The Best Apple Pie Recipe

Every family has that one special apple pie recipe that comes out when the cold weather prompts you to warm your belly. The unctuous combination of apple, cinnamon, and sugar reminds you just why calories don't count in winter. But an apple pie is more than just apples and cinnamon. There are some flavors that allow your apple pie to graduate into the realm of sublime, and one of those is apple cider. Apple cider makes this winter a bit more special, and we're not just talking the mulled variety. 

The apple pie recipe 

Your pie crust needs some time to rest, so it makes sense to start work on it straight away. 

Pie crust 

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, leveled
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar 
• 2 sticks unsalted butter (cold, cut into small cubes) 
• 1/2 cup ice water (you may not need all the water)

Pie crust preparation 

A food processor is your best friend when making a pie crust as it keeps the mixture cold. In the mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Slowly add the butter until the mixture resembles moist sea sand. You may also spot a few small lumps of butter and that is okay. 

Gradually add some of the ice water. You just want the dough to hold together but still remain crumbly. Only add small quantities of water to reach the desired level. Don't overprocess as this will compromise the flakiness of your crust. 

Form the dough into two flat disks and cling wrap individually. Place one disk in the fridge and roll one disk out to place into a pie pan. Ensure that the crust is rolled out at least an inch bigger than the inverted pan to ensure it covers the sides fully. Once this is done, place the pie pan in the fridge for at least an hour. Now, prepare your filling. 

Apple pie filling 

An apple pie recipe allows a little wiggle room for added winter flavor, and that's where the apple cider comes in. The filling is precooked so the apples are soft and packed with flavor. You'll need the following: 

• 1 1/2 cups apple cider 
• 2 tablespoons apple juice (or apple cider if you're game!)
• 5 cups of peeled apples, sliced or cubed 
• 1/2 cup white sugar  
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 
• 4 cardamom pods 
• A beaten egg, milk, or heavy cream to brush over the pie
• Granulated sugar for texture optional

Pie filling method 

Add the apples, cardamon pods, and apple cider to a non-stick pan and cook until the apples are soft. Remove the apples and keep them separate, but keep the liquid. Remove and discard the cardamom pods. 

Add the apple juice, white sugar, cornstarch, and salt and bring the mixture to a simmer and allow for the sugar to dissolve and the mixture to thicken. Add the butter and wait for it to melt. Add back the apples and ensure they're fully coated. Allow the mixture to cool down. 

Add the mixture to the pie crust and sprinkle cinnamon over the mixture. Roll out the second pie crust disk and cover the mixture. Cut holes or slits into the top layer to allow for the steam to escape. You can brush the top of the pie with eggwash, milk, or heavy whipped cream. Sprinkle some granulated sugar for texture. Bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for around 30 minutes, or until the pie crust is golden. Serve with a scoop of ice cream or freshly whipped cream. 

Ode to the recipe of an apple pie 

The apple pie is an all-rounder dessert that satisfies on all fronts, whether it's the end of a hearty winter lunch or shared between friends at the weekly get-together. We'd love to know how you add some pizzazz to your apple pie without busting your budget and whether you incorporate end-of-season fruit to the mix to avoid waste. 

Check out our Coupon Book Finder for recipes and tips on how to use your ingredients wisely.