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#### **1. Prepare the Pie Crust**
Start by making the pie crust. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar. Cut the cold butter into small cubes and add them to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.
Next, slowly add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. You want to avoid overworking the dough, as this can result in a tough crust. Once the dough forms a ball, divide it into two equal portions, flatten each portion into a disc, and wrap them in plastic wrap. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before using.
In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice. The flour and cornstarch will help thicken the filling as it bakes, while the lemon juice adds a subtle brightness to balance the sweetness of the apples.
Let the apple mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes so the juices can release and the flavors can meld together.
Add the prepared apple filling into the crust, mounding it slightly in the center. Dot the filling with small pieces of butter, which will melt during baking and add richness to the pie.
Crimp the edges of the crust to seal it, using your fingers or a fork to create a decorative border. If you’re using the whole crust, brush the top with the egg wash (beaten egg mixed with milk or water) to give the pie a golden, shiny finish once it’s baked.
If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, you can cover them with aluminum foil to prevent burning. The pie is done when the filling is thickened and bubbly, and the crust is perfectly golden.
#### **6. Cool and Serve**
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 2 hours. This allows the filling to set and makes it easier to slice. Serve the apple pie warm or at room temperature, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
– **Choose the Right Apples**: A mix of tart apples like Granny Smith and sweet apples like Honeycrisp creates the perfect balance of flavor. The tart apples help cut through the sweetness, while the sweet apples provide depth of flavor.
– **Chill the Dough**: Chilling the dough before rolling it out ensures that the butter stays cold, which is key to achieving a flaky, tender crust. Don’t skip this step!
– **Don’t Overmix the Filling**: Toss the apples gently with the sugar and spices to avoid breaking the slices. You want nice, intact apple pieces in the finished pie.
– **Let It Cool**: While it’s tempting to dive into a freshly baked pie, letting it cool completely before cutting ensures that the filling has time to set. This also prevents a soupy pie!
– **Make It Ahead of Time**: Apple pie can be made a day ahead and stored at room temperature. It also freezes well—just bake it, let it cool, then wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, simply reheat in the oven.
### **Why You’ll Love This Classic Apple Pie:**
### **Conclusion: The Ultimate Dessert Experience**
So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy the sweet and satisfying taste of this classic American dessert. There’s truly nothing like the joy of sharing a warm slice of apple pie!
