The Best Apple Pie Recipe

Try this The Best Apple Pie Recipe recipe, or contribute your own.

The Best Apple Pie Recipe
The Best Apple Pie Recipe

Step-by-step

  • First prepare the pie dough: first get the vegan butter and shortening or coconut oil to the freezer while you measure the rest of the ingredients.
  • Combine the flour, salt, sugar into a food processor (or you can mix the entire recipe by hand with a pastry cutter or fork) process to distribute the ingredients evenly.
  • Add the cold vegan butter and the shortening or coconut oil and process until it is mealy and course crumbly texture.
  • Add the cold water and the oil through the feed tube while pulsing and then process until a soft crumbly dough forms, but be careful not to process to a paste!
  • Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and gather the dough together by hand and knead the fragments the rest of the way to a soft ball that stays together.
  • Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for an hour to relax the dough and allow the flour to absorb through.
  • Once chilled, divide the dough in half and roll half of the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 12" diameter (⅛" thick) and line your un-greased pie plate.
  • Refrigerate until needed.
  • For the apple filling, peel, core and the slice the apples to approx ⅛" thick slices.
  • Combine all of the ingredients except the butter with the apples and toss to combine well.
  • Pour into raw pie shell and place the butter in small pieces scattered on top.
  • Roll out the other portion of pie dough and cover the apples sealing the edge and the top crust with some of the aquafaba.
  • Brush the top crust with the remaining aquafaba and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
  • Make a few steam slits in the top of the crust.
  • Bake in preheated 450°F oven for 20 minutes then turn oven down to 325°F for the remaining time, approximately 45 minutes total bake time.
  • Bake until a skewer inserted into the middle of the apples goes in easily but does not seem mushy, and you may see some slight bubbling juices around the edges.
  • Be careful not to over bake to the point of applesauce!
  • Cool for at least 1 hour.
  • Serve warm or cold it is your choice.

My Favorite Homemade Apple Pie: A Slice of Heaven

The aroma of baking apples, cinnamon, and warm pastry—there's nothing quite like it. For years, I’ve been perfecting my apple pie recipe, and today, I’m thrilled to share it with you. This isn’t just any apple pie; it's a labor of love, a comforting classic, and a perfect ending to any meal. I’ve always loved baking, even as a little girl helping my grandmother in her kitchen. There’s something about creating something from scratch, something warm and delicious that brings a sense of accomplishment and joy. This apple pie embodies that feeling perfectly.

The crust is everything. I've experimented with countless variations, but I've found that a balance of vegan butter, shortening, and a touch of oil creates the flakiest, most tender crust imaginable. It’s the perfect canvas for the sweet and tart apple filling. The key to a truly exceptional filling is using a combination of apple varieties. I usually opt for a mix of Granny Smith and Macintosh—the Granny Smith provides the tartness, while the Macintosh adds sweetness and a soft texture. The spices are just as important; a generous helping of cinnamon, a hint of nutmeg, and a touch of brown sugar create a warm, comforting flavor profile. But don’t forget the lemon and orange juice—a little citrus brightens up the filling and prevents it from becoming too mushy. The aquafaba adds a lovely shine to the top crust and helps it brown beautifully.

Making this pie is a process, but a rewarding one. The time spent rolling out the dough, carefully layering the apples, and watching it bake is therapeutic. It's a perfect activity for a cozy autumn afternoon or a quiet Sunday morning. The best part? The taste. The first bite is a symphony of textures and flavors—the crisp, flaky crust giving way to the tender, juicy apples, all infused with the warm spices. This apple pie is more than just dessert; it’s a memory, a tradition, a taste of home. I've shared this pie with countless friends and family, and the smiles and satisfied sighs I receive are the best reward. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a complete novice, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. It might just become your new favorite too.

Beyond the Recipe: This pie is perfect for sharing. Imagine a warm slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on a chilly evening, or as a centerpiece for a family gathering. It's the perfect dessert to share with loved ones, creating memories that will last a lifetime. This is more than just a recipe; it's a journey, a story, a testament to the simple joys of home baking. The rich aromas that waft through your kitchen as it bakes will transport you, bringing a sense of warmth and comfort that is unmatched. Remember that baking is a journey, not a race. Take your time, savor the process, and enjoy the sweet reward of a perfectly baked apple pie. The time spent creating something from scratch is time well-spent, and the memories you create while baking will be just as delicious as the final product.

This apple pie represents more than just a recipe; it’s a piece of my heart, a tradition passed down through generations, and a testament to the power of simple, wholesome ingredients combined with love and care. The end result is something truly special, a reminder that even the simplest pleasures in life can be extraordinary.