Granny Smith Apple Pie is a timeless dessert that combines the tartness of green apples with a buttery, flaky crust. Perfect for any occasion, this pie brings warmth and comfort to your table. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at pie-making for the first time, this recipe is straightforward and delicious.
Why Choose Granny Smith Apples?
Granny Smith apples are the star of this pie. Their firm texture holds up well during baking, ensuring that every bite is juicy and flavorful. The tartness of Granny Smith apples balances the sweetness of the sugar, creating a harmonious taste that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
Benefits of Granny Smith Apples:
- Firm Texture: Maintains shape after baking.
- Tart Flavor: Perfectly balances sweetness.
- Versatile: Great for both sweet and savory dishes.
Ingredients
Gather all the ingredients before you start to ensure a smooth baking process.
For the Filling:
- 6 Granny Smith Apples: Peeled, cored, and sliced.
- 3/4 cup White Sugar
- 3/4 cup Brown Sugar
- 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
For the Crust:
- 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
Additional:
- 1 Egg: Beaten, for egg wash.
- 1 tablespoon Sugar: For sprinkling on top.
Best Apples for Apple Pie
While Granny Smith apples are ideal, blending them with other varieties can enhance the flavor and texture.
Top Apple Varieties:
- Golden Delicious: Adds sweetness and balances tartness.
- Honeycrisp: Provides extra crunch and a sweet flavor.
- Jonagold: Offers a perfect blend of sweet and tart.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps to create a perfect Granny Smith Apple Pie.
1. Prepare the Apples
Start by peeling, coring, and slicing the Granny Smith apples. Place them in a large bowl and toss with lemon juice to prevent browning. This step ensures your pie remains vibrant and fresh-looking.
2. Make the Filling
In a separate bowl, combine white sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sprinkle the mixture over the apple slices and add vanilla extract. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated. This mixture creates a flavorful syrup as the pie bakes.
3. Prepare the Crust
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter and cut it into the flour using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Divide the dough into two halves, shape into discs, and refrigerate for at least one hour.
4. Assemble the Pie
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out one disc of dough on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Transfer the dough to the pan, letting the excess hang over the edges. Pour the apple filling into the crust, spreading it evenly.
Roll out the second disc of dough and cut it into strips to create a lattice top. Weave the strips over the filling, sealing the edges by folding the overhang underneath. This classic design not only looks beautiful but also allows steam to escape during baking.
5. Apply Egg Wash and Sugar
Brush the top crust with beaten egg to give it a golden sheen. Sprinkle with a tablespoon of sugar for added sweetness and a slight crunch.
6. Bake the Pie
Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
7. Cool and Serve
Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least two hours. This cooling period helps the filling set, making it easier to slice. Serve warm or at room temperature, paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips for the Perfect Pie
Choosing the Right Apples
Selecting fresh, firm apples ensures your pie has the best texture and flavor. Avoid apples that are bruised or overly soft.
Preparing the Crust
Keeping your butter cold is essential for a flaky crust. Work quickly to prevent the butter from melting before baking.
Balancing Flavors
Adjust the sugar and spices to your taste. If you prefer a sweeter pie, increase the sugar slightly. For a spicier kick, add a bit more cinnamon or nutmeg.
Preventing a Soggy Bottom
To avoid a soggy crust, prebake the bottom crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling. Alternatively, sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs or ground nuts on the bottom crust to absorb excess moisture.
How to Store & Freeze
Storing at Room Temperature
Store your apple pie at room temperature, covered loosely with foil or a clean towel, for up to two days. Serve it within this time for the best taste and texture.
Refrigerating
For longer storage, refrigerate the pie. It will keep well for up to four days. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave or the entire pie in the oven.
Freezing
Granny Smith Apple Pie freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store it in the freezer for up to four months. To thaw, leave it in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
Granny Smith Apple Pie is versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Classic combination that melts into the warm pie.
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy, adds a creamy texture.
- Cheddar Cheese: A slice of sharp cheddar cheese on the side complements the sweetness of the pie.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle over the pie for an extra layer of sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a store-bought crust?
Yes, store-bought pie crusts are a convenient option. However, homemade crusts often provide a flakier and more flavorful result.
How do I prevent apples from browning?
Toss the sliced apples with lemon juice before adding them to the pie. The acidity helps prevent oxidation, keeping the apples looking fresh.
Can I make the pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the pie a day in advance and store it at room temperature or refrigerate it. Reheat before serving for the best taste.
What if my filling is too runny?
Ensure you’ve used the correct amount of flour to thicken the filling. You can also add a bit more flour or cornstarch to absorb excess moisture.
Granny Smith Apple Pie is a beloved dessert that brings joy to any table. Its perfect balance of tart apples and sweet, buttery crust makes it a favorite for many. With this comprehensive recipe, you can create a delicious pie that will impress your family and friends. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the comforting flavors of homemade apple pie.
Granny Smith Apple Pie
This recipe for Granny Smith apple pie is one for the record books! You can learn how to make it. Plus, you will get tips for the very best apple pie.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 (9-inch) double-crust pie pastry, thawed
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 8 small Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Set the temperature to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour. Stir to form a paste. Cook for about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add both sugars and water to the saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes. Remove it from the heat.
- Press one pastry sheet into the bottom of a 9-inch pie pan. Press it up the sides of the pie pan as well. Roll out the remaining pastry so that it overhangs the pie by about 1/2 inch. Cut the pastry into eight strips, each 1 inch wide.
- Place the sliced apples into the bottom crust. Form a slight mound with the apples.
- Lay four pastry strips vertically over the apples. Space them evenly. Use longer strips in the center. Place shorter strips at the edges.
- Create a lattice crust by folding the first strip all the way back. Fold the third strip back as well, so they're almost falling off the pie.
- Lay one of the unused strips perpendicularly over the second and fourth strips. Then unfold the first and third strips back into their original position.
- Fold the second and fourth vertical strips back. Lay one of the three unused strips perpendicularly over the top.
- Unfold the second and fourth strips back into their original position. Repeat step 6 to weave in the last two strips of pastry. Repeat step 7 to weave in the last two strips of pastry.
- Fold and trim the excess dough at the edges as necessary. Pinch to secure.
- Slowly and gently pour the sugar-butter mixture over the lattice crust. Ensure it seeps over the sliced apples. Brush some onto the lattice, but be careful that it doesn't run off the sides.
- Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Continue baking until the apples are soft. This will take 35 to 45 minutes.
