Grandma’s apple pie is a timeless classic that never fails to evoke feelings of comfort and nostalgia. With its flaky crust, perfectly spiced filling, and tender apples, this pie is sure to become a family favorite. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make Grandma’s apple pie from scratch, just like she used to.
Ingredients for Grandma’s Classic Apple Pie:
- 1 double pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 6 cups of thinly sliced, peeled apples (about 6 medium apples)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
How to Make Grandma’s Classic Apple Pie:
- Prepare the Pie Crust: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out half of the pie crust and line a 9-inch pie dish with it. Trim the edges and set aside.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice. Mix until the apples are evenly coated.
- Fill the Pie: Pour the apple mixture into the prepared pie crust. Dot the top with the pieces of butter.
- Top the Pie: Roll out the remaining pie crust and place it over the filling. Trim the edges and crimp to seal. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Bake the Pie: Brush the top crust with the beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar. Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving. Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.
About the Main Ingredients:
Apples: Granny Smith apples are traditionally used for apple pie because they hold their shape well when baked and have a nice tart flavor. However, you can use any firm, tart-sweet apple variety you prefer, such as Honeycrisp or Pink Lady.
Pie Crust: A flaky, buttery pie crust is essential for a delicious apple pie. You can use store-bought pie crust for convenience, or make your own homemade pie crust for that extra special touch.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the filling and helps to draw out the juices from the apples, creating a delicious syrupy sauce.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These warm spices add depth and flavor to the apple filling, complementing the natural sweetness of the apples.
Variations and Tips:
- Add a handful of raisins or chopped nuts to the filling for extra texture and flavor.
- Try using a combination of different apple varieties for a more complex flavor profile.
- Serve the pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a classic apple pie à la mode experience.
Grandma’s classic apple pie is a timeless dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its flaky crust, tender apples, and warm spices, this pie is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of this delicious pie that tastes just like Grandma used to make.
