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**Simple Apple Pie: A Classic Dessert with Timeless Appeal**
There’s something about a warm, freshly baked **apple pie** that evokes feelings of comfort, nostalgia, and home. It’s the kind of dessert that never goes out of style—perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a holiday feast, or simply an afternoon treat with a cup of tea. The beauty of a **Simple Apple Pie** lies in its simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a pie that bursts with flavor and features a golden, flaky crust that holds a deliciously sweet and tangy apple filling.
### Why You’ll Love This Simple Apple Pie:
1. **Classic and Timeless**: Apple pie is a quintessential dessert that has been loved for generations. Its perfect balance of sweet, tart apples and a buttery, flaky crust never fails to please.
2. **Easy to Make**: While homemade pies might seem intimidating, this recipe simplifies the process without sacrificing flavor, making it accessible to bakers of all levels.
3. **Customizable**: Whether you like your pie with a hint of cinnamon, a dash of nutmeg, or an extra crumble topping, this simple apple pie recipe can easily be tweaked to suit your taste.
4. **Perfect for Any Occasion**: From Thanksgiving dinner to a casual weeknight dessert, an apple pie is versatile enough for any gathering. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
5. **Comforting and Delicious**: The smell of apples and cinnamon baking in the oven is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. The soft, tender apples and golden crust create the perfect bite every time.
### Ingredients You’ll Need:
To make this **Simple Apple Pie**, gather the following ingredients:
#### For the Pie Filling:
– **Apples**: The star of the pie! Choose tart apples like Granny Smith or a sweet variety like Honeycrisp, or use a mix of both for a more balanced flavor.
– **Granulated sugar**: To sweeten the apples.
– **Brown sugar**: Adds a deeper, molasses-like flavor that complements the apples perfectly.
– **Cinnamon**: A must-have spice that gives the pie its signature warm flavor.
– **Nutmeg**: A pinch of nutmeg adds complexity and a hint of warmth.
– **Lemon juice**: A little acidity to balance the sweetness of the apples and prevent them from turning brown.
– **Cornstarch or all-purpose flour**: This thickens the filling and helps create that perfectly gooey consistency.
#### For the Pie Crust:
– **All-purpose flour**: The base of the crust.
– **Salt**: Balances the sweetness of the filling and adds flavor to the crust.
– **Cold unsalted butter**: Butter gives the crust its flakiness and rich flavor. It’s important to use cold butter to achieve the right texture.
– **Cold water**: Helps bind the dough together and makes it easier to roll out.
#### Optional Egg Wash:
– **Egg**: To brush on top of the crust for a golden, glossy finish.
– **Milk or water**: To mix with the egg to create the egg wash.
### How to Make Simple Apple Pie:
**Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust**
Start by making the crust. In a large bowl, combine the **flour** and **salt**. Cut the cold **butter** into small cubes and add them to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.
Gradually add **cold water**, a tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough begins to come together. You may need to use your hands to knead it a few times, but be careful not to overwork the dough. Split the dough in half, form two disks, and wrap them in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
**Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling**
While the dough is chilling, prepare the apple filling. Peel, core, and slice the apples into even slices—about 1/4 inch thick works well. Place the sliced apples in a large mixing bowl, and toss them with **granulated sugar**, **brown sugar**, **cinnamon**, **nutmeg**, **lemon juice**, and **cornstarch**. Stir everything together until the apples are evenly coated, and set aside.
**Step 3: Roll Out the Pie Dough**
Once the dough has chilled, take one of the dough disks from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter, large enough to fit into a 9-inch pie pan. Transfer the rolled dough to the pie pan by carefully folding it in half and then unfolding it in the pan. Press the dough gently into the corners of the pan and trim any excess dough.
**Step 4: Fill the Pie**
Add the prepared apple filling into the pie crust, mounding it slightly in the center to create a nice, even layer. The filling will shrink slightly during baking, so don’t be afraid to pile the apples up a bit higher.
**Step 5: Add the Top Crust**
Roll out the second disk of dough to cover the pie. You can either cover the pie with a full top crust, or, if you prefer a more rustic look, you can create a lattice pattern by cutting the dough into strips and weaving them together. If you opt for a full top crust, be sure to cut a few slits in the center to allow steam to escape as the pie bakes.
Place the top crust over the filled pie and trim any excess dough, leaving about a 1-inch overhang. Fold the edges of the crust under and crimp them to seal the pie. For an extra touch of color and shine, brush the top crust with an **egg wash** (beat an **egg** with a tablespoon of **water** or **milk**) before baking.
**Step 6: Bake the Pie**
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil or a pie shield to prevent burning.
Once done, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 2 hours before slicing. This helps the filling set and ensures each slice holds its shape.
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