There’s something truly magical about Grandma’s Old Fashioned Apple Pie Recipe that brings comfort and joy to every bite. This classic dessert combines tender, cinnamon-spiced apples with a golden, flaky crust that’s been lovingly baked to perfection. It’s a timeless treat that’s as heartwarming as a family gathering, inviting you to savor each slice with warmth and nostalgia.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the simplest, most essential ingredients is the key to unlocking the rich, authentic flavor of this pie. Each component plays a crucial role in balancing sweetness, spice, and texture, creating a harmonious and unforgettable dessert experience.
- 6 large baking apples (a mix of Rome and Granny Smith): These varieties provide the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness with firmness that holds up beautifully during baking.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling while helping to bring out the natural flavors of the apples.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour: Acts as a thickener so the filling sets nicely without being runny.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Adds warm, comforting spice that’s essential to that classic apple pie aroma.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor by balancing sweetness and cutting through richness.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Provides richness and luscious pockets of flavor throughout the pie.
- 2 discs of pie dough: The foundation of your pie, ideally flaky and buttery to perfectly enclose the filling.
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash): Gives your crust that irresistible golden sheen and helps seal the top and bottom crusts.
How to Make Grandma’s Old Fashioned Apple Pie Recipe
Step 1: Make the Pie Filling
Start by peeling, coring, and slicing your apples into roughly ¼ to ½ inch thick pieces. Place them in a large bowl, then sprinkle with sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Gently toss everything together so each slice is evenly coated. Let the mixture rest for at least 30 minutes—this step allows the apples to release their delicious juices, which meld with the spices to form that iconic pie filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Pie Dough
While your filling rests, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Flour your work surface and rolling pin generously. Take one disc of pie dough from the fridge and roll it out to about 12 inches in diameter. Rotate the dough as you roll to keep it even and prevent sticking, using a bench scraper if needed. Once ready, carefully transfer the dough to your pie plate and press it into the edges. Roll out the second disc the same way, but keep it nearby to top your pie later.
Step 3: Fill and Bake the Pie
Pour the rested apple mixture into the prepared bottom crust, dotting the surface with small chunks of butter that will melt into irresistibly rich pockets as the pie bakes. Moisten the edges of the bottom crust with a little water to help seal the pie. Gently place the second rolled-out dough on top, pressing the edges to seal and tucking any excess under neatly. Flute the edges with your fingers for a charming, decorative finish. Don’t forget to cut a few small vents in the top crust so steam can escape during baking. Brush the top with beaten egg to get a shiny, golden color without sealing the vents shut. Bake your pie for 1 to 1½ hours, rotating halfway through until the crust is beautifully golden and you can see bubbles of filling through the vents.
Step 4: Cool and Slice
Patience is a virtue when it comes to cutting into your pie. Allow it to cool for at least an hour before slicing so the filling sets and every slice holds together perfectly. Serve warm, ideally alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream for a classic southern comfort.
How to Serve Grandma’s Old Fashioned Apple Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds a delicate touch, but nothing beats a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melting over warm apple pie slices. For a fun twist, sprinkle some toasted pecans on top for crunch or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Side Dishes
While the pie can easily shine on its own, pairing it with a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee or spiced cider creates a cozy autumnal vibe. If you’re serving at a gathering, a light salad with crisp apples and walnuts can refresh the palate between sweet bites.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your guests, consider serving your Grandma’s Old Fashioned Apple Pie Recipe in mini individual pies baked in ramekins. Alternatively, cut the pie into classic wedge shapes and present it on rustic wooden boards with edible flowers or cinnamon sticks for a stunning visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover pie tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days, allowing the flavors to deepen even more as it chills. Just remember to bring it to room temperature or gently warm before serving again.
Freezing
Grandma’s Old Fashioned Apple Pie Recipe also freezes beautifully. Wrap the entire pie firmly in plastic wrap and then foil to avoid freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the pie overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To revive the freshly baked taste, warm slices in a preheated 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes. This method keeps the crust crisp and filling bubbly, restoring the magic of just-out-of-the-oven pie.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Absolutely! While Rome and Granny Smith apples offer the best balance of tartness and structure, you can experiment with varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji. Just be aware some apples get softer or sweeter, which may slightly affect your pie’s texture and flavor.
Is it necessary to let the apple mixture rest before baking?
Yes, letting the apples sit for at least 30 minutes lets them release juices that mix with the sugar and flour. This resting period ensures your filling thickens properly and flavors meld beautifully.
Can I make the pie dough from scratch?
Definitely, and it’s well worth the effort. Making your own pie dough allows full control over flakiness and flavor. Just be sure to keep ingredients cold and handle the dough gently for the best results.
How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?
Using flour in the filling helps absorb moisture. Also, letting the filling rest helps reduce excess juice. Baking at a steady 350°F and ensuring vents in the top crust help steam escape are key to keeping the bottom crust crisp.
Can Grandma’s Old Fashioned Apple Pie Recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend suitable for thickening fillings, and use gluten-free pie crusts. Just be mindful that textures might vary slightly but the deliciousness remains intact.
Final Thoughts
There’s no sweeter way to celebrate family traditions and simple pleasures than with Grandma’s Old Fashioned Apple Pie Recipe. It’s a dessert that never goes out of style, combining warm spices and tender apples wrapped in buttery, flaky crust. Whether you’re baking it for the holidays, a Sunday supper, or just because, this pie is guaranteed to fill your home with irresistible aromas and your heart with cozy joy. So go ahead—roll up your sleeves and create a piece of comforting history everyone will savor.
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Grandma’s Old Fashioned Apple Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Grandma’s Old Fashioned Apple Pie is a classic homemade dessert featuring a flaky double crust filled with a spiced mixture of baking apples. The pie combines tart Granny Smith and sweet Rome apples, coated in cinnamon, sugar, and a hint of flour to thicken the filling. Baked to golden perfection, this comforting pie is best served warm with vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
Apples and Filling
- 6 large baking apples (mix of Rome and Granny Smith)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
Pie Dough
- 2 discs of pie dough (prepared separately)
Egg Wash
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Make the Pie Filling: Peel, core, and slice the apples into ¼–½ inch thick slices. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Mix Filling Ingredients: Add sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt to the apples. Toss gently to coat the apples evenly and let the mixture sit for at least 30 minutes, allowing the apples to release some juice.
- Prepare the Pie Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously flour your counter and rolling pin. Remove one disc of dough from the refrigerator and roll it out to about 12 inches, rotating as needed to prevent sticking.
- Line the Pie Plate: Transfer the rolled dough to a pie plate, pressing it evenly along the sides. Roll out the second disc of dough the same way and set aside.
- Fill the Pie: Pour the apple mixture into the prepared pie crust. Dot the apples evenly with small pieces of butter.
- Seal the Pie: Lightly moisten the exposed edge of the bottom crust with water. Place the top crust over the apples carefully. Press the edges together and tuck them neatly under. Trim excess dough if necessary and flute the edges decoratively.
- Vent and Egg Wash: Cut a few small vents in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Brush the crust lightly with the beaten egg, being careful not to seal the vents.
- Bake the Pie: Bake the pie for 1 to 1½ hours, rotating halfway through, until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the vents.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool for at least one hour before slicing. Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream for a classic touch.
Notes
- Using a mix of tart and sweet apples enhances flavor and texture.
- Letting the apples sit with sugar and spices helps develop a juicy, flavorful filling.
- Ensure vents on top crust to avoid sogginess from trapped steam.
- Cool the pie sufficiently to allow filling to set for cleaner slices.
- Butter pieces on top create a rich, buttery flavor throughout the filling.
