Grandma's Apple Pie, Spiced to Perfection

Grandma's Apple Pie, Spiced to Perfection

Fancy a slice of heaven? honestly, is there anything better than a warm slice of apple pie dessert recipes ? today, we're diving deep into a recipe that's near and dear to my heart: grandma's apple pie, spiced to perfection.

The secret ingredient? a healthy dose of apple pie spice !

A Slice of Nostalgia with Homemade Apple Pie Spice Mix

This easy apple pie recipe is more than just dessert; it’s a memory. picture a crisp autumn day, the aroma of apple pie spice filling the kitchen, and grandma bustling around with her rolling pin.

This pie aims to recreate that magic, from the flaky apple pie crust recipe to the tender apple pie filling recipe .

From Orchard to Oven: A Timeless Classic

Apple pie has roots deep in european history. it crossed the pond centuries ago. while it might not be authentically american, but americans have made it the national dessert.

This recipe is easy to follow. it takes about 1 hour and 35 minutes. it will give you eight generous servings.

You may be looking for creamy apple pie ? this isn't it, but it is still pretty darn amazing.

Beyond Delicious: Why You Need This Pie in Your Life.

Besides being utterly comforting, apples offer a good dose of fiber. it might not be the healthiest option, but at least it has some good points.

This pie is especially fantastic for thanksgiving or apple christmas dessert . what makes it special? the homemade apple pie spice blend elevates the flavour to the next level! plus, you can use the best apples for apple pie for optimum taste.

Ready to get baking? Let's talk ingredients!

Grandma's Apple Pie, Spiced to Perfection Recipe Card

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Preparation time:45 Mins

Cooking time:55 Mins

Servings:8 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 tsp (5g) salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks, 226g) unsalted butter, very cold and cut into small cubes
• ½ cup (120ml) ice water
• 6-7 medium apples (about 3 lbs, 1.36kg), such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix, peeled, cored, and sliced ¼-inch thick
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (50g) packed light brown sugar
• ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) milk or cream (for brushing)
• 1 tablespoon (12g) granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
• 2 tablespoons (30g) homemade apple pie spice
• 2 tablespoons (12g) ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon (2g) ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon (1g) ground allspice
• ½ teaspoon (1g) ground ginger

Instructions:

• Make the Apple Pie Spice: Combine cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and ginger in a small bowl. Set aside.
• Prepare the Crust: Combine flour and salt in a food processor or bowl. Cut in cold butter. Gradually add ice water until the dough just comes together.
• Chill the Dough: Form the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
• Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, apple pie spice, and lemon juice. Mix well.
• Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out half of the dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer to the pie plate.
• Add the Filling: Pour the apple filling into the pie crust. Dot with butter pieces.
• Top Crust: Roll out the remaining dough (Option 1: Full Crust), cut vents, place over filling, crimp edges, and trim excess; OR (Option 2: Crumble Topping) combine flour, butter, and brown sugar, spread over filling.
• Bake the Pie: Brush the top crust with milk or cream and sprinkle with sugar. Bake in a preheated oven until golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Start with a hot oven (400°F/200°C) then reduce the heat (375°F/190°C) after 20 minutes to prevent over-browning. Cover edges if needed.
• Cool Completely: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:500

Fat:25g

Fiber:4g

Recipe Info

Category:Dessert

Cuisine:American

Ingredients & Equipment

Alright, let's talk about what you need to nail this grandma's apple pie, spiced to perfection. no faffing about, just the essentials.

You know, it's like when my nan used to bake. simple, but oh-so-good. one thing she always said was don't be scared to use apple pie spice .

The Stars of the Show: Getting the Goods

Let's start with the obvious: apples . you will need about 6-7 medium apples (around 3 lbs, 1.36kg ). i reckon a mix of granny smiths and honeycrisp works a treat.

The granny smiths give you that lovely tartness. i find that these apples are the best apples for apple pie , you'll need 2 ½ cups (315g) of all-purpose flour for the crust too.

We also need 1 cup (2 sticks, 226g) of proper cold butter for that flaky, buttery crust. plus, ½ cup (120ml) of ice water.

Keep that butter cold, yeah? it's key!

Seasoning & All That Jazz

Right, for that amazing flavour, we're gonna use homemade apple pie spice mix . trust me, it's worth it! you can get pre-mixed stuff, but it is never quite the same.

For the apple pie spice, we’re talking 2 tablespoons (12g) ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon (2g) ground nutmeg, ½ teaspoon (1g) ground allspice, and ½ teaspoon (1g) ground ginger.

The filling also calls for ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar and ¼ cup (50g) packed light brown sugar. don't forget 2 tablespoons (30ml) of lemon juice.

It’ll balance out all that sweetness.

If you're making my pie, don't skip the apple pie spice . this combo gives your apple pie that lovely warming flavour.

You could maybe use mixed spice if you're in a pinch. but trust me, apple pie spice is the way to go! it really sets these apple pie dessert recipes apart.

The spice is important in a creamy apple pie .

Tools of the Trade

You don't need a fancy kitchen to make a gorgeous pie. a 9-inch pie plate is essential, obviously! a rolling pin is also a must.

Plus, measuring cups and spoons. a food processor or pastry blender can help with the crust but you can do it by hand, no worries.

I'd recommend parchment paper , too, for easy cleanup and a baking sheet to prevent any spills.

