This apple pie recipe combines a medley of sweet and tart apples with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a filling that’s both flavorful and aromatic. The addition of lemon juice and zest balances the sweetness with a touch of brightness, while the flour helps thicken the juices as the pie bakes, ensuring a perfectly textured filling.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This apple pie filling strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and spice, with the tartness of Granny Smith apples complementing the sweetness of Pink Lady apples. The mixture of brown sugar and granulated sugar adds depth of flavor, while cinnamon and nutmeg give the pie that comforting, warm spice everyone loves in a classic apple pie. The hint of lemon zest and juice adds just the right amount of freshness to enhance the flavor of the apples. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or on its own, this pie is a timeless treat.
The Perfect Occasion for This Pie
Apple pie is a versatile dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Bake it for family gatherings, holiday celebrations like Thanksgiving, or even for a cozy weekend treat. Its comforting, nostalgic flavors make it a favorite dessert to serve year-round, but especially during the fall and winter months when apples are at their peak. Serve warm or at room temperature, and pair it with whipped cream or ice cream for an extra indulgent experience.
Ingredients:
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice from 1/2 lemon
- 2.5 pounds apples (before peeling and coring)
- 75g brown sugar
- 75g granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions:
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges. Toss the apple slices with the lemon juice and zest in a large bowl to prevent browning and add a touch of brightness to the filling.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
- Coat the Apples: Add the dry mixture to the apples, tossing well to ensure that all the apple slices are evenly coated. The flour will help thicken the filling as the apples release their juices during baking.
- Assemble the Pie: Pour the apple mixture into your prepared pie crust, arranging the apples evenly. Cover with a top crust, either as a full crust or a lattice, and crimp the edges to seal.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven according to your chosen pie crust recipe, typically around 375°F (190°C) for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
- Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool for at least an hour to allow the filling to set before slicing. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or enjoy on its own.
Enjoy this classic apple pie with its tender, perfectly spiced filling and flaky, golden crust—an irresistible dessert for any time of the year!
