Apple pie is a timeless classic that evokes memories of cozy kitchens and family gatherings. This spiced apple pie recipe combines tart apples with a blend of warming spices, encased in a flaky, buttery crust. The result is a dessert that’s both comforting and elegant, making it perfect for holidays, special occasions, or just a satisfying treat. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, this recipe will guide you through creating a pie that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat. With its aromatic blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, this pie is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients for Spiced Apple Pie
For the Pie Crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 to 8 medium apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
For the Pie Assembly:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling on top)
How to Make Spiced Apple Pie
1. Prepare the Pie Crust
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and granulated sugar. This ensures that the dry ingredients are well combined.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.
- Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Avoid overworking the dough to keep it tender.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape each into a disk, and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the dough to firm up.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Toss until the apples are evenly coated and the mixture is well combined. Let the filling sit while you roll out the dough.
3. Roll Out the Dough
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Transfer the dough to the pie dish, gently pressing it into the corners and trimming any excess.
- Roll out the second disk of dough for the top crust. You can either cut it into strips for a lattice top or keep it whole for a traditional crust.
4. Assemble the Pie
- Pour the apple filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly.
- Dot the filling with small pieces of butter. This adds richness and helps to create a flavorful filling.
- Place the top crust over the filling. If using a whole crust, cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape. If using a lattice crust, weave the strips over the filling and trim any excess.
- Crimp the edges of the crust to seal. Brush the top crust with the beaten egg and sprinkle with granulated sugar for a golden, sweet finish.
5. Bake the Pie
- Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the edges of the crust begin to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the filling to set and makes it easier to slice.
6. Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the pie warm or at room temperature. It’s delicious on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
About the Main Ingredients
All-Purpose Flour: Flour provides the structure for the pie crust. It forms the base and ensures a flaky texture. Using all-purpose flour allows for a balance of tenderness and stability in the crust.
Unsalted Butter: Butter adds richness and flavor to the pie crust. Using cold butter helps create a flaky texture by producing small pockets of fat in the dough.
Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar: These sugars sweeten the apple filling and contribute to its caramelization during baking. Brown sugar adds a deeper, molasses-like flavor.
Apples: A mix of tart and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, provides the best flavor and texture for the filling. Tart apples balance the sweetness of the sugars and maintain their shape during baking.
Ground Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves): These spices add warmth and depth to the apple filling, creating the classic flavor profile of a spiced apple pie.
Lemon Juice: Lemon juice brightens the flavor of the filling and helps balance the sweetness. It also prevents the apples from browning.
Vanilla Extract: Vanilla enhances the overall flavor of the pie, adding a subtle, aromatic sweetness.
Egg Wash: Brushing the top crust with a beaten egg creates a golden, glossy finish. The sugar sprinkled on top adds a bit of extra sweetness and crunch.
Spiced apple pie is a beloved dessert that combines classic flavors and comforting aromas. By following this recipe, you’ll create a pie that not only tastes delicious but also looks stunning. Enjoy the process of baking and sharing this delectable treat with loved ones!
