The Easiest Apple Pie

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Description:
This Easiest Apple Pie recipe takes all the fuss out of baking and delivers a simple, comforting dessert. With a buttery, flaky pie crust and sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples, it’s the perfect dessert for any occasion. You don’t need to be an experienced baker to make this easy apple pie, and it comes together quickly with minimal ingredients.

Origin:
Apple pie is a classic American dessert, often associated with the country’s rich agricultural history, particularly in apple-growing regions. It has been a favorite for centuries and is symbolic of home-cooked comfort food. This simplified version aims to keep the tradition alive with minimal effort.

Ingredients Quantity:

  • 1 package of refrigerated pie crusts (or 2 crusts)
  • 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Gala, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
  • 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces
  • 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)

Ingredients Optional:

  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract for extra flavor
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger for a spiced kick
  • 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (for sprinkling on top for extra crunch)

Instruction:

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Unroll one pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan, pressing gently around the edges.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour (if using). Toss to coat the apples evenly with the sugar and spices.
  4. Pour the apple mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading the apples out evenly.
  5. Dot the apples with small pieces of butter.
  6. Unroll the second pie crust and place it over the apple filling. Trim any excess crust, and pinch the edges of the two crusts together to seal. You can crimp the edges or just press down with a fork for a simple look.
  7. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape while baking.
  8. If you’d like a golden, glossy crust, brush the top with a beaten egg. (Optional)
  9. Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes or until the crust is golden and the apples are tender. If the edges of the crust brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil.
  10. Let the pie cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips for Success:

  • Use a mix of tart apples (like Granny Smith) and sweet apples (like Gala) for a balanced flavor.
  • If you prefer a thicker filling, add the flour, but if you like a juicier pie, you can skip it.
  • To prevent the pie crust from becoming soggy, avoid overfilling the pie with the apple mixture.
  • For an extra special touch, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Recommendation:
Serving Ideas:

  • Serve the pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a perfect dessert.
  • Pair with a hot cup of coffee or cider for a cozy treat.

Make-Ahead Tip:

  • You can prepare the pie in advance and freeze it before baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and bake it from frozen at 425°F (220°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until golden and bubbling.

Nutrition (per slice, based on 8 slices):

  • Calories: ~300 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg
  • Sodium: 140mg
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 25g

Would you like to try making a gluten-free version of this pie or perhaps experiment with adding a streusel topping for extra crunch?

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