Homemade Pie Recipe
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for a slightly sweet crust)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes
- 6-8 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling (Apple Pie Example):
- 6-7 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for topping)
Instructions
1. Preparing the Pie Crust
Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar (if using). The sugar adds a touch of sweetness to the crust, which is perfect for dessert pies. However, you can skip it if you prefer a more traditional, neutral-flavored crust.
Step 2: Add the chilled, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter pieces should be about the size of small peas. The key is to keep the butter cold, which will create a flaky crust as it bakes.
Step 3: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork after each addition. Add just enough water until the dough begins to come together. It should be moist but not sticky.
Step 4: Gather the dough into a ball and divide it into two equal parts. Flatten each half into a disk, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This rest period allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out.
2. Making the Filling
Step 5: While the dough is chilling, prepare the apple filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated with the mixture. The flour helps to thicken the juices as the pie bakes, while the lemon juice adds a bright flavor and prevents the apples from browning.
Step 6: Let the apple mixture sit for about 10 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld and the apples to release some of their juices.
3. Assembling the Pie
Step 7: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Step 8: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the dough disks into a circle about 12 inches in diameter and about ⅛ inch thick. Carefully transfer the rolled dough to a 9-inch pie dish, gently pressing it into the bottom and sides.
Step 9: Pour the apple filling into the crust-lined pie dish. Dot the top of the filling with small pieces of butter. This adds richness to the filling as it bakes.
Step 10: Roll out the second dough disk and carefully place it over the filling. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges and crimp the edges together to seal the pie. You can crimp the edges with your fingers or a fork for a decorative finish. Cut a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
Step 11: For a beautiful golden-brown finish, brush the top crust with the beaten egg. If desired, sprinkle coarse sugar over the top for added crunch and sweetness.
4. Baking the Pie
Step 12: Place the assembled pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with strips of aluminum foil or a pie shield.
Step 13: Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving. This cooling period helps the filling to set, making it easier to slice the pie without the filling spilling out.
Tips and Variations
- Fruit Variations: Substitute apples with other fruits like peaches, berries, or cherries. Adjust the sugar and lemon juice levels based on the fruit’s sweetness and acidity.
- Spice Mix: Customize the spice mix by adding a pinch of allspice or ginger.
- Lattice Top: Instead of a full top crust, create a lattice design by weaving strips of dough over the filling.
This homemade pie is the perfect combination of a buttery, flaky crust and a rich, flavorful filling. Whether you’re using apples or another favorite fruit, this pie is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate dessert experience!
