Food in Focus

Apple Pie – The Iconic American Dessert

Apple pie is one of the most cherished desserts in American culture, often described as being "as American as apple pie." This iconic dish symbolizes home, tradition, and comfort, with its flaky golden crust and warm, cinnamon-spiced apple filling.

While its roots can be traced back to Europe, apple pie has become a deeply embedded part of American food identity, frequently appearing at holidays, picnics, and family gatherings. Food recipes for apple pie are shared by Home Cooks worldwide, especially through platforms like Cookpad and found easily via DuckDuckGo by bakers looking to recreate this beloved treat.

What makes apple pie truly special is its versatility and the care that goes into making it from scratch. From choosing the perfect mix of tart and sweet apples to crafting a buttery, flaky crust, every step contributes to a dessert that's both rustic and elegant. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed cold the next day, apple pie is a dessert that never goes out of style. Thanks to the global sharing of food recipes, this American classic continues to be reimagined and celebrated by Home Cooks worldwide.

Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe

Ingredients for the crust:

2½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
6–8 tablespoons ice water

Ingredients for the filling:

6 cups peeled and sliced apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)
¾ cup sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
1 egg (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)

Instructions:

Make the crust: In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough holds together. Divide in two, shape into discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.
Make the filling: In a bowl, toss the sliced apples with sugars, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Let sit for 10–15 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Roll out one dough disc and place it into a 9-inch pie dish. Add the apple filling and dot with pieces of butter.
Roll out the second disc and lay it over the top, or cut into strips for a lattice crust. Seal and crimp the edges.
Mix egg and milk to make an egg wash. Brush over the crust and cut a few slits for steam to escape.
Bake for 45–55 minutes or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling. Cover the edges with foil if they brown too quickly.
Cool for at least 2 hours before slicing.

FAQs about Apple Pie

Q: What are the best apples to use for apple pie?
A mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp works well to balance flavor and texture.

Q: Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Yes, though homemade crust offers a richer flavor and flakier texture. Store-bought options can save time for quick bakes.

Q: How do I keep the bottom crust from getting soggy?
Pre-baking the crust slightly (blind baking) or sprinkling a bit of flour and sugar before adding the filling can help prevent sogginess.

Q: Where can I find variations of this recipe?
Many variations and tips are shared on Cookpad by Home Cooks worldwide, and you can explore more food recipes through DuckDuckGo searches.