Chef Sven's Secret Family Recipe: Grandma's Famous Apple Pie

Chef Sven • 2023-10-03

Today, I am going to share with you one of the most cherished recipes from my family’s cookbook: Grandma’s Famous Apple Pie. This recipe has been passed down through generations and has become a staple at our family gatherings. The aroma of warm cinnamon and baked apples fills the air as soon as you take a bite of this delicious pie. It’s the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, and the flaky homemade crust adds an extra touch of perfection. So let’s get started and make Grandma proud!

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 4-5 tablespoons ice water
• 6-8 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
3. Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disk. Wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
4. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
5. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, lemon juice, and melted butter. Mix until the apples are well coated.
6. Roll out one of the chilled dough disks into a 12-inch circle on a lightly floured surface. Transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish and press it gently against the bottom and sides.
7. Pour the apple mixture into the pie crust, spreading it evenly.
8. Roll out the second dough disk into a 12-inch circle. You can use it as a full crust to cover the pie completely or create a lattice pattern by cutting it into strips and weaving them over the filling.
9. Trim the excess dough and crimp the edges to seal the pie.
10. Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
11. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 2 hours before serving. This will allow the filling to set.
12. Serve the pie warm or at room temperature, and don’t forget a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top!

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family does. It’s a true labor of love and a taste of tradition. Remember to savor each bite and cherish the memories created while indulging in this delicious homemade apple pie!