Perfect Apple Pie Recipe

How to Make Perfect Apple Pie

1. Prepare your favorite double pie crust (recipe below) or use store-bought.
2. Roll out one 12-inch circle of pastry and place it in a 10-inch deep-dish pie plate. Gently press into the sides, leaving a 1-inch overhang.
3. Refrigerate the crust while preparing the filling.
4. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place oven rack in the second-lowest position.
5. Peel, core, and slice 6 medium Granny Smith or Pippin apples into 1/2-inch slices.
6. In a large bowl, toss the apples with 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.
7. In a separate bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg.
8. Add the sugar mixture to the apples and toss gently to coat evenly.
9. Pour the apple mixture into the chilled pie crust, mounding slightly in the center.
10. Dot the filling with 2 tablespoons of cold unsalted butter.
11. Roll out the second pie crust and place it over the filling. Crimp the edges to seal.
12. Cut several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
13. Whisk 1 egg white with a fork and brush it over the top crust. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar.
14. Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any spills.
15. Bake for 25 minutes at 425°F (220°C).
16. Reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
17. Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack for at least 4 hours before slicing. (Cooling is essential for setting!)
18. **Crumble Topping Instructions:**
19. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar, and 1-2 teaspoons ground cinnamon.
20. Cut in 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, using a pastry blender or your fingers, until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
21. Stir in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional).
22. Refrigerate the crumble topping while preparing the pie filling.
23. For crumble-topped pie: Prepare the apple filling as directed above. Dot with 2-3 tablespoons of cold butter before sprinkling the crumble topping evenly over the filling.
24. Bake as directed, covering with foil for the last 15 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning of the topping.