Classic American Apple Pie

Quick facts

Ingredients

• 2 pie crusts for a 9-inch double-crust pie
• 3 lb apples, preferably a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter, diced
• 1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water
• Coarse sugar for top, optional

Step-by-step method

1. Peel, core and slice apples about 1/4 inch thick. Toss with sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and lemon juice. Let stand 15 minutes so the apples release some juice.

2. Transfer apples and juices to a wide skillet. Cook over medium heat 6–8 minutes, stirring gently, until the slices just begin to bend but are not fully soft. Sprinkle in flour, stir 1 minute, then cool completely.

3. Heat oven to 425°F/218°C with a sheet pan on the lower rack. Fit one crust into a 9-inch pie plate. Spoon in cooled filling and dot with butter.

4. Add top crust, trim to a 1-inch overhang, fold edges under and crimp. Cut several steam vents. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.

5. Place pie on the preheated sheet pan. Bake 20 minutes at 425°F, then reduce to 375°F/190°C and bake 35–45 minutes more until the crust is deep golden and juices bubble thickly through the vents.

6. Cool at least 3 hours before slicing. A hot apple pie looks ready but the filling needs time for its starches and pectin to set.

How to know it is done

Use the visual cues described in the method and, when appropriate, an instant-read thermometer. Do not rely on time alone because ingredient size, oven calibration and cookware can change the cooking rate.

Tips for the best result

• Mix tart and sweet apples for a more balanced filling.
• Cool the cooked filling before assembling so the butter in the crust stays cold.
• A preheated sheet pan helps the bottom crust begin baking immediately.

Variations and substitutions

You can adjust heat and seasonings to taste. When substituting a major ingredient or dairy product, keep a similar quantity and fat/moisture level so the final texture stays close to the original.

Storage and reheating

Keep covered at room temperature 1 day or refrigerate up to 4 days. Rewarm slices in a 325°F oven. The baked pie can be frozen up to 2 months.

Approximate nutrition per serving

Approximately 480 calories per serving. Nutrition is an estimate and varies with brands, portion size and substitutions.