Easy Apple Pie

Creating the perfect apple pie isn’t just about throwing ingredients together; it’s about balance and technique. This easy apple pie recipe utilizes frozen apple juice concentrate, a secret ingredient that enhances the natural sweetness of the apples and avoids the need for overwhelming sugar. The buttery, flaky crust made with butter-flavored Crisco promises a delightful texture that holds the luscious filling beautifully. Each bite will evoke the warm memories of fall gatherings, making this dessert a go-to for any occasion.

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Nothing pulls at the heartstrings quite like a homemade apple pie, especially one that is both simple and deeply satisfying. This easy apple pie recipe invites you into the kitchen to create not just a dessert, but an experience filled with comforting aromas. The blend of fresh apples, warm spices, and a buttery crust strikes all the right chords, ensuring that you’ll want to share this delight with friends and family. Top it off with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you have a dessert that is passionate and nostalgic, yet effortlessly easy to whip up.

Why This Recipe Works

Creating the perfect apple pie isn’t just about throwing ingredients together; it’s about balance and technique. This easy apple pie recipe utilizes frozen apple juice concentrate, a subtle secret ingredient that enhances the natural sweetness of the apples and avoids the need for overwhelming sugar. The buttery, flaky crust—made with butter-flavored Crisco—promises a delightful texture that holds the luscious filling beautifully. Each bite evokes warm memories of fall gatherings, making this dessert a go-to for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Apple Pie

Nothing pulls at the heartstrings quite like a homemade apple pie, especially one that is both simple and deeply satisfying. This easy apple pie recipe invites you into the kitchen to create not just a dessert, but an experience filled with comforting aromas. The blend of fresh apples, warm spices, and a buttery crust strikes all the right chords, ensuring that you’ll want to share this delight with friends and family. Top it off with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you have a dessert that is passionate and nostalgic, yet effortlessly easy to whip up.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup butter-flavored Crisco
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 5-6 tablespoons cold water
• 6 yellow delicious apples (peeled, cored, and sliced)
• 1 can frozen apple juice concentrate (thawed)
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

How to Make Easy Apple Pie

Preheat Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures a perfectly baked pie crust.

Prepare the Pie Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups of flour, 1 cup of butter-flavored Crisco, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Use a pastry cutter or fork to mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.

Add Cold Water

Gradually add 5-6 tablespoons of cold water to the mixture. Stir gently until the dough forms. Be careful not to overmix!

Roll Out the Dough

Divide the dough in half. On a floured surface, roll out each half to fit your pie pan. One will serve as the bottom crust, and the other will become the top crust.

Place the Bottom Crust

Carefully place one rolled-out crust into the bottom of your pie pan, ensuring it fits snugly.

Prepare the Apples

In the meantime, peel, core, and slice the apples. Place the apple slices into a bowl and set aside for later use.

Make the Filling

In a saucepan, combine the thawed apple juice concentrate, 3 tablespoons of cornstarch, 3 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg. Stir continuously over medium heat until the mixture thickens and begins to boil.

Combine with Apples

Pour the thickened mixture over the sliced apples. Gently toss to coat the apples evenly with the sauce.

Fill the Pie

Pour the apple mixture into the prepared pie crust. Use your fingers to wet the edges of the crust with a little water.

Add the Top Crust

Carefully place the remaining rolled-out crust over the apple filling. Pinch the edges together to seal, trimming any excess dough.

Create Ventilation

Using a butter knife, make several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.

Bake the Pie

Place the pie in the preheated oven at 400 degrees and bake for 15 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 350 degrees and continue to bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your easy apple pie warm, topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. Pair it with a cup of hot cider or a steaming cup of coffee to enhance the comfort of this delightful dessert.

Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh Apples: Choose crisp varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a perfect tart-sweet balance.
2. Chill the Dough: For an extra flaky crust, chill your formed dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out.
3. Taste as You Go: Adjust the sweetness of the filling according to your taste by adding more or less sugar.

Variations

• Caramel Apple Pie: Drizzle caramel sauce into the apple filling for a richer flavor.
• Spiced Apple Pie: Add 1/2 teaspoon of allspice or clove for a deeper, spicier profile.
• Nutty Crust: Incorporate finely chopped nuts into the crust for added texture.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked pie for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding an additional 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of apples?
Yes! Feel free to mix different apple varieties for more complexity in flavor and texture.

2. Is it necessary to use Crisco?
While Crisco contributes to the pie’s flakiness, you can use cold butter or a butter substitute for a different flavor.

3. Can the pie filling be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! The filling can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the pie.

4. What’s the best way to serve this pie?
Warm with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream will elevate your serving.

5. Can I reheat leftover pie?
Yes! Reheat slices in the microwave or in a preheated oven until warmed through.

Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this easy apple pie; each bite is a taste of nostalgia and homemade goodness, perfect for sharing and savoring across generations. Whether it’s during a family gathering or a cozy night in, this recipe promises to delight and bring everyone around the table.

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