Mom’s Easy Apple Pie Recipe!

When it comes to homemade desserts, few things can beat the warmth and nostalgia of Mom’s Easy Apple Pie. This classic recipe is a family favorite, passed down through generations, and for a good reason!

Bursting with tender apples, sweet spices, and nestled in a buttery, flaky crust, it’s a pie that brings comfort and joy to any table. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or a casual weeknight treat, this apple pie is sure to become your go-to dessert.

There’s something about the combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and tart Granny Smith apples that make this pie irresistible. Paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce, it’s a slice of heaven that will remind you of home. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients List

For the Pie Crust:

• 1 (14.1 oz.) box refrigerated pie crusts (I use Pillsbury brand, which contains 2 crusts in each box)

For the Filling:

• 6 cups peeled, thinly sliced Granny Smith apples (about 5-6 apples; approximately 2 lbs. before peeling and slicing)
• ¾ cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cardamom

Optional for Serving:

• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
• Caramel sauce

Required Kitchen Tools

To make this delicious apple pie, you’ll need a few kitchen essentials to make the process easier and ensure perfect results every time:

1. 9-inch Glass Pie Plate – A sturdy pie plate helps bake the pie evenly, creating that golden-brown crust we all love.
2. Rolling Pin – A rolling pin is helpful for rolling out your pie crust to the perfect thickness.
3. Mixing Bowls – You’ll need a large bowl to toss your apple filling ingredients together, ensuring they’re evenly coated.
4. Sharp Knife or Apple Peeler – A sharp knife helps you peel and slice the apples into thin pieces to ensure they cook evenly in the pie.
5. Baking Sheet – Place a baking sheet under the pie to catch any drips and prevent any mess in the oven.

With these tools on hand, you’ll be ready to bake your way to a delicious homemade pie!

Pie Preparation

Now that you have your ingredients and tools ready, let’s get started on preparing this mouthwatering apple pie. The key to success here is in the details — from prepping the apples to rolling out the perfect crust. Here’s how to do it step by step:

Preparing the Pie Crust

1. Bring the Pie Crust to Room Temperature:
   Start by unrolling the refrigerated pie crust and allowing it to come to room temperature for a few minutes. This makes it easier to handle and ensures the dough won’t crack when you roll it out.
2. Fit the Bottom Crust into the Pie Plate:
   Gently unroll one of the pie crusts and place it into your 9-inch glass pie plate. Press the edges of the crust firmly into the plate, making sure it fits snugly along the sides.
3. Chill the Crust:
   To achieve that perfectly flaky texture, cover the pie crust with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes while you prep the filling.

Making the Apple Filling

1. Slice the Apples:
   Begin by peeling, coring, and slicing your Granny Smith apples into thin slices (about ⅛-inch thick). You’ll need about 6 cups of apple slices. This variety of apple is perfect for pies because they hold their shape while baking and offer a nice tartness that balances the sweetness.
2. Mix the Filling Ingredients:
   In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, allspice, ginger, nutmeg, salt, and cardamom. Make sure the apples are evenly coated with the spices and flour. The flour helps thicken the juices from the apples as they bake, creating a perfect, gooey filling.
3. Taste and Adjust:
   Feel free to taste the filling before adding it to the pie! If you prefer a sweeter pie, you can add a little extra sugar, or if you like a more tangy flavor, squeeze in more lemon juice. This recipe is versatile, so don’t be afraid to adjust to your liking.

Assembling the Pie

1. Fill the Pie with Apples:
   Once your crust is chilled, transfer the apple filling into the prepared pie crust. Be sure to pile the apples high because they will shrink as they cook, leaving you with a nice, thick filling.
2. Top with the Second Crust:
   Unroll the second pie crust and place it over the filled pie. Gently press the edges of the top and bottom crusts together, then pinch or crimp the edges to seal them. This prevents the filling from spilling out during baking and gives the pie that beautiful, rustic finish.
3. Vent the Pie:
   Using a sharp knife, cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape while the pie bakes. This prevents the filling from overflowing and gives the pie its signature look.

