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Heirloom Apple Pie: 1 Incredible Recipe, Pure Joy

Heirloom Apple Pie

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Discover the warmth and nostalgia of Grandma’s Heirloom Apple Pie, a cherished recipe passed down through generations. This classic dessert features a delightful mix of sweet and tart Granny Smith apples, enveloped in a flaky homemade crust. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll capture the essence of family gatherings in every bite. Perfect for holidays or cozy dinners, create lasting memories with this timeless treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes
  • 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water
  • 6 to 8 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
  • ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Sugar for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Make the Pie Crust: In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough holds together. Divide into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
  2. Prepare the Apple Filling: In another large bowl, combine the sliced apples, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss until the apples are well coated. Let sit for about 15-20 minutes to macerate.
  3. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  4. Roll Out the Crust: On a floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to fit your pie dish. Carefully transfer the rolled dough to the pie dish, pressing it gently into the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough hanging over the sides.
  5. Fill the Pie: Pour the apple mixture into the lined pie crust and dot with small pieces of unsalted butter.
  6. Top with Crust: Roll out the second disc of dough and place it over the apple filling. You can create a lattice top by cutting strips of dough and weaving them, or simply cover it with the full dough sheet. Trim and crimp the edges to seal, and cut slits for steam to escape. Brush the top with the beaten egg and sprinkle lightly with sugar.
  7. Bake the Pie: Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch any overflow) and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 35-45 minutes, until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown.
  8. Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired.

Notes

  • Using cold butter and ice water for the pie crust is crucial for achieving a flaky texture.
  • Macerating the apples helps to draw out moisture, resulting in a more concentrated flavor and preventing a soggy crust.
  • Do not overwork the pie dough, as this can lead to a tough crust.
  • Allow the pie to cool for at least two hours before slicing to allow the filling to set properly.
  • Experiment with different heirloom apple varieties for unique flavor profiles in your apple pie.

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