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🍏✨ Introduction & Description

When it comes to desserts that feel like home, nothing beats a warm, homemade apple pie. This is the Best Apple Pie recipe you'll ever need—flaky, buttery crust, perfectly spiced apples, and that golden top that shatters with each bite.

This recipe is everything a traditional apple pie should be: a generous filling of sweet-tart apples cooked just enough to release their juices, enhanced with cinnamon, brown sugar, and a touch of lemon for brightness. It's timeless, cozy, and soul-satisfying.

Whether you're making it for a holiday table, a Sunday dinner, or just because you're craving comfort, this apple pie is guaranteed to impress.

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📝 Ingredients (U.S. Standard Measurements)

For the crust (double crust):

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 6–8 tablespoons ice water

For the apple filling:

• 6 cups thinly sliced apples (about 6 medium apples – use a mix like Granny Smith & Honeycrisp)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch (for thickening)

For the top:

• 1 tablespoon milk or cream (for brushing crust)
• 1 tablespoon sugar (for sprinkling)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Make the crust

In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and sugar. Add cold butter and cut in with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add ice water a tablespoon at a time until the dough holds together. Divide into two disks, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.

Step 2: Prepare the apple filling

Peel, core, and slice the apples thinly. In a large bowl, toss them with sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, lemon juice, and flour. Let sit for 10–15 minutes to release the juices.

Step 3: Roll out the crust

Roll one dough disk out on a floured surface into a 12-inch round. Fit it into a 9-inch pie plate, letting the excess hang over the edges.

Step 4: Fill and top

Pour the apple filling into the crust. Dot with a few small pieces of butter if desired. Roll out the second dough disk and lay it over the top, or cut into strips to form a lattice. Trim and crimp the edges.

Step 5: Bake

Brush the crust with milk or cream and sprinkle with sugar. Place pie on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 45–55 minutes, until golden and bubbling. If the edges brown too fast, cover with foil.

Step 6: Cool and serve

Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before slicing so the filling sets properly.

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🥧 Nutrition Facts (Per Slice – Approx. based on 8 slices)

• Calories: 430
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Sugar: 30g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 210mg

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🔥 Tips & Tricks

• Best apple combo: Use a blend of tart and sweet apples for depth—Granny Smith + Honeycrisp or Fuji is a great pairing.
• Thicken it right: Flour gives a slightly cloudier finish; cornstarch keeps the filling clearer.
• Chill your crust: Cold butter = flaky layers. Always chill your dough before rolling.
• Add depth: A splash of vanilla extract or a dash of allspice can boost flavor.
• Get ahead: Make the crust up to 2 days ahead or freeze for later.

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💡 My Special Touch

I like to caramelize half the apple slices in a skillet with a tablespoon of butter and brown sugar before adding them to the filling. It adds a deep, toffee-like flavor that takes the pie to the next level.

Also, adding 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to the dough helps it stay tender and prevents overworking the gluten.