Butter Apple Pie

Introduction

Get ready to indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of Butter Apple Pie! This delightful dessert features a flaky, buttery crust filled with tender, spiced apples, making it the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether it’s a family gathering, a holiday feast, or simply a cozy night in, this pie will be the star of your dessert table. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, you’ll have a homemade pie that rivals any bakery. So, preheat your oven and let’s bake up a slice of happiness!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are several reasons to fall in love with Butter Apple Pie:

• Classic Comfort: A timeless dessert that brings back nostalgic memories.
• Perfectly Sweet and Spiced: The combination of sweet apples and warm spices creates a heavenly flavor.
• Flaky Crust: The buttery crust adds a delightful texture that perfectly complements the filling.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Great for Any Season: Enjoy it warm in the fall or chilled in the summer!
• Serves a Crowd: This pie is perfect for gatherings, serving 8 generous slices.
• Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different apple varieties or add nuts for extra crunch.
• Wonderful Aroma: The smell of baking apples and cinnamon will fill your kitchen, making it feel like home.
• Pairs Perfectly with Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the pie ahead of time and bake just before serving for convenience.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Cooling Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 8 slices
• Calories per slice: Approximately 320 calories
• Key Nutrients: Fiber: 3g, Fat: 15g, Carbohydrates: 42g, Protein: 2g

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create your Butter Apple Pie:

For the Crust:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water

For the Filling:

• 6 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Ingredient Highlights

• Butter: Provides a rich, flaky crust that melts in your mouth.
• Apples: The star of the show! Choose a mix of sweet and tart apples for depth of flavor.
• Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and comfort to the filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Butter Apple Pie:

Prepare the Crust

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Ice Water: Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together.
4. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal parts, shape into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Prepare the Filling

1. Mix the Apples: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and lemon juice. Toss to coat the apples evenly.
2. Let it Sit: Allow the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes to release some juices.

Assemble the Pie

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. Transfer it to a 9-inch pie plate.
3. Add the Filling: Pour the apple mixture into the crust, spreading it evenly. Dot with small pieces of butter.
4. Top Crust: Roll out the second disc of dough and place it over the filling. Trim any excess dough, then crimp the edges to seal. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
5. Brush and Sprinkle: Brush the top crust with a bit of melted butter or egg wash, and sprinkle with sugar if desired.

Bake the Pie

1. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown.
2. Cool: Remove from the oven and let the pie cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

How to Serve

Here are some fun serving ideas for your Butter Apple Pie:

1. Serve Warm: Enjoy the pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
2. Add Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light touch to this rich dessert.
3. Garnish with Cinnamon: Dust with a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra flavor boost.
4. Pair with Coffee or Tea: Serve slices alongside your favorite hot beverages.
5. Create a Pie Bar: Set up a pie bar with different toppings and accompaniments for guests to customize their slices.
6. Serve with Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over each slice for an indulgent twist.
7. Make it a Breakfast Treat: Enjoy leftovers as a delicious breakfast with coffee.
8. Use a Fancy Platter: Present the pie on a decorative serving platter for an elegant touch.
9. Slice with Care: Use a sharp knife to get neat, clean slices for serving.
10. Store Leftovers: Keep any leftover pie covered at room temperature for a few days.

Additional Tips

Maximize your enjoyment of Butter Apple Pie with these helpful tips:

1. Use Cold Ingredients: Keep your butter and water cold for a flakier crust.
2. Try Different Apples: Mixing sweet and tart apples enhances the flavor complexity.
3. Make Ahead: Prepare the filling a day in advance and refrigerate for a deeper flavor.
4. Watch for Browning: If the crust browns too quickly, cover the edges with foil while baking.
5. Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of your apples.
6. Thicken Filling: If you prefer a thicker filling, add an extra tablespoon of flour.
7. Flavor Boost: Add a splash of vanilla extract to the apple mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
8. Frozen Crust: Use a store-bought pie crust for convenience if you’re short on time.
9. Serve with Slices of Cheese: Some people love a slice of cheddar cheese with their apple pie!
10. Label Leftovers: If freezing leftovers, label them with the date for easy identification later.

Recipe Variations

Consider these creative variations for your Butter Apple Pie:

• Caramel Apple Pie: Swirl in caramel sauce with the apple filling for a richer flavor.
• Nutty Addition: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the filling for extra crunch.
• Cranberry Twist: Mix in fresh or dried cranberries for a tangy contrast to the sweet apples.
• Spiced Up: Experiment with other spices like ginger or allspice for a unique flavor.
• Different Crusts: Try a crumb topping or a lattice crust for a different look and texture.
• Use Different Fruits: Substitute some apples with pears or berries for a fruity twist.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free pie crust mix for a gluten-free version.
• Mini Pies: Make individual mini apple pies using muffin tins or ramekins.
• Pumpkin Spice Apple Pie: Add pumpkin pie spice to the filling for a fall-inspired flavor.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the pie before serving for a fun treat.

Freezing and Storage

Ensure proper storage to maintain the quality of your Butter Apple Pie:

• Storage: Cover any leftover pie and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerate for Freshness: If you live in a warm climate, store leftovers in the refrigerator.
• Freezing: Unbaked pies can be frozen. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months.
• Thawing: Thaw frozen pies in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Special Equipment

You may need these kitchen tools to create your Butter Apple Pie:

• Pie Dish: For baking and serving the pie.
• Mixing Bowls: To mix the dough and filling ingredients.
• Rolling Pin: For rolling out the pie crust.
• Pastry Cutter or Fork: To cut butter into the flour for the crust.
• Sharp Knife: For slicing apples and cutting the pie.
• Baking Sheet: To catch any drips while baking the pie.
• Cooling Rack: For cooling the pie before slicing.

FAQ Section

Here are answers to common questions about Butter Apple Pie:

• Can I use frozen apples for the filling?
  Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain excess liquid before using them in the pie.
• What types of apples are best for apple pie?
  A mix of sweet and tart apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, works well.
• Can I make the pie crust ahead of time?
  Yes, you can prepare the pie crust in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to use it.
• How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?
  Pre-bake the crust for about 10 minutes before adding the filling to help prevent sogginess.
• What’s the best way to reheat leftover pie?
  Reheat individual slices in the microwave or warm the whole pie in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.

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Conclusion

Butter Apple Pie is the epitome of comfort food, combining a buttery, flaky crust with a warm, spiced apple filling that’s sure to delight. It’s perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or a cozy night in. With its easy preparation and timeless flavors, this pie is a must-have in your dessert repertoire. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy making this classic treat that will fill your home with delightful aromas and warm hearts!