Ingredients:

  • 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
  • 1 cup (227g) (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into ½-inch cubes
  • 6-8 tablespoons (90-120ml) ice water
  • 6 medium apples (about 3 pounds/1.4kg), such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix, peeled, cored, and sliced ¼-inch thick
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon (1.25g) ground nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 tablespoon milk or water
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Dough (or Unroll Store-Bought): If making your own, combine flour and salt. Cut in cold butter. Gradually add ice water until the dough comes together. Flatten into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes. If using store-bought, gently unroll one crust and fit it into the pie plate.
  2. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss gently to coat.
  3. Assemble the Pie: Pour the apple filling into the prepared pie crust. Dot the top with small pieces of butter.
  4. Top the Pie: Roll out the second dough disk (if applicable). Either place it over the filling and crimp the edges, or cut into strips for a lattice top. Ensure you make a few slits or cut out shapes in the top crust for steam to escape. If using pre-made, unroll the second crust and place it over the apple filling. Crimp the edges to seal.
  5. Egg Wash (Optional): Brush the top crust with egg wash (beaten egg and milk). Sprinkle with sugar, if desired.
  6. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes, then reduce heat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for another 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the crust is browning too quickly, cover the edges with foil or a pie shield.
  7. Cool: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This is crucial for the filling to set!