This classic apple pie features a rich, buttery crust and a flavorful apple filling spiced with cinnamon and a hint of lemon. The pie’s crust is perfectly crisp and golden, while the filling is sweet, tangy, and filled with soft apples. With its balance of sweetness and spice, this pie is the ultimate comforting dessert for any occasion, especially during the fall when apples are at their peak. Serve it warm, dusted with powdered sugar, or pair it with a scoop of ice cream for an extra indulgent touch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This apple pie is a simple yet incredibly satisfying dessert. The buttery, flaky crust provides the perfect base for the sweet, spiced apples. Cinnamon adds a warm, cozy flavor, while the hint of lemon gives the apples a nice brightness and balance. The recipe is easy to follow, and the result is a comforting pie that is great for any occasion. The crumbly top layer adds a satisfying texture, making each bite a delightful combination of flavors and crunch.
Perfect Occasion
This classic apple pie is perfect for any gathering, from a casual family dinner to a holiday celebration. It’s a great dessert to serve at Thanksgiving or as a comforting treat for a fall afternoon. The pie is also a great addition to potlucks, where its rich flavors and beautiful golden crust will be a crowd-pleaser. Whether enjoyed warm or at room temperature, this pie brings comfort and joy to every occasion.
Decoration Tips
Once the pie has cooled, dust it with powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant touch. You can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. To make it even more visually appealing, you can create a lattice pattern on the top crust or use cookie cutters to cut out decorative shapes from the dough before baking.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 300g all-purpose flour
- 100g sugar
- 200g cold butter, cubed
- 1 tsp baking powder
- A few drops of vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
For the Apple Filling:
- About 1kg tart apples (such as Granny Smith), peeled and chopped
- Ground cinnamon, to taste
- 1 packet of lemon-flavored gelatin mix (about 40g)
- Optional: Sugar, to taste (if apples are very tart)
- A squeeze of lemon juice
Instructions:
- Prepare the Crust:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and baking powder. Add the cold butter and mix it into the dry ingredients using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg and vanilla extract, then knead the dough until it comes together. Divide the dough into two parts—one slightly larger than the other. Wrap both portions in plastic wrap and freeze for about 30 minutes. - Pre-bake the Crust:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a 20cm pie pan with parchment paper. Take the larger portion of dough from the freezer and press it into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating an even layer. Poke the dough with a fork to prevent bubbles, then bake it in the preheated oven until lightly golden, about 15-20 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. - Prepare the Apple Filling:
While the crust is baking, prepare the apple filling. Place the peeled and chopped apples in a saucepan, drizzle with lemon juice to prevent browning, and cook over medium heat. Stir frequently until the apples soften and most of the juice evaporates, about 15-20 minutes. Add cinnamon to taste and sugar if desired. Stir in the lemon-flavored gelatin mix and continue to cook until fully dissolved. Set the filling aside to cool slightly. - Assemble the Pie:
Once the apple filling has cooled, spread it evenly over the pre-baked crust. Take the smaller portion of dough from the freezer and grate it over the apple filling, or break it into small pieces and scatter them across the top. - Bake the Pie:
Return the pie to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and crisp. - Cool and Serve:
Allow the pie to cool completely before removing it from the pan. Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.
Enjoy!
This classic apple pie is a simple yet delicious dessert with a buttery crust and a flavorful, spiced apple filling. Perfect for any occasion, it’s sure to become a family favorite!