Apple Pie with Flaky Crust

Indulge in the comforting aroma and delightful flavor of a homemade Whimsical Apple Pie. This classic dessert combines sweet and tart apples enveloped in a perfectly flaky crust, making it an ideal treat for gatherings, holidays, or simply to enjoy at home. The magic of this pie lies not only in its rich flavors but also in the joyous memories it creates as it bakes in the oven, filling your kitchen with warmth and nostalgia. In this article, we will guide you through the intricacies of preparing this beloved recipe, offering insights into each step, essential tips, and the history behind apple pie that adds a touch of whimsy to your culinary adventures.

Discover the joy of making a Whimsical Apple Pie with a flaky crust that's sure to impress! This classic dessert combines sweet and tart apples with a buttery crust, creating a comforting treat filled with nostalgia. Learn about the best apple varieties, the science behind the perfect crust, and step-by-step instructions to craft your pie. Whether for a holiday gathering or a cozy night in, this recipe will fill your kitchen with warmth and delightful aromas. Create delicious memories with each slice!

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Ingredients

For the Flaky Crust:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced

6 to 8 tablespoons ice water

For the Apple Filling:

6 to 8 medium apples (a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)

¾ cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon butter, to dot

For Assembly:

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

1 tablespoon sugar (for sprinkling on top)

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Instructions

Prepare the Flaky Crust:

- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Whisk until blended.

- Add the diced chilled butter into the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces.

- Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough starts to clump together. You might need more or less water, so add it until the dough holds together without being sticky.

- Divide the dough into two equal parts, form them into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Prepare the Apple Filling:

- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

- Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin pieces. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Toss until the apples are well coated.

Roll Out the Crust:

- After chilling, remove one disk of dough from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. Transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie pan, allowing the excess dough to hang over the edges.

- Pour the apple filling into the crust, spreading it evenly. Dot the filling with small pieces of butter.

Top the Pie:

- Roll out the second disk of dough to match the first. Place it over the apple filling. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges, leaving about 1 inch to fold under the bottom crust. Crimp the edges to seal the pie.

- Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Brush the top with the beaten egg and sprinkle sugar over it.

Bake:

- Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.

- Reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown.

- If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil.

Cool and Serve:

- Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing. This will help the filling set up properly.

Enjoy your Whimsical Apple Pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence! 🍏🥧

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes | Servings: 8