This classic apple pie, made with tart Granny Smith apples and infused with the warmth of cinnamon, is a treat that embodies the quintessential flavors of autumn. The recipe includes tips for baking the pie and making a decorative crust.
The Initial Inspiration for Classic Apple Pie
The journey to perfecting this apple pie began with a simple request from my young daughter, inspired by a heartwarming scene from a cartoon. The depiction of a mother baking an apple pie sparked the desire to taste one made by her own mother. Despite my initial success baking the pie, my daughter was not impressed after her first taste.
A Quest for the Perfect Classic Apple Pie Recipe
Determined to find an apple pie my daughter would love, I set out on a culinary quest. This adventure involved sifting through countless recipes, comparing ingredients, and identifying common elements that promised to deliver the essence of a remarkable apple pie. Through experimentation and discovery, the perfect recipe was born.
The Recipe: A Classic Reimagined
Adjusting the Sweetness
Understanding my daughter’s preference for less sweetness, I adapted the recipe to suit her palate, while offering an option to increase the sugar for those who favor a sweeter taste. This flexibility ensures that the apple pie can cater to varied preferences, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.
The Secret Ingredient
Among the myriad of apple pie variations, what sets this recipe apart is the use of vanilla extract—a secret ingredient that elevates the pie with its subtle depth and aromatic warmth, making this dessert a feast for the palate and a comforting taste for the soul.
Elegant Crust Design for Classic Apple Pie
Elevate your classic apple pie with a stunning, artistic crust. This version not only features a beautiful lattice top but is also encircled by a delicately braided edge. Furthermore, to add an extra touch, you can incorporate leaf shapes cut using small fondant cutters. By doing so, you can truly unleash your creativity and have fun experimenting with various crust designs!
A Classic Apple Pie Recipe That Brings Families Together
This classic apple pie recipe, marked by its harmonious blend of flavors and customizable sweetness, is more than just a dessert; rather, it’s a narrative of family, experimentation, and the joy of discovering a recipe that resonates with the ones we love. Additionally, whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice eager to create lasting memories, this dessert will undoubtedly become a timeless addition to your recipe box.
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Timeless Delight: The Ultimate Classic Apple Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 5-6 heaping cups sliced Granny Smith apples
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ¾ cup sugar (see note below for sugar tip)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ stick butter
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 refrigerated pie crusts or homemade crusts (see note below about how many crusts for decorative tops)
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Place peeled and sliced apples in a large bowl and add lemon juice. Stir to coat.
- Then, add sugar, cinnamon, flour, and vanilla to apples and stir to coat again.
- Unroll a pie crust and place it in a pie dish coated with cooking spray. A deep dish works best.
- Place prepared apples in the dish and dot them with butter.
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Place a baking sheet in the oven to heat as the oven preheats.
- While the oven and baking sheet heat, add the top pie crust in your desired pattern. If using a solid crust to top the pie, cut slits to vent the pie as it cooks.
- Add a pie shield or aluminum foil ring to the outside of the crust to keep it from burning. Also, lay a sheet of aluminum foil over the pie.
- Place the pie on the preheated baking sheet to catch any spills while in the oven. Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 375° and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the flat sheet of aluminum foil after 35 minutes, but leave the aluminum foil ring on the pie for the entire baking time.