Indulge in the Ultimate Apple Pie Recipe from Bon Appetit - A Delicious Treat for All Seasons!
Are you ready to impress your family and friends with a delicious apple pie? Look no further than this mouth-watering recipe from Bon Appetit! But before we dive into the recipe, let's talk about the importance of a good crust. You see, a pie crust is like a first impression - it sets the tone for the entire dessert. So, we're going to show you how to make a crust that will have your taste buds singing.
First things first, we need to gather our ingredients. Flour, sugar, salt, butter, and ice water. Now, I know what you're thinking - ice water? That's a weird ingredient. But trust me, it's the secret to a flaky crust. And speaking of secrets, here's another one: don't overwork the dough. Treat it like a delicate flower. Okay, maybe not that delicate, but you get the point.
Once you've got your crust made, it's time to move on to the star of the show - the apples. And not just any apples, mind you. We're talking Granny Smith apples. Why Granny Smith, you ask? Well, they're tart enough to balance out the sweetness of the sugar and cinnamon, and they hold their shape during baking. Plus, they're green, so your pie will look extra fancy.
Now, some people like to peel their apples before using them in a pie. But I say, why bother? The skin adds texture and flavor. Plus, it saves time. Just make sure you wash them thoroughly before slicing them up. And speaking of slicing, here's another tip: don't slice your apples too thin. You want them to have some heft so they don't turn to mush in the oven.
Alright, we've got our crust and our apples. Time to assemble the pie. But wait! We need to talk about spices. Cinnamon is a given, but why stop there? Nutmeg adds warmth, and a pinch of allspice gives it a little kick. And if you're feeling adventurous, try adding some cardamom or ginger. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
Okay, now we can assemble the pie. Roll out your crust and gently place it in your pie dish. Add your apples, sprinkle on your spices, and cover with another layer of crust. Don't forget to vent the top crust so steam can escape during baking. And if you want to get fancy, use a cookie cutter to make shapes in the crust. Hearts, stars, unicorns - the sky's the limit.
One last thing before we pop this bad boy in the oven - let's talk about egg wash. A lot of recipes call for brushing the top crust with an egg wash to give it a nice golden color. But why stop there? Add a little cinnamon and sugar to the egg wash and your pie will look AND taste amazing.
Alright, we've done all we can do. It's time to bake this baby. And here's where the hardest part comes in - waiting. Waiting for that delicious aroma to fill your house. Waiting for that timer to go off. Waiting for the pie to cool enough so you don't burn your tongue. But trust me, it's worth it. That first bite of warm, gooey, spiced apple pie is like a hug from your grandma. And who doesn't love hugs?
In conclusion, this apple pie recipe from Bon Appetit is the perfect way to impress your loved ones with your baking skills. Just remember to treat your crust like a delicate flower, use Granny Smith apples, spice it up, get creative with your crust, and be patient. And most importantly, enjoy every bite. Happy baking!
Introduction
Apple pie is one of the most beloved desserts in the world. You can find it on almost every menu, and it’s a staple at family gatherings. But have you ever tried making it yourself? If not, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get baking! This classic apple pie recipe will make your taste buds dance with joy.
Ingredients
The Crust
Let's start with the crust because, let's face it, that's what everyone cares about the most. To make the perfect crust, you’ll need:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “That’s a lot of butter!” But trust me, the key to a flaky crust is using cold butter and not overworking the dough. So, get your hands dirty and start mixing!
The Filling
Next up is the filling. For this apple pie recipe, you’ll need:
- 6-8 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Now, don’t be afraid to mix things up a bit. You can use any type of apple you like, but I find that Granny Smiths work best. They’re tart and hold up well during baking.
Instructions
The Crust
First, combine the flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Add in the cold butter and mix with your hands until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add in the ice water a little at a time until the dough comes together. Divide the dough in half and form each into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
The Filling
Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Mix until the apples are coated evenly.
Assembling the Pie
Roll out one of the dough disks on a floured surface until it is about 1/8 inch thick. Place it in a 9-inch pie dish and trim off any excess dough. Pour in the apple filling and dot with butter.
Roll out the second dough disk and place it over the top of the pie. Trim off any excess dough and crimp the edges together. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
Baking the Pie
Brush the top of the pie with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Let the pie cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Tips and Tricks
Here are a few tips and tricks to make sure your apple pie turns out perfectly:
- Make sure your butter is cold. This will help create a flaky crust.
- If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pie crust. Just make sure it’s chilled before using.
- Add a pinch of salt to the filling. It will bring out the flavors of the apples and spices.
- If your pie crust is browning too quickly, cover it with foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to make this delicious apple pie recipe, it’s time to get baking! Don’t be intimidated by the crust – it’s easier than you think. And trust me, the end result is well worth the effort. So go ahead, impress your friends and family with your newfound baking skills. Bon appétit!
Apple Pie Recipe Bon Appetit: It's All About the Apples!
