DEEP DISH APPLE PIE

A Deep Dish Apple Pie is the perfect dessert for any occasion, combining the classic, comforting flavors of a traditional apple pie but with an extra thick, buttery, and flaky crust that holds a generous amount of tender spiced apples. The deep dish makes this pie extra special, allowing for a hearty filling and a deliciously satisfying texture in every bite. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday or just a cozy family dinner, this pie is guaranteed to become a new favorite.

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Ingredients

For the Pie Crust (Double Crust Recipe)

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

For the Apple Filling

• 6-7 medium apples (a mix of tart apples like Granny Smith and sweet apples like Gala or Honeycrisp)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For the Pie Topping

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces (for dotting)
• 1 tablespoon milk (optional, for brushing the crust)
• 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (for sprinkling on top)

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Equipment Needed

• 9-inch deep-dish pie pan
• Rolling pin
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Large mixing bowl
• Pastry brush
• Aluminum foil (for pie shield)
• Oven

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Method

Step 1: Make the Pie Crust

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Cut in the Butter: Add the chilled butter cubes to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter.
3. Add Ice Water: Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork after each addition. Add just enough water for the dough to come together without being too wet. This usually takes about 6-8 tablespoons.
4. Form the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide it into two portions, one slightly larger than the other (the larger one will be for the bottom crust). Shape each portion into a disk and wrap them in plastic wrap. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. Peel and Slice the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into about 1/4-inch thick slices. If you have a mandolin slicer, it can make this process quicker and more uniform.
2. Toss the Apples: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated. Let the mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the sugars and juices to begin to meld.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

1. Roll Out the Bottom Crust: Once your dough has chilled, remove the larger portion and place it on a lightly floured surface. Roll it out to about 1/8-inch thick and large enough to fit your 9-inch deep-dish pie pan.
2. Fit the Dough into the Pan: Carefully transfer the rolled dough to your pie pan, gently pressing it into the bottom and up the sides. Trim any excess dough, leaving about 1-inch of overhang around the edge.
3. Add the Apple Filling: Pour the prepared apple filling into the pie shell, mounding it slightly in the center. You want to pack the apples in as tightly as possible to avoid air gaps.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

1. Roll Out the Top Crust: Take the smaller disk of dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 1/8-inch thick. Place it over the apples, covering the entire pie.
2. Crimp the Edges: Trim any excess dough, leaving a 1-inch overhang. Fold the edges of the top crust under the bottom crust and crimp the edges together to form a decorative border.
3. Cut Slits in the Top: Use a sharp knife to make several small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape while the pie bakes. This will help the crust bake evenly and prevent it from becoming soggy.
4. Dot with Butter: Dot the top of the pie with small pieces of butter for added richness.

Step 5: Bake the Pie

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Brush with Milk: For a shiny, golden crust, brush the top of the pie with a little milk using a pastry brush. If you prefer a bit of crunch, sprinkle the crust with coarse sugar.
3. Bake the Pie: Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the slits in the top crust. If the edges of the crust begin to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil or a pie shield to prevent burning.
4. Check for Doneness: The filling should be thickened, and the apples should be tender when pierced with a fork. If you notice that the juices aren’t bubbling or the filling isn’t thickening, you can bake the pie for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Step 6: Let the Pie Cool

1. Cool Before Serving: Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing. This allows the filling to set and prevents it from running when you cut into it.

Step 7: Serve

1. Slice and Serve: Once the pie has cooled, slice it into wedges. Serve it on its own, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

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Notes and Tips

• Apple Varieties: Use a mix of tart apples (such as Granny Smith) and sweet apples (like Gala or Honeycrisp) for a balanced flavor. The tart apples hold their shape well during baking, while the sweet apples provide natural sweetness.
• Crust Tip: For an even flakier crust, make sure the butter is cold when you add it to the dough, and avoid overworking the dough to prevent tough crust.
• Freezing the Pie: You can freeze the assembled pie (before baking) for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, don’t thaw the pie, but bake it at 425°F (220°C) for about 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
• Thickening the Filling: If you want a thicker filling, you can add an additional tablespoon of flour or cornstarch to the filling mixture to help absorb more of the juices released by the apples.

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Conclusion

This Deep Dish Apple Pie is the ultimate comfort food, with a buttery, flaky crust, a rich and flavorful apple filling, and the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Whether served with ice cream or on its own, it’s a dessert that will surely become a family favorite. It’s perfect for holidays, special occasions, or any time you’re craving a warm, homemade treat! Enjoy!