering, or just a weeknight treat, this classic dessert never goes out of style. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a delicious apple pie that will have everyone asking for seconds.