When it comes to making the perfect apple pie, there's only one thing that matters: the apples. You can have the most delicious crust in the world and the perfect blend of spices, but if your apples are subpar, your pie will be mediocre at best.
So, what makes for good apples in an apple pie? First and foremost, you want a mix of soft and firm apples. The soft apples will break down during baking, creating a rich, saucy filling, while the firmer apples will hold their shape and provide a satisfying crunch.
Another key factor is sweetness. You want apples that are sweet enough to stand up to the sugar in the crust and filling without being cloying. Some good options include Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Braeburn.
Butter Makes Everything Better - Don't Skimp on the Butter!
Let's talk about the crust for a minute. Yes, it's important, but let's be real: the real star of the show here is the filling. That being said, you don't want a lackluster crust holding everything together. So, what's the secret to a great pie crust? Butter. And lots of it.
Don't skimp on the butter when making your crust. This is not the time to be health-conscious. You want a rich, flaky crust that practically melts in your mouth, and that requires plenty of butter. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
The Crust - A Delicious Foundation for Your Apple Pie
Now, let's talk about the crust itself. There are a lot of different recipes out there, but the basic ingredients are flour, butter, salt, and water. Some people like to add a bit of sugar for sweetness, but that's entirely up to you.
When making your crust, be sure to use cold butter and ice-cold water. This will help keep the butter from melting too quickly and make for a flakier crust. And don't overwork the dough! You want it to come together, but not be too smooth or elastic.
Get Creative - Add Cinnamon, Nutmeg, or Other Spices to Your Filling
Now that we've covered the basics, let's talk about getting creative with your apple pie filling. Sure, you can stick with the classic cinnamon and nutmeg combo, but why not mix things up a bit?
Try adding some allspice, cardamom, or ginger to your filling for a unique twist. Or, if you're feeling really adventurous, throw in some chopped nuts or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.
The Secret Is in the Texture - Use Both Soft and Firm Apples for the Perfect Texture
Remember what we said earlier about using a mix of soft and firm apples? This is key to achieving the perfect texture in your apple pie. The soft apples will break down during baking, creating a luscious, saucy filling, while the firmer apples will hold their shape and provide a satisfying crunch.
Experiment with different varieties of apples to find the combination that works best for you. Just be sure to stick with apples that are good for baking, like the ones we mentioned earlier.
Don't Forget the Sugar - Sweetness Makes the Apples Even More Delicious
No apple pie is complete without a generous helping of sugar. This is what makes the apples so irresistibly sweet and gooey. But be careful not to overdo it. You want enough sugar to balance out the tartness of the apples, but not so much that it becomes sickly sweet.
Experiment with different types of sugar, too. Brown sugar will give your filling a caramel-like flavor, while white sugar will keep things light and bright. And if you really want to up the sweetness factor, try sprinkling some coarse sugar on top of your crust before baking for a crunchy, sugary finish.
Flour Power - The Importance of Properly Measuring Your Flour
When it comes to baking, precision is key. And that goes double for making pie crust. One of the most important things you can do to ensure success is to properly measure your flour.
Use a kitchen scale if you have one, or make sure to fluff up your flour before measuring it with a spoon and a level. And don't pack it down! You want your flour to be light and airy, not compacted and dense.
The Great Debate - to Peel or Not to Peel Your Apples?
This is a question that has divided apple pie enthusiasts for generations: should you peel your apples or leave the skin on?
Personally, I'm a fan of leaving the skin on. It adds a bit of texture and color to the filling and gives the pie a rustic, homemade feel. But if you're someone who can't stand the thought of biting into a piece of apple skin, go ahead and peel away.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought Crust - Which Is Better?
Another question that comes up a lot when making apple pie is whether to use a homemade crust or a store-bought one. And honestly, it's totally up to you.
Homemade crusts can be a bit more time-consuming and require some skill, but they're also more customizable and often taste better than store-bought. That being said, there are some perfectly good store-bought crusts out there that will get the job done just fine.
The Art of Apple Arrangement - How to Make Your Pie Look as Good as It Tastes
Finally, let's talk about presentation. You've put all this time and effort into making the perfect apple pie, so why not make it look as good as it tastes?
Start by arranging your apples in a circular pattern, working from the outside in. You want each slice to have an equal amount of filling, so don't be afraid to pile the apples high.
Once your apples are arranged, brush the top of your crust with egg wash for a shiny finish. And if you really want to go all out, use a pastry cutter or knife to make decorative cutouts in your top crust.
And there you have it: the ultimate apple pie recipe. Just remember to have fun with it and don't stress too much about getting everything perfect. As long as you've got good apples and plenty of butter, your pie is sure to be a hit.
How to Make Apple Pie Recipe Bon Appetit
The Story of the Perfect Apple Pie
Once upon a time, there was a woman who loved to bake. Her name was Betty and she was known throughout the land for her delicious apple pies. One day, a group of friends came to visit Betty and begged her to teach them how to make her famous apple pie recipe. Betty, being the generous soul that she was, agreed to show them how it was done.
