Easy Apple Pie Recipe

• Step 1: Preheat the oven to 180⁰ °C. Lightly grease an 8” loose-bottom pie dish and dust it with flour.
• Step 2: In a large bowl, put the maida with salt. Rub the butter into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Add cold water little by little and gather the flour into a dough. Wrap in cling film and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes.
• Step 3: Take out the dough and place it on a floured surface. Roll out the dough and cut into a circle 2” wider than the pie dish. Keep the extra dough aside.
• Step 4: Place this dough carefully over the pie dish and press it into the pan, covering the sides. Trim the edges so it covers the rim of the dish.
• Step 5: Prick with a fork at the bottom and on the sides. Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes till the pie crust is lightly brown. Take it out of the oven.

For Filling:

• Step 1: Place apple slices in a bowl. Sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, lime juice, and 1 tbsp maida. Mix well.
• Step 2: Spread apples in the pie crust and pour Nestlé MILKMAID over them. Dot with half of the butter.
• Step 3: Roll out the remaining dough into a ¼-inch thick sheet. Cut into strips. Arrange the strips in a lattice pattern over the apple layer. Brush with the remaining butter and bake in the hot oven for 25–30 minutes until the top turns golden brown.
• Step 4: Remove from the oven, allow to cool, and carefully transfer from the pie dish onto a serving plate. Slice the apple pie and serve.

Tips to Make Apple Pie

• Select a mix of tart and sweet apples to create a deliciously balanced filling.
• Keep all ingredients chilled, including the butter and water, and handle the dough gently to avoid a tough crust.
• Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface, as mentioned in the Apple Pie recipe above, to prevent sticking.
• Be gentle when rolling the dough; avoid overworking it.
• When filling the apple pie, leave about an inch of space around the edges to allow the crust to rise properly.
• Always preheat the oven to ensure a crisp, golden crust.
• Though optional, use a pie shield or foil to prevent the edges of the crust from over-browning.

FAQs on Apple Pie

1. Do I need pre-cooked apples to prepare the pie?

No, you don’t need to pre-cook the apples for this Apple Pie recipe. The baking process will cook them thoroughly, allowing them to soften and release their natural flavours, resulting in a delicious and tender filling.

2. Can I use canned apples for my apple pie recipe?

Yes, you can use canned apples for your Apple Pie recipe, but fresh apples generally provide better flavour and texture. Adjust sugar and spices as canned apples may already be sweetened or seasoned./p>

3. What makes an apple pie dry?

Excessive flour can dry your apple pie. After combining ingredients, the dough should easily stick together when pinched. If it doesn't, add more water to achieve the proper consistency.

4. Why is my homemade cinnamon apple pie watery?

One of the most common reasons for a watery apple pie is inadequate baking time. Ensure the pie is baked thoroughly, allowing the filling to thicken and the crust to become golden brown. Let it cool for at least three hours or even overnight if it's slightly runny. This allows the juices to settle and the filling to fully set.

5. How do you store an apple pie?

To ensure your apple pie remains delectable, store it in the refrigerator, either covered with a lid or in an airtight container. This method keeps it fresh for up to four days. However, it's essential to regularly check its appearance and aroma to confirm its quality before consumption.