Honestly, that's about it. Nothing too scary. Now, let's get baking!

Grandma's Apple Pie, Spiced to Perfection

Honestly, who doesn't love a good apple pie? this recipe ain't just any apple pie dessert recipe ; it's a slice of pure nostalgia.

It’s inspired by my grandma's secret recipe. a true taste of home! this is like a warm hug, but in pie form.

You know? we're using a generous dose of homemade apple pie spice . it’s that classic blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and ginger.

It creates a warm, comforting flavour. the flaky crust and the slightly tart apple filling? get ready for seconds!

"Pie is the American synonym of prosperity." - Helen Thompson, The Brown Derby Cookbook , 1949

Prep Steps: Your Apple Pie Game Plan

• Essential Mise en Place: Peel, core, and slice 6-7 medium best apples for apple pie . Grab your butter, sugars, flour, and apple pie spice . Get everything measured out beforehand. Honestly, it makes the whole process so much smoother.
• Time-Saving Organization Tips: Make the dough the day before. You know, chill it overnight. Seriously, you’ll thank me later. It will be easier to roll out! Plus, you can mix your homemade apple pie spice mix in advance.
• Safety Reminders: Be careful when using the food processor. Those blades are sharp! When handling hot pie, use oven mitts. Don’t want any burns, do we?

Step-by-Step: From Apples to Amazing

1. Make the Apple Pie Spice: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons (12g) ground cinnamon , 1 teaspoon (2g) ground nutmeg , ½ teaspoon (1g) ground allspice , and ½ teaspoon (1g) ground ginger . Set this aside.
2. Prep the Crust: Pulse 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour and 1 tsp (5g) salt in a food processor. Add 1 cup (2 sticks, 226g) cold butter and pulse until crumbly. Gradually add ½ cup (120ml) ice water until it just comes together.
3. Chill the Dough: Flatten the dough into a disk. Wrap it and chill it for at least 30 minutes .
4. Make the Filling: Combine sliced apples with ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar , ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar , ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour , 2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice , and 2 tablespoons (30g) apple pie spice .
5. Roll and Fill: Roll out half the dough. Place it in a 9-inch pie plate. Pour in the apple pie filling recipe . Dot with 2 tablespoons (30g) butter .
6. Top It: Roll out the remaining dough. Cut vents. Place on top and crimp. Or, make a crumble topping!
7. Bake Time: Brush with milk. Sprinkle with sugar. Bake at 400° F ( 200° C) for 20 minutes , then reduce to 375° F ( 190° C) for 30- 40 minutes . Look for that golden-brown crust and bubbly filling.
8. Cool Completely: This is the hardest part, trust me! Let it cool on a wire rack. It helps the filling set perfectly.

Pro Tips

• Want a boozy apple christmas dessert ? Add a splash of bourbon to the filling.
• Don’t overwork the dough! Honestly, a tough crust is the worst.
• Topping for pies? Serve it with vanilla ice cream for the perfect bite!

Alright, there you have it. my take on this easy apple pie recipe . let me know how it goes! this apple pie crust recipe is the base for so many apple pie dessert recipes .

You can adapt it for your own taste!

Recipe Notes: Nailing Grandma's Apple Pie

So, you're about to tackle grandma's apple pie, eh? good on ya! it's easier than you think. here's a few extra bits of advice to make yours top-notch! trust me, i’ve made this beauty more times than i can count.

Serving Suggestions: Time to Show Off

Presentation matters, innit? slice that pie, and plonk it on a plate. a scoop of vanilla ice cream is a must.

Honestly, nothing beats vanilla with a warm apple pie . if you're feeling fancy, a drizzle of caramel sauce adds some decadence.

A dollop of whipped cream works too. for drinks, a cuppa hot tea or coffee complements the pie beautifully. a tart apple recipes with warm drinks, perfect for a cozy evening.

Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh

Got leftovers? lucky you! pop the pie in the fridge, covered, and it’ll keep for about 3-4 days. honestly, it never lasts that long in my house! to reheat, just stick a slice in the microwave for a bit.

Or, warm it in the oven for a proper treat. freezing is possible, but the crust might lose some crispness.

If freezing, wrap it well. reheat in the oven from frozen for best results.

Variations: Mixing It Up a Bit

Fancy a change? for a dairy-free option, use plant-based butter for the crust. you may like the creamy textures of the creamy apple pie .

For a seasonal twist, swap some apples with pears or cranberries. it's a great way to use whatever's in season.

Maybe a dash of apple pie spice in your coffee? who am i to judge? you could also make your own homemade apple pie spice mix .

Nutrition Basics: A Little Treat

Okay, it's pie, not a salad, but let's be real. a slice of apple pie dessert recipes has calories, mainly from sugar and fat.

But it also has some fiber from the apples. apples are awesome for your gut. apple christmas dessert doesn’t have to derail your diet, it’s all about balance! this recipe uses a mix of spices, like cinnamon, which have health benefits.

Just enjoy it in moderation, yeah?

Listen, don't stress too much. baking should be fun! this easy apple pie recipe is totally doable. if your apple pie crust recipe goes wrong the first time, who cares? just try again.

And if you want the best apples for apple pie , it is up to you! granny smiths give a good balance of sweetness and tartness.

Now go forth and make a stellar pie! you've got this! the most important step is making the apple pie filling recipe .