Betty began by gathering all the necessary ingredients. She carefully measured out the flour, sugar, butter, and cinnamon, making sure everything was just right. Then, she moved on to the apples. Betty knew that the key to a perfect apple pie was using the right kind of apples. She chose Granny Smith apples because they were firm, tart, and held their shape well when baked.
Next, Betty showed her friends how to make the perfect pie crust. She explained that the crust should be flaky and tender, but not too dry or too wet. She demonstrated the proper technique for rolling out the dough and placing it in the pie dish.
Finally, it was time to assemble the pie. Betty layered the apples into the crust, sprinkling each layer with sugar and cinnamon. She carefully placed another layer of crust on top, sealing the edges with a fork. Then, she cut a few slits in the top of the crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
After an hour in the oven, the pie was finally ready. The smell of warm apples and cinnamon filled the air as Betty proudly presented her masterpiece. Her friends eagerly dug in, savoring each bite. They declared it the best apple pie they had ever tasted and begged Betty to share the recipe.
The Point of View of the Perfect Apple Pie Recipe
Hello there! I'm the perfect apple pie recipe, and let me tell you, I'm a real winner. People come from far and wide just to taste me. I mean, have you ever had an apple pie as good as mine? I didn't think so.
I'm not just any old apple pie, mind you. I'm made with the best ingredients and baked to perfection. My crust is flaky and buttery, and my apples are tart and juicy. I'm sweet but not too sweet, and I have just the right amount of cinnamon.
If you want to make me, you'll have to follow the instructions carefully. Don't skimp on the ingredients or rush through the steps. Take your time and do it right. Trust me, it will be worth it.
So, what are you waiting for? Get out your apron and rolling pin and let's get baking!
Table Information about Apple Pie Recipe Bon Appetit
Here are the ingredients you will need to make the perfect apple pie recipe:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
- ½ cup ice water
- 8 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Here are the steps to make the perfect apple pie recipe:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
- Add the butter and use a pastry blender or your hands to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, stirring with a fork, until the dough comes together.
- Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a large bowl, toss the apples with the sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll out one of the disks of dough on a lightly floured surface and transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish.
- Fill the pie crust with the apple mixture.
- Roll out the second disk of dough and place it over the apples. Trim the edges and crimp with a fork to seal.
- Cut a few slits in the top of the crust to allow steam to escape.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Let cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Thank You for Joining Me on this Delicious Apple Pie Adventure!
Well, folks, we’ve reached the end of our journey together. I hope you’ve enjoyed learning about my favorite apple pie recipe as much as I’ve enjoyed sharing it with you. From the flaky crust to the juicy filling, every bite is sure to be a treat for your taste buds.
As we say goodbye, I want to leave you with a few final thoughts. First, don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of apples in your pie. Granny Smiths may be a classic choice, but Honeycrisps or Galas can add a unique twist.
Secondly, remember that baking is an art, not a science. Don’t worry if your pie doesn’t turn out perfectly the first time - practice makes perfect! And hey, even a slightly burnt crust can still taste pretty darn good.
Lastly, I want to remind you to always have fun in the kitchen. Baking should be a stress-relieving activity, not a source of anxiety. So put on your favorite apron, turn up some music, and let those creative juices flow.
Before I go, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to read this blog post. Your support means everything to me, and I hope you’ll come back soon for more recipes and cooking tips.
Until then, happy baking and bon appétit!
People Also Ask About Apple Pie Recipe Bon Appetit
Why is Apple Pie the Best Pie?
Well, obviously because it has apples in it. But really, apple pie is a classic dessert that brings warmth and comfort with every bite. Plus, who can resist the combination of sweet and tart flavors?
What's the Secret to a Perfect Apple Pie Crust?
- Use ice-cold butter and water to keep the dough from getting too warm.
- Don't overwork the dough – less is more when it comes to handling pie crust.
- Chill the dough for at least an hour before rolling it out.
- Brush the crust with an egg wash to give it a shiny finish.
Can I Use Any Type of Apples for Apple Pie?
While you can use any type of apples for apple pie, some varieties work better than others. Look for firm apples that hold their shape when baked, like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn.
How Do I Prevent My Apple Pie from Getting Soggy?
- Avoid using too much liquid in the filling.
- Pre-bake the bottom crust for a few minutes to create a barrier between the filling and the crust.
- Sprinkle a layer of breadcrumbs or flour on the bottom crust before adding the filling.
What's the Best Topping for Apple Pie?
This is a matter of personal preference, but some popular options include:
- A lattice crust made from strips of pie dough.
- A crumb topping made from flour, sugar, butter, and spices.
- A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
How Long Does Apple Pie Last?
If stored in the refrigerator, apple pie can last for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it for longer, freeze it for up to 2 months. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
So there you have it – all your burning questions about apple pie answered! Now go forth and bake a delicious pie that would make even Grandma proud.