American-style apple pie is a classic and beloved dessert with a flaky pie crust filled with a delicious mixture of sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and other spices. The buttery crust and sweet, spiced apple filling make American apple pie a timeless and iconic dessert in American cuisine.

American-Style Apple Pie At Home Recipe:

Here’s a simple recipe for making American-style apple pie at home:

American-Style Apple Pie Ingredients:

Pie Crust:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water

Apple Filling:

• 6-7 cups peeled, cored, and sliced apples (such as Granny Smith or a mix of varieties)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

For Assembly:

• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon milk or water (for egg wash)
• Additional sugar for sprinkling

American-Style Apple Pie At Home Instructions:

Prepare the Pie Crust:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
• Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together.
• Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Prepare the Apple Filling:

In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and flour. Toss until the apples are well coated.

Roll Out the Pie Crust:

On a floured surface, roll out one disk of the chilled pie dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Place the rolled-out dough into the pie dish.

Add the Apple Filling:

• Pour the prepared apple filling into the pie crust, spreading it evenly.
• Dot the top of the filling with small pieces of butter.

Roll Out the Top Crust:

• Roll out the second disk of pie dough and place it over the filling.
• Trim excess dough, leaving a little overhang, and crimp the edges to seal the pie.

Create Vent Holes:

Cut slits or a decorative pattern in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.

Make Egg Wash:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk (or water) to create an egg wash.
• Brush the top crust with the egg wash and sprinkle with sugar for a golden finish.

Bake:

Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly.

Cool and Serve:

Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least a couple of hours before serving. This allows the filling to set.

Enjoy your homemade American-style apple pie!

What is the difference between an American apple pie?

While there may not be a single “American apple pie” recipe, there are certain characteristics and variations that distinguish American-style apple pies. The basic components of an American apple pie include a flaky crust and a filling made with sliced apples, sugar, and spices. However, individual recipes may differ based on regional preferences, family traditions, or personal adaptations.

In summary, the “American apple pie” is more of a cultural and culinary concept than a singular recipe. Variations in ingredients, techniques, and regional influences contribute to the diverse array of apple pie recipes found across the United States.