Description
Classic Baked Spiced Apple Pie features a flaky, buttery crust filled with tender apples infused with warm cinnamon and nutmeg spices. Perfect for any occasion, this nostalgic dessert balances sweet and tangy flavors with customizable sweetness and comforting aromas that fill your kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pie Crust
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed (or coconut oil for vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6–8 tablespoons ice-cold water
For the Apple Filling
- 6–7 firm tart apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- Optional: Additional spices like cloves or allspice for enhanced flavor
For the Finishing Touches
- 1 beaten egg (or flax egg for vegan option) for egg wash
- Optional: Caramel sauce for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the Pie Crust: Chill the butter so it’s cold, then cut it into the flour and salt mixture until pea-sized crumbs form. Gradually add ice-cold water, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Divide the dough in half, wrap each portion in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to relax the gluten and keep the butter cold.
- Make the Apple Filling: Peel, core, and slice the apples evenly. Toss them in a bowl with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt to enhance sweetness and balance flavors. Allow the mixture to sit for the flavors to meld and for the apples to release some juices.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one half of the dough into a circle large enough to fit your pie dish. Gently transfer it into the dish, pressing it to fit and trimming any excess dough along the edges.
- Fill the Pie: Pour the spiced apple mixture into the crust, spreading it evenly. If desired, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the apples for added texture before adding the top crust.
- Add the Top Crust: Roll out the second half of the dough and place it over the apple filling. Seal the edges by pinching or crimping, and create small slits or decorative cutouts to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash and Bake: Brush the surface lightly with beaten egg or flax egg wash for a golden, glossy finish. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 45-55 minutes, until the crust is golden and the filling bubbles. Let the pie cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Keep ingredients cold to ensure a flaky crust by creating steam pockets during baking.
- Mix dough just enough to combine ingredients to avoid a tough crust.
- Use a pie shield or foil around crust edges halfway through baking to prevent over-browning.
- Slice apples uniformly to ensure even baking and texture.
- Allow pie to cool before cutting to let the filling set for clean slices.
- To prevent sogginess, consider precooking a small portion of the filling or adding a thin layer of flour or ground nuts between crust and filling.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pie)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg