Classic Apple Pie Recipes for a Comforting Dessert

Apple pie is the quintessential comfort dessert that has warmed hearts and homes for generations. From its flaky, buttery crust to the sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple filling, there’s something nostalgic and soothing about a warm slice of apple pie. This article presents classic apple pie recipes that will evoke memories of family gatherings and fall festivities.

1. Traditional Double-Crust Apple Pie

This recipe showcases the classic apple pie that’s loved by many. It features a double crust encasing a delicious filling that makes it the perfect centerpiece for any occasion.

Ingredients:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water
  • 6 to 8 apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and sliced
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon butter, to dot

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  2. Stir in ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough forms. Divide the dough in half, shape into disks, and refrigerate for at least one hour.
  3. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  4. In another bowl, toss the sliced apples with sugar, flour, lemon juice, and cinnamon.
  5. Roll out one disk of dough and place it in a pie dish. Fill with apple mixture and dot with butter.
  6. Roll out the second disk for the top crust, place it over the filling, and seal the edges. Cut slits in the top for steam to escape.
  7. Bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven. Reduce temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 35-45 minutes.
  8. Cool on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy your classic double-crust apple pie!

2. Dutch Apple Pie

For a delicious twist, try the Dutch apple pie, which features a crumbly streusel topping over the sweet apple filling.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pre-made 9-inch pie crust
  • 6 to 8 apples (such as Fuji or Gala), peeled and sliced
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup old-fashioned oats
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a bowl, combine apples, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Pour the apple mixture into the pie crust.
  3. In another bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, and softened butter until crumbly.
  4. Spread the streusel topping over the apple filling.
  5. Bake in the oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
  6. Allow to cool slightly before serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

3. Caramel Apple Pie

If you love the combination of caramel and apples, this caramel apple pie will be a hit at your dessert table.

Ingredients:

  • 1 single pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
  • 6 cups apples, peeled and sliced
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • ½ cup caramel sauce