Description
A classic American dessert featuring a buttery, flaky crust filled with crisp, cinnamon-spiced Granny Smith apples. This recipe relies on the science of cold fats to achieve the perfect golden-brown crust and a thick, flavorful fruit filling. It is the definitive standard for home-baked comfort, designed to be reliable, structurally sound, and delicious for every baker.
Ingredients
2.5 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
0.75 cup granulated sugar
6 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons cornstarch
4–6 tablespoons cold water
Pinch of salt
Instructions
Combine flour and a pinch of salt in a large bowl.
Cut cold butter into the flour until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add cold water one tablespoon at a time until the dough just holds together.
Divide dough into two discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least one hour.
Peel and slice apples into quarter-inch thick slices.
Toss apple slices with sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch in a large mixing bowl.
Roll out one dough disc and line a pie pan.
Fill with the apple mixture.
Roll out the second disc, place over the filling, and seal the edges.
Bake until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Notes
Keep the butter cold until the moment of baking to ensure flaky layers. Using a mix of firm apples helps prevent the filling from becoming mushy. Ensure the dough is well-chilled before rolling for easier handling.
- Prep Time: 45
- Cook Time: 60
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg