Description
This Homemade Apple Pie is the epitome of comfort food, featuring a buttery, flaky pie crust and a sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple filling. Made with a mixture of Honeycrisp and Pink Lady apples, this pie is perfectly balanced—not too tart, not too sweet. The addition of sun-dried tomatoes and a lattice crust creates an eye-catching dessert that’s just as delicious as it is beautiful. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate fall treat!
Ingredients
Perfect balance of flavors: The Honeycrisp and Pink Lady apples give the pie the perfect sweetness, while the spices, lemon juice, and vanilla enhance the overall flavor.
Flaky pie crust: Homemade crust ensures a buttery, flaky texture that makes all the difference in a pie.
Elegant presentation: The lattice top not only adds a beautiful look, but it also lets the filling peek through, making the pie visually stunning.
Make-ahead: This apple pie can be prepped in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer for an easy, comforting dessert.
Instructions
- For the Pie Crust:
- 1 recipe for double pie crust (use your favorite or homemade recipe)
- For the Apple Pie Filling:
- 4 tablespoons (60 g) unsalted butter
- 4 lbs Honeycrisp and Pink Lady apples, peeled, cored, and sliced into ¼ inch pieces
- 1 ½ tablespoons (25 g) fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons (3 g) ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon (5 g) vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon (8 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tablespoons (12 g) corn starch
- 2 tablespoons water
- For Assembly:
- 1 large egg, lightly whisked for egg wash
- 1 tablespoon milk (optional)
- 2 tablespoons turbinado raw sugar for sprinkling
Notes
- Prepare the Pie Crust:
- Prepare your double pie crust and chill according to your recipe instructions while you prepare the filling.
- Make the Apple Pie Filling:
- Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and slice your apples into about ¼ inch thick slices. Toss them with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Cook the filling: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and salt, and mix to combine.
- Add apples: Toss the apples in the skillet to coat them evenly with the sugar mixture. Simmer for about 7-8 minutes until the apples release their juices and reach your desired softness.
- Add cornstarch slurry: In a small bowl, mix the flour and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Add this mixture to the apples along with vanilla extract. Stir and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the filling thickens.
- Cool the filling: Remove from heat and let the filling cool. Spread it evenly on a baking sheet in the refrigerator to chill faster.
- Assemble the Pie:
- Roll out the bottom crust: On a lightly floured surface, roll one disc of dough into a 13-inch circle about 1/8 inch thick. Place it into a 9-inch pie pan, allowing about 1-2 inches of overhang.
- Prepare the lattice top: Roll the second disc of dough into a rectangle (~12×14 inches) and cut into 1-inch strips.
- Add the filling: Once the filling has cooled, pour it evenly over the bottom crust in the pan.
- Create the lattice: Lay 5-6 strips vertically across the pie. Fold alternating strips halfway, then place a strip horizontally over them. Continue folding and laying strips until you’ve completed the lattice pattern.
- Trim and crimp the crust: Trim the overhanging crust to match the length of the lattice top. Fold the overhanging bottom crust over the lattice and crimp the edges to seal.
- Chill the Pie:
- Once assembled, chill the pie in the freezer for 30 minutes before baking. This ensures the crust stays cold and results in a flakier texture.
- Bake the Pie:
- Preheat the oven: While the pie is chilling, preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C).
- Egg wash and sugar: Whisk together the egg and 1 tablespoon of milk (if using) for the egg wash. Brush a thin layer over the top of the crust and sprinkle with turbinado sugar.
- Bake: Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any juices that overflow. Bake at 425°F (218°C) for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the temperature to 350°F (176°C) and bake for another 30-40 minutes until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Use a pie crust protector or aluminum foil to cover the edges if they brown too quickly.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the pie cool for 1-2 hours before slicing and serving to allow the filling to set. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect fall treat.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American