Classic Apple Pie Vanilla Ice (Print)

Buttery crust surrounds spiced apples and is paired with vanilla bean ice cream for a nostalgic sweet finish.

# Components:

→ Double Pie Crust

01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon salt
03 - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
04 - 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
05 - 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water

→ Apple Filling

06 - 6 to 8 large apples (mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp), peeled and sliced 1/4-inch thick
07 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
08 - 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
09 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
10 - 1 tablespoon cornstarch
11 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
12 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
13 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
14 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
15 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

→ Assembly and Finishing

16 - 1 large egg, beaten
17 - 2 tablespoons coarse sugar
18 - Vanilla bean ice cream, for serving

# Directions:

01 - Combine flour, salt, and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Cut in cold, cubed butter with a pastry cutter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter. Drizzle ice water over the mixture, one tablespoon at a time, gently tossing until the dough comes together. Divide dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
02 - In a large bowl, toss peeled and sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice until apples are evenly coated. Rest for 15 minutes to allow juices to release.
03 - Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). On a floured surface, roll out one dough disc into a 12-inch circle. Fit the dough into a 9-inch pie pan, leaving a 1-inch overhang. Spoon the apple mixture evenly into the prepared crust, slightly mounding the apples in the center. Dot with butter pieces.
04 - Roll out the second dough disc to a similar size. Position it over the filling. Trim both crusts to a 1/2-inch overhang, tuck under, and crimp edges for a decorative seal. Cut 4 to 5 steam vents in the top crust. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
05 - Place pie on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20 minutes, then reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling bubbles through the vents.
06 - Transfer pie to a wire rack and allow to cool for at least 3 hours for the filling to set. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature with vanilla bean ice cream.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses everyday pantry ingredients and seasonal apples
  • Flaky homemade crust that is actually manageable even for beginners
  • Perfect balance of sweet and tart fruit with cozy spices
  • Always a crowd-pleaser at gatherings and never any leftovers
02 -
  • Homemade crust is easier than you think if you keep everything cold
  • This recipe freezes beautifully either baked or unbaked
  • Tart sweet apple combinations avoid mushy baked filling
  • Pairing with vanilla bean ice cream really makes this special
03 -
  • Grate a bit of extra cold butter onto the top before baking for a glossy crackling crust
  • Chill your rolling pin and even your pie pan to keep dough extra cold and flaky
  • Mixing different apple varieties makes flavors and textures more complex every time

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