How to Make an Apple Pie with Fresh Apples
An apple pie is a classic American dessert that brings together the sweet and tart flavors of fresh apples. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, making an apple pie with fresh apples is a delightful experience. In this article, we will guide you through the process of creating a delicious apple pie from scratch, ensuring that you enjoy every bite of this comforting treat.
Ingredients
Before you start, gather the following ingredients:
– 4 pounds of fresh apples (preferably a mix of sweet and tart varieties)
– 1 cup of all-purpose flour
– 1 cup of granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, chilled and diced
– 1 large egg, beaten
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
– 1/2 cup of cold water
Preparation
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Peel, core, and dice the apples into small pieces.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced apples with the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the chilled butter with the flour using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
5. Gradually add the beaten egg, vanilla extract, and lemon juice to the butter and flour mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
6. Divide the dough into two equal parts and roll out one part on a floured surface to fit the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish.
7. Transfer the rolled-out dough into the pie dish and trim any excess dough.
8. Fill the pie dish with the apple mixture, mounding the apples slightly in the center.
9. Roll out the remaining dough and place it on top of the apple mixture, trimming any excess dough and crimping the edges to seal.
10. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
11. Brush the top crust with a mixture of beaten egg and water, and sprinkle with a pinch of sugar.
Baking
1. Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
2. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
3. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the filling to set and the flavors to meld together.
Serving
Serve your homemade apple pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy the delicious combination of fresh apples, sweet crust, and the perfect balance of flavors.
Making an apple pie with fresh apples is a rewarding and enjoyable process. With this recipe, you can create a mouthwatering dessert that will impress family and friends. Happy baking!
