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momma’s homemade apple pie

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Momma’s Homemade Apple Pie: A Heartwarming Classic

There’s something incredibly nostalgic about the smell of a freshly baked apple pie wafting through the kitchen, a smell that often takes us back to cherished memories of family gatherings, holidays, and comforting moments spent around the dinner table. When it comes to homemade desserts, few things can compete with a classic apple pie—especially when it’s made with love, just like Momma’s Homemade Apple Pie.

This recipe combines the perfect balance of tart and sweet, with a flaky, buttery crust and a tender, spiced apple filling. Whether it’s your first time baking or you’ve been perfecting your pie-making skills for years, this recipe is simple enough for anyone to tackle, yet tastes like it came straight from Grandma’s kitchen.

Why You’ll Love Momma’s Homemade Apple Pie

  • Classic Comfort Food: Apple pie is the epitome of comfort food, evoking warmth, sweetness, and memories of family traditions.
  • Made with Love: As with all homemade recipes, the best part is knowing it was crafted with care. This pie is perfect for holidays, family dinners, or just because.
  • Customizable: While the base recipe is classic, you can easily adjust the flavor to your liking. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon, a dash of nutmeg, or even a hint of lemon zest to make it uniquely yours.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a simple Sunday family meal, this apple pie is always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

For the Pie Crust (Double Crust):

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
  • 6-8 tablespoons ice water (more if needed)

For the Apple Filling:

  • 6-8 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix of tart and sweet varieties work best)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions:

Step 1: Make the Pie Crust

  1. Prepare the Pie Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter, two forks, or your hands to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should be pea-sized.
  2. Add Ice Water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough begins to come together. You may need 6-8 tablespoons, depending on the humidity and the flour you’re using.
  3. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days). This helps to prevent the crust from shrinking when baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

  1. Peel, Core, and Slice the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin, even slices. Aim for about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick slices. This ensures they bake evenly and soften properly in the pie.