A Taste of Home: Grandma’s Classic Apple Pie
As a child, autumn was always a magical time filled with the scent of cinnamon wafting through the air and the sound of laughter echoing in my grandmother’s cozy kitchen. Every year, as leaves turned golden and the harvest came in, my siblings and I would gather around her sturdy oak table, eager to help her make her famous apple pie. It wasn’t just about the pie; it was about the stories she’d share, the lessons she’d impart, and the warmth of family togetherness.
This recipe captures those cherished memories, balancing the sweet and tart flavors of fresh apples with a buttery crust that melts in your mouth. The appeal of this dish transcends generations, turning a simple dessert into an experience that invites everyone to the table.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Pie
- Classic Comfort: A timeless recipe that warms the heart.
- Seasonal Delight: Perfect for autumn gatherings or holiday celebrations.
- Kid-approved Fun: Involve the little ones in the kitchen; they’ll love helping to peel apples!
- Flexible Recipe: Easily customized with your favorite spices or crust.
- Make Ahead: Can be prepared in advance and stored for later enjoyment.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ pounds of Granny Smith apples (about 6-8 apples), peeled, cored, and sliced
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon butter (for dotting)
- 1 package (14 oz) refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade if preferred)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Apple Filling
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and flour. Toss gently until apples are well-coated.
- Allow the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes, letting the juices meld together.
Assemble the Pie
- Roll out one pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish.
- Pour the apple filling into the crust, spreading it evenly.
- Dot the filling with small pieces of butter to enhance richness.
- Roll out the second pie crust and place it over the filling. Trim excess dough, and crimp the edges to seal.
- Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
Bake the Pie
- Beat the egg and brush it over the top crust for a golden finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then reduce temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Cool and Serve
- Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 2 hours before slicing.
Tips & Variations
- Crust Options: Use a homemade pie crust or store-bought for convenience.
- Apple Varieties: Feel free to mix and match different types of apples for varied flavor profiles—Honeycrisp, Fuji, or even a tart Braeburn.
- Spice It Up: Experiment by adding cloves or ginger to the mix for an extra warming touch.
- Butter Substitute: Use coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.
Nutritional Information
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 50 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Calories per serving: 300
- Servings: 8
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other types of apples?
Absolutely! Mixing sweet and tart apples like Fuji and Granny Smith creates a delightful complexity in flavor.
2. How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?
Pre-baking the crust for a few minutes before adding the filling can help prevent sogginess.
3. Can I make this pie dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free butter or coconut oil in the crust and filling.
4. How long can I keep leftovers?
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat before serving for best taste.
Serving Suggestions or Pairings
Pair this apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. A rich cup of coffee or a warm spiced cider complements its flavors beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This apple pie, rooted in my grandmother’s tradition, is more than just a dessert; it’s a symbol of love, family, and the joyful moments we create in the kitchen. I invite you to make this pie your own and share your experiences in the comments below. What special memories does baking bring back for you? Happy baking!
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Grandma’s Classic Apple Pie
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A timeless apple pie recipe that combines sweet and tart flavors with a buttery crust, perfect for autumn gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ pounds Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon butter (for dotting)
- 1 package (14 oz) refrigerated pie crusts
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and flour. Toss gently until apples are well-coated. Allow the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes to meld the juices.
- Roll out one pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Pour the apple filling into the crust, spreading it evenly.
- Dot the filling with small pieces of butter. Roll out the second pie crust and place it over the filling. Trim excess dough and crimp the edges to seal. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Beat the egg and brush it over the top crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then reduce temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 2 hours before slicing.
Notes
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Serve with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg