Classic Apple Pie with Cinnamon and Nutmeg

This classic apple pie recipe is everything you could hope for—a flaky, buttery crust enveloping a rich, cinnamon-spiced apple filling. The combination of sweet and tart apples, enhanced by the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg, makes this pie the ultimate comfort dessert. Topped with powdered sugar and served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it’s a timeless favorite that’s perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This: You’ll love this apple pie for its balance of flavors and textures. The buttery, flaky crust pairs perfectly with the tender apples and the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg. The addition of apple juice gives the filling extra flavor, while the egg wash ensures a golden, crisp finish. This pie is a crowd-pleaser that’s simple yet delicious, and it pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Perfect Occasion: This apple pie is perfect for holidays like Thanksgiving, family dinners, or cozy weekend baking. It’s an ideal dessert for gatherings or just as a treat on a crisp autumn day. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just making something special for yourself, this pie will make any meal feel like an occasion.

Decoration Tips: For a rustic look, cut the dough into lattice strips to top the pie. If you prefer a solid top, use cookie cutters to create small decorative shapes from the remaining dough and place them on top. Dust the finished pie with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent touch.

Recipe:

For the Dough:

• 250g all-purpose flour
• 150g cold butter, cubed
• 3 tbsp cold water
• 1/2 tsp salt

For the Apple Filling:

• 8 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 100g brown sugar
• 100g white sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp salt
• 100ml apple juice

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 egg, beaten

For Topping:

• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla ice cream (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cubed cold butter and, using your hands or a pastry cutter, work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Add the cold water and gently mix until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
   • In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, and salt. Pour in the apple juice and stir until the apples are evenly coated with the mixture.
3. Roll Out the Dough:
   • Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). On a lightly floured surface, roll out half of the chilled dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Gently transfer the dough to the dish, pressing it into the edges.
   • Pour the apple filling into the pie crust, ensuring an even distribution of apples.
4. Prepare the Top Crust:
   • Roll out the second half of the dough and place it over the apple filling. You can either leave it whole or create a lattice design by cutting the dough into strips. Trim and crimp the edges to seal the pie.
   • Brush the top crust with the beaten egg wash for a golden finish.
5. Bake the Pie:
   • Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling. If the edges of the crust brown too quickly, cover them with foil during baking.
6. Cool and Serve:
   • Allow the pie to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.

Enjoy!