Perfect Apple Pie
When I picked a name for my blog I wanted it to encompass two of the things that I wanted to share the most: my love for flowers and my love for baking. I chose to put "Pies" in my name (not only because it went well with "Petals") because I absolutely love baking pies. I've shared a lot of recipes since starting my blog, but I've never actually shared a pie! Well, today is the day! It's time for the Perfect Apple Pie recipe.
I promise it was worth the wait because this really is the BEST apple pie recipe! It is so easy to make and comes out delicious every time! I have been using this recipe for quite a while (probably 18 years!) and it is a family favorite.
Below check out some tips and information for preparing the pie. Make sure you check out the awesome new tool I found for making beautiful top crusts! The printable recipe is at the bottom of the post.
Baking the Perfect Apple Pie...
Prepare Ingredients...
I always use Granny Smith apples in baking. I've tried changing it up and using other apples, but I always come back to them. They bake to the perfect softness every time and have such a great taste once baked (not as tart). You will need about 5-6 small to medium size apples. I always chop them into bite size pieces.
Once the apples are chopped you will coat them in light corn syrup. Then they are tossed in a sugar, cornstarch and cinnamon mixture.
Preparing and Filling Pie Crusts...
When it comes to pie crusts I am not going to lie, I use a refrigerated one. I love to make things from scratch, but when you are limited on time store bought pie crusts are amazing. Pillsbury refrigerated pie crusts are my go to crusts, they always bake evenly and taste like homemade. (This is not an ad- I just like them that much!) If you are using a refrigerated crust make sure to SET IT OUT for about an hour so it can warm up some. It will be much easier to work with.
For this pie you need two crusts. The first crust is pressed into the bottom of the pie pan. Then fill with the apple mixture. If there is excess liquid in the mixing bowl I usually do not add much because it can make the filling runny.
Okay, so I have never been one to get fancy with my pie crusts but this Lattice and Hearts Pie Top Cutter is a GAME CHANGER! It allowed me to cut my top pie crust into a beautiful design in no time at all! All I did was lay the pie crust out on a hard surface and put the pie top cutter over top and press hard. Then I just carefully pulled out the little cut out pieces. It was awesome and made it look so pretty. I think I am going to have to get one in every design!
Even if you don't do a fancy design you need to put some type of slits or openings in the top crust so that it can vent. Place the second crust on top then seal the edges, also called fluting or crimping. This not only looks nice but also binds the crusts together so that juices can't bubble out and all over your oven. I always flute the crusts using my fingers because I like the way it looks.
The last step before baking is brushing the top crust with milk and sprinkling with sugar. This helps it have a golden brown crust.
Baking...
Initially you are going to bake the pie for just about 10 minutes at 450 degrees. Pie crusts become flaky when the fat in the dough is melted and creates steam. The best way to make sure this happens is to bake it at a high temperature for about 10-15 minutes. After that initial baking the oven temperature is reduced to 350 degrees and you allow the pie to bake for another 40 or so minutes.
Keep an eye on your pie crust while it is baking! If the crust looks like it is getting too brown cover it with foil or use a pie crust shield to help keep it from burning.
The pie comes out of the oven when it is a golden brown and the filling should be bubbling throughout.
Allow the pie to cool. Serve warm or cold. As with most of my desserts, apple pie is no exception to tasting perfect with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Perfect Apple Pie
The easiest and tastiest apple pie recipe! Perfect for serving at the holidays!
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 5 cups apples (peeled and sliced)
- 2 tbsp light corn syrup
- 2 pie crusts (9 inch)
- 1 tbsp butter
Top of Pie
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tbsp sugar
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Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
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Combine sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon in medium bowl until well mixed. Set aside.
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Combine apples and corn syrup in a large mixing bowl.
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Add sugar mixture; toss evenly to coat.
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Spoon into unbaked pie crust.
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Cut any designs in top crust.
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Place second crust on top of pie.
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Flute or crimp edges of crust.
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Brush top of pie with milk and sprinkle with sugar.
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Bake 10 minutes at 450 degrees then reduce heat to 350 degrees.
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Bake 40 minutes or until golden brown and bubbling.
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Serve warm or cold.
I hope you enjoy this apple pie recipe! It will be the perfect addition to any holiday or family gathering!
And seriously- get one of these Pie Crust Top Cutters- amazing!
For more delicious fruit desserts check out my recipes for Apple Crisp and Mixed Berry Crisp!
