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The Timeless Comfort of Old Fashioned Apple Pie

There are certain aromas that instantly transport me back to childhood, and the scent of a warm apple pie baking is unequivocally one of them. I can vividly recall my grandmother’s kitchen, a haven of delicious possibilities, where the air would thicken with the sweet, cinnamon-laced perfume of apples stewing in their own sugary juices. It wasn’t just a dessert; it was an embrace, a promise of cozy evenings and shared moments, a taste of pure, unadulterated comfort that has stayed with me for decades. This recipe, a faithful companion through countless kitchen adventures, has become my go-to, the one I turn to when the craving for something truly classic strikes.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Yield: 1 pie
Dietary Type: Classic

Ingredients

For this quintessential apple pie, we’ll focus on simple, high-quality ingredients that let the fruit shine.

For the Filling:

4 apples (approximately 20 oz), peeled, cored, and sliced ¼ inch thick. Note: The original recipe specifies 20 oz of apples, a quantity that perfectly balances the sweetness and tartness. Certain apple varieties, like Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness and firm texture, work exceptionally well. Feel free to experiment with a blend!
2 tablespoons lemon juice
⅔ cup granulated sugar
⅓ cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces

For the Crust:

(This recipe assumes you have a prepared unbaked pie shell ready to go. If you’re making your own, ensure it’s chilled and ready for filling.)

Equipment Needed

To create this classic dessert, you’ll want to have a few essential tools at the ready:

A standard 9-inch pie dish
A large mixing bowl for the apple filling
A peeler and corer for the apples
A sharp knife for slicing apples
A measuring cup and measuring spoons
A baking sheet (to catch any potential drips)
An oven
A cooling rack

Instructions

Crafting this old-fashioned apple pie is a straightforward process, yielding a dessert that’s both comforting and incredibly rewarding.

Prepare the Apples: Begin by peeling, coring, and slicing your apples into ¼-inch thick pieces. As you slice them, place them in a large mixing bowl and immediately toss them with the lemon juice. This step is crucial for preventing the apples from browning and also adds a subtle brightness to the finished pie.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves. Ensure all the spices and sugars are evenly distributed.
Coat the Apples: Pour the sugar-spice mixture over the prepared apple slices in the large mixing bowl. Toss everything gently but thoroughly until the apples are evenly coated. The flour will act as a thickener, absorbing the apple juices as they cook, creating that perfect pie filling consistency.
Assemble the Pie: Pile the coated apple mixture into your unbaked pie shell. Distribute the apples as evenly as possible.
Dot with Butter: Dot the top of the apple filling with the 2 tablespoons of butter, cut into small pieces. This adds a richness and a lovely sheen to the finished pie.
Add the Top Crust: If you are using a double-crust recipe, add your top crust now. Score the top crust with a sharp knife in a few places. This allows steam to escape during baking, preventing the crust from becoming soggy and creating beautiful patterns.
Bake the Pie: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the assembled pie on a baking sheet to catch any potential spills during baking.
Initial Bake: Bake the pie at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes. This initial high heat helps to set the crust and begin the cooking process for the apples.
Lower Temperature Bake: After 15 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Continue baking for an additional 45 minutes. The total baking time at this lower temperature will allow the apples to become tender and the filling to thicken beautifully. You’ll know the pie is done when the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling gently through the vents.
Cooling: Once baked, carefully remove the pie from the oven and place it on a cooling rack. It is crucial to let the pie cool for at least 2–3 hours before slicing. This allows the filling to set properly, preventing a runny pie.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Apple Variety is Key: While the recipe doesn’t dictate specific apples, using a mix of tart and sweet varieties, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, often yields the most complex and delicious flavor profile.
Preventing a Soggy Bottom: Ensure your pie crust is well-chilled before filling. Baking the pie on a preheated baking sheet can also help conduct heat to the bottom crust more effectively, leading to a crispier base.
Testing for Doneness: Beyond the visual cues, you can gently insert a paring knife into one of the vents; the apples should feel tender. If the crust starts to brown too quickly before the filling is done, you can loosely tent the pie with aluminum foil.
The Magic of Butter: Don’t skip dotting the apples with butter! It adds a wonderful richness and helps to create a luscious filling.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Old Fashioned Apple Pie is best served warm or at room temperature. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream is the classic accompaniment, though it’s also delightful on its own.

Storage: Leftover pie can be covered loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and stored at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the pie, where it will keep well for 3–4 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place a slice on a baking sheet in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven for about 10–15 minutes, or until warmed through. This will help re-crisp the crust.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	231.6 kcal	–
Calories from Fat	–	36g
Total Fat	4.1 g	6%
Saturated Fat	2.5 g	12%
Cholesterol	10.2 mg	3%
Sodium	33.5 mg	1%
Total Carbohydrate	50.8 g	16%
Dietary Fiber	2.7 g	10%
Sugars	43.7 g	174%
Protein	0.7 g	1%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe is a beloved classic, feel free to explore these variations:

Crust: For a delightful nutty flavor, consider using a graham cracker crust or a nut-based crust if dietary restrictions allow.
Spices: If you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of ground ginger or allspice can add an extra layer of warmth to the spice blend.
Sweetener: While the sugar combination is key, you could experiment with a portion of maple syrup for a different kind of sweetness, adjusting for liquid content.
Add-ins: A handful of raisins or chopped cranberries can add delightful bursts of flavor and texture to the apple filling.

FAQs

Q: What is the best type of apple to use for this pie?
A: A mix of firm, tart apples like Granny Smith and sweeter, aromatic apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji offers a balanced flavor and texture.

Q: Why is it important to cool the pie before slicing?
A: Cooling allows the filling to set properly. Slicing too soon can result in a runny pie, as the cooked starches haven’t had a chance to firm up.

Q: How long does it take for the apples to cook down?
A: The combination of baking temperatures and times (15 minutes at 425°F followed by 45 minutes at 350°F) is designed to cook the apples until tender and the filling is bubbly and thickened.

Q: Can I make the pie crust ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Pie crusts can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator, or even frozen for longer storage.

Q: My pie crust is browning too quickly, what can I do?
A: Loosely tent the pie with aluminum foil. This will shield the crust from direct heat while allowing the filling to continue cooking.

A Slice of Nostalgia

This Old Fashioned Apple Pie is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create memories, to savor simple pleasures, and to share a taste of tradition. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, the journey of transforming humble apples into this iconic dessert is deeply satisfying. Serve it with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream, and let the comforting aromas and flavors transport you to a place of warmth and contentment. Share it with loved ones, and watch as each bite brings smiles and a sense of cozy nostalgia. Happy baking!

Old Fashioned Apple Pie Recipe