Baking the Apple Pie

Now that your apple pie is assembled and ready to go, it’s time to get it into the oven and bake it to perfection. The goal is a beautifully golden-brown crust and a bubbly, tender filling. Follow these steps for a flawless bake:

Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven helps the crust bake up golden and crisp while ensuring that the apples cook through and become soft and delicious.

Bake the Pie

1. Place the Pie on a Baking Sheet:
   To prevent any potential drips from ruining your oven, place your assembled pie on a baking sheet. This will catch any juices that bubble over the edges of the pie and make cleanup much easier.
2. Bake the Pie for 40-45 Minutes:
   Bake the pie at 425°F for about 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown, and you can see the filling bubbling through the slits in the top crust. You may need to rotate the pie halfway through baking to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on the edges of the crust to make sure they don’t burn.
3. Cover the Crust Edges with Aluminum Foil:
   About halfway through the baking time, check the edges of the crust. If they are starting to get too dark, use strips of aluminum foil to cover them and prevent over-browning. This step helps keep the crust perfect and golden without getting too crispy or dark.
4. Check for Doneness:
   Once the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly, remove the pie from the oven. You can check the filling by gently pressing the top with a spoon — it should feel soft and tender, with some of the juices slightly thickened.

Cooling the Pie

1. Let the Pie Cool:
   After baking, allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing. This cooling time helps the filling set, making it easier to slice and serve. If you try to cut it too early, the filling might be runny, and the pie won’t hold its shape as well.

Serving and Decoration

Once your apple pie has cooled and is ready to serve, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Here are some ideas to make your pie even more irresistible:

Suggested Toppings and Coatings

1. Vanilla Ice Cream
   There’s nothing like a warm slice of apple pie topped with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The cold, smooth texture perfectly balances the warmth and spices of the pie.
2. Whipped Cream
   Light and airy, whipped cream adds a delicate sweetness and a touch of indulgence to each bite. For a fun twist, try a flavored whipped cream, like cinnamon or caramel.
3. Caramel Sauce
   If you’re looking for an extra sweet touch, drizzle some homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the pie. The rich flavor of caramel pairs beautifully with the apples and spices, elevating the pie to a new level of decadence.
4. Powdered Sugar
   For a simple, elegant finish, lightly dust the top of your pie with powdered sugar just before serving. It gives the pie a delicate, sweet touch without overpowering the flavors.

How to Serve the Pie

• Slice with Precision:
  Use a sharp knife to slice your apple pie into even portions. If you prefer a clean slice, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it dry between each cut.
• Serve Warm or Room Temperature:
  Apple pie is delicious both warm and at room temperature. If you’ve made it ahead of time, reheat it in the oven for a few minutes to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven taste.

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers (which is rare, but it can happen!), here’s how to store your apple pie for maximum freshness.

How to Keep Apple Pie Fresh

• Room Temperature:
  Store the cooled pie at room temperature, covered loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, for up to 2 days. Make sure it’s in a dry spot away from direct sunlight to maintain its freshness.
• Refrigeration:
  If you want to keep the pie longer, you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days. The cold temperature helps preserve the filling and crust, though the crust may lose a little bit of its crispiness.

Freezing Apple Pie

If you’d like to keep the pie for a longer period, freezing is a great option!

• Wrap and Freeze:
  Once the pie is completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. This double layer ensures the pie stays fresh and free from freezer burn. Apple pie can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• Reheating Frozen Apple Pie:
  To enjoy a slice of pie straight from the freezer, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat the pie in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20-30 minutes, until the crust is crisp and the filling is warmed through.

Conclusion

There you have it — Mom’s Easy Apple Pie, a recipe that combines the warmth of family traditions with the comforting flavors of tart apples and sweet spices. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, holiday celebration, or simply for a weeknight treat, this pie is sure to be a hit every time. With its flaky crust and gooey filling, it’s the perfect dessert for any occasion.