Description
Ever dreamed of filling your home with the comforting aroma of a freshly baked apple pie? Sunday’s Apple Pie is the classic dessert that delivers warm, cinnamon-spiced apples wrapped in a flaky, buttery crust.
Ingredients
Sunday’s Apple Pie uses simple ingredients to highlight the natural flavor of apples. Here’s what you’ll need for 8 servings:
- ½ cup white sugar: Sweetens the apple filling and balances tartness.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the filling for a perfect consistency.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Adds warm, spicy flavor to the apples.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Enhances richness and adds a buttery finish to the filling.
- 1 (14.1-ounce) package double-crust pie pastry, thawed: The flaky foundation and top of the pie.
- 6 medium tart apples (peeled, cored, and sliced): The star ingredient, providing a tart, juicy filling.
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Tart Apples: Varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp provide a tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet, spiced filling.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth, making the pie feel cozy and inviting.
- Flour: Helps thicken the apple juices to prevent a runny filling.
- Double Crust: The buttery pastry encases the filling, offering a crisp, flaky texture.
Substitutions and Variations
- Apples: Use a mix of tart (Granny Smith) and sweet (Gala or Fuji) apples for a more complex flavor.
- Flour: Swap with 1 tablespoon cornstarch for a gluten-free filling.
- Sugar: Reduce to â…“ cup for a less sweet pie or use brown sugar for a caramel-like depth.
- Spices: Add ¼ teaspoon nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth.
- Crust: Use a store-bought crust for convenience or a gluten-free crust for dietary needs.
- Vegan Option: Replace butter with vegan butter and use a vegan pie pastry.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place a baking sheet on an oven rack to catch any drips during baking.
- Thaw a 14.1-ounce package of double-crust pie pastry if frozen, following package instructions.
Tip: A preheated baking sheet helps the bottom crust cook evenly and stay crisp.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- In a small bowl, stir together ½ cup white sugar, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Cut 3 tablespoons unsalted butter into small pieces and divide into two equal piles.
- In a large bowl, toss 6 medium tart apples (peeled, cored, and sliced) with the sugar-cinnamon mixture until thoroughly coated. Add one pile of butter pieces and toss again.
Tip: Slice apples to about ¼-inch thickness for even cooking and a tender texture.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
- Roll out one portion of the pie pastry to an 11- or 12-inch circle and press it into a 9-inch pie pan, letting it overhang slightly.
- Pour the apple mixture into the pastry-lined pie pan, spreading it evenly.
- Dot the apples with the remaining pile of butter pieces.
- Roll out the second pastry to cover the filling. Place it over the apples, trim excess dough, and seal the edges by crimping or fluting.
- Cut several steam vents in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
Tip: For a decorative touch, create a lattice crust or use cookie cutters to make shapes from the top crust.
Step 4: Bake the Pie
- Place the pie on the preheated baking sheet in the oven.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
- If the crust browns too quickly, cover the edges with foil or a pie shield after 30 minutes.
Tip: Check for doneness by looking for bubbling filling through the vents and a golden crust.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
- Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2-3 hours to allow the filling to set.
- Slice into 8 wedges and serve warm or at room temperature.
Tip: Use a sharp knife for clean slices, and serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.