Are you craving a delicious homemade apple pie but worried about the time it takes to make one? Well, fret no more! In this article, we will guide you through a step-by-step process of making a mouthwatering apple pie in just one hour. Yes, you read that right – one hour! So put on your apron, preheat the oven, and let's get started on this quick and easy apple pie recipe.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you dive into making your apple pie, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. Here's what you'll need:
- 2 store-bought pie crusts or homemade pie crusts
- 6-8 medium-sized apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional: a sprinkle of sugar for garnish
Prepare the Pie Crust
The first step in making your apple pie is preparing the pie crust. If you're using store-bought crusts, simply follow the instructions on the package. If you prefer homemade crusts, you can find various recipes online. Once your crusts are ready, set them aside.
Make the Apple Filling
To create the luscious apple filling for your pie, start by peeling, coring, and slicing the apples into thin, even slices. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Mix everything together until the apples are evenly coated with the sugar and spices.
Assemble the Pie
Take one of the prepared pie crusts and carefully place it into a pie dish, pressing it gently against the bottom and sides. Pour the apple filling into the crust, making sure to distribute it evenly. Dot the filling with small pieces of butter to add richness to the pie.
Next, take the second pie crust and either place it on top of the filling as a full crust or create a lattice pattern by cutting it into strips and weaving them together. If you choose the lattice pattern, make sure to secure the edges of the crust together.
Bake the Pie
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Before placing the pie in the oven, brush the top crust with beaten egg wash to give it a beautiful golden color when baked. You can also sprinkle a little sugar on top for an extra touch of sweetness.
Carefully place the pie on a baking sheet and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for about 45-50 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on the pie while it bakes to prevent the crust from burning.
Let the Pie Cool
Once the pie is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. Allowing the pie to cool will help the filling set and make it easier to slice and serve.
Serve and Enjoy!
After the pie has cooled, it's time to indulge in the delightful flavors of your homemade apple pie. Slice it into generous portions and serve it as is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The choice is yours! Enjoy each delicious bite.
Conclusion
Congratulations on successfully creating a delectable apple pie in just one hour! You've learned how to prepare a flaky crust, make a flavorful apple filling, and assemble and bake the pie to perfection. Now, you can satisfy your apple pie cravings in no time. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't hesitate to experiment with different apple varieties or add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for an extra burst of flavor. Happy baking!