Savoring the Seasons: My Grandma’s Apple Pie Recipe
Growing up, autumn in our household was synonymous with the irresistible aroma of baking apples and spices wafting through the air. My grandmother, a culinary magician, always whipped up her famous apple pie just as the leaves began to turn. This wasn’t just any dessert; it was a lovingly crafted family heirloom, passed down through generations. The excitement of gathering around the dining table as she presented her golden, flaky creation was a cherished tradition. Every slice was not just a taste of sweet nostalgia but a celebration of love, laughter, and shared memories.
As the cool breeze of fall rolls in, there’s no better time to bring this beloved recipe back to life. This apple pie is a warm hug on a chilly day, filled with sweet-tart apples, cinnamon, and all the cozy spices that make this dessert so special. With a buttery crust and a tantalizing filling, it’s sure to enchant your family just as it did mine.
Why You’ll Love This DIY Apple Pie
- Made with simple, wholesome ingredients
- Comforting and nostalgic dessert
- Perfect for fall gatherings and holidays
- Easy to customize with various apple types
- One-bowl mixing for minimal cleanup
Ingredients
- 2 ½ pounds of Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, diced
- 1 package of pre-made pie crust (or homemade, if you prefer)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures that your pie crust gets that beautiful golden hue.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and flour. Toss until the apples are well coated. Allow it to sit for about 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Roll Out the Dough: If using homemade crust, roll out half for the bottom layer. Place it into a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it gently into the edges.
- Fill the Pie: Pour the apple mixture into the pie crust, making sure to distribute the apples evenly. Dot the top with small pieces of butter.
- Cover the Pie: Roll out the second half of the dough for the top layer. Cut a few slits for ventilation or create a lattice design if you’re feeling adventurous!
- Seal and Egg Wash: Crimp the edges to seal your pie tightly. In a small bowl, whisk the egg with milk for an egg wash. Brush over the crust for a shiny finish.
- Bake: Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes until the filling is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool for at least an hour before slicing. Enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!
Tips & Variations
- Apple Variants: Try different apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for varied sweetness and texture.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pie crust mix for a delicious gluten-free option.
- Spices: Add a pinch of allspice or cloves for extra warmth in flavor.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftover apple pie in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the baked pie, tightly wrapped, for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Nutritional Information
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 50 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Calories per serving: Approximately 300
- Servings: 8 slices
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other types of apples?
- Yes, feel free to mix different apple varieties for a more complex flavor!
- What can I use instead of butter?
- You can use coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute.
- Can I make this pie in advance?
- Yes! You can prepare and freeze it unbaked, then bake it straight from the freezer when ready to serve.
- Is there a gluten-free version of this crust?
- Absolutely! Store-bought gluten-free pie crusts are a perfect alternative, or you can make your own.
Serving Suggestions or Pairings
A classic pairing for this apple pie is a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Serve it with a warm cup of spiced cider or a rich cup of coffee to elevate your dessert experience.
Final Thoughts
This apple pie isn’t just a recipe; it’s a cherished piece of my family history. I encourage you to make it your own—perhaps adding a personal twist or a family secret. Share your versions or thoughts in the comments below, and let’s celebrate the warmth of home cooking together! Happy baking!
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Grandma’s Apple Pie
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and nostalgic apple pie recipe that’s perfect for fall gatherings and holidays, filled with sweet-tart apples and cozy spices.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ pounds of Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, diced
- 1 package of pre-made pie crust (or homemade, if you prefer)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and flour. Toss until the apples are well coated and let sit for about 10 minutes.
- Roll out half of the dough for the bottom layer and place it into a 9-inch pie dish.
- Pour the apple mixture into the pie crust and dot the top with small pieces of butter.
- Roll out the second half of the dough for the top layer, cut slits for ventilation, or create a lattice design.
- Crimp the edges to seal the pie. Brush the crust with an egg wash made from whisking the egg and milk.
- Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes until the filling is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
- Allow the pie to cool for at least an hour before slicing. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
Notes
Try different apple varieties for varied sweetness and texture. Use gluten-free pie crust for a gluten-free option.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg