Easy Grandma’s Apple Pie Recipe

Easy Grandma’s Apple Pie Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 pounds apples (about 6 medium apples, Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional, for extra flavor)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for extra thickness)
• 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces
• 1 package of pre-made pie crusts (or homemade if you prefer)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Prepare the Apples:

   • Peel, core, and slice the apples into 1/4-inch thick slices. Place them in a large bowl.

3. Mix the Filling:

   • To the apples, add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger (optional), flour, and cornstarch (if using). Toss the apples well until they’re evenly coated in the sugar and spice mixture.

4. Prepare the Pie Crust:

   • Roll out one of the pie crusts and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan, pressing gently into the bottom and sides.
   • Pour the apple filling into the prepared pie crust, making sure to pack it in slightly for an even layer.

5. Add Butter:

   • Dot the top of the apple filling with small pieces of butter for extra richness and flavor.

6. Top with Second Crust:

   • Roll out the second pie crust and place it over the apple filling. You can cut a few slits in the top crust to let steam escape, or create a lattice pattern if you prefer a more decorative look.
   • Crimp the edges of the top and bottom crusts together to seal them, then brush the top crust with a little bit of milk or egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water) for a golden, shiny finish.

7. Bake:

   • Bake the pie at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes to get the crust golden.
   • Then, lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling.

8. Cool and Serve:

   • Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours before slicing. This helps the filling set and prevents it from running out when you cut a slice.
   • Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the perfect finishing touch.

Tips:

• Apple Variety: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor. A common mix is Granny Smith and Honeycrisp.
• Thickening the Filling: If you want a thicker filling, the cornstarch helps achieve that, but it’s optional.
• Crust: If you don’t want to use pre-made pie crusts, you can make your own from scratch. Just be sure to chill your dough before rolling it out for flakiness!

Enjoy this easy Grandma’s apple pie — it’s perfect for family gatherings, special occasions, or any time you’re craving a warm, comforting dessert. 🍏🥧