Grandma's Holiday Spiced Apple Pie
This delightful apple pie has been a cherished tradition in my family during Thanksgiving and the festive season. Infused with the warm flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg from a high-quality apple pie spice blend, this pie is a true celebration of autumn. I love to mix various baking apples to achieve a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, ensuring each bite is a heavenly experience. While I often prefer to make my own flaky pie crust, feel free to use a store-bought version to keep things simple. Serve this pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable holiday treat that your friends and family will rave about!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
unbaked double crust pie crust
1 (9-inch)
sweet unsalted butter
2 tablespoons (cut into small pieces)
tart baking apples
8 cups (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (e.g., Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for a mix of flavors))
freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons (none)
granulated sugar
1 cup (none)
all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (none)
apple pie spice
1 tablespoon (such as Watkins brand or your favorite blend)
salt
1/8 teaspoon (none)
egg yolk
1 (none)
water
1 tablespoon (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2
Prepare your pie crust by placing the bottom layer into a 9-inch pie plate, ensuring it fits snugly, and set it aside.
3
Cut the unsalted butter into small cubes and allow them to soften in a dish at room temperature.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced baking apples with freshly squeezed lemon juice to prevent browning.
5
Add the granulated sugar, flour, apple pie spice, and a pinch of salt to the bowl, and gently fold the mixture together, being careful not to mush the apples.
6
Pour the apple filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly.
7
Sprinkle the butter pieces evenly over the top of the apple filling.
8
Cover the pie with the top crust, ensuring the edges are crimped and sealed in an attractive design.
9
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and water. Brush this mixture over the entire surface of the top crust for a beautiful golden finish.
10
Using a sharp knife, cut several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
11
Place a foil-lined cookie sheet on the bottom rack of the oven to catch any drips. Position the pie in the center rack for even baking.
12
Bake the pie for 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C).
13
Lower the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 40-45 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the filling begins to bubble.
14
Allow the pie to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This waiting period helps the filling set and ensures you won't burn your mouth (although it's tempting to dig in right away!). Serve warm or chilled, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
15
Tip: Check the pie halfway through baking. If the edges appear too dark, place a pie ring or strips of foil around the crust to shield it.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to serve Grandma's Holiday Spiced Apple Pie?
It is best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a classic holiday experience.
What types of apples should I use for this recipe?
A mix of tart baking apples works best. Recommended varieties include Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji to achieve a balance of sweetness and tartness.
How many cups of apples are required?
You will need 8 cups of apples that have been peeled, cored, and thinly sliced.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) for the initial baking phase, then lower it to 350°F (175°C) for the remainder of the time.
How long does the pie need to bake?
Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F, followed by an additional 40-45 minutes at 350°F until the crust is golden and the filling bubbles.
Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
Yes, while homemade flaky crust is preferred, a store-bought 9-inch double crust can be used to simplify the process.
How do I prevent the apple slices from browning while I work?
Toss the thinly sliced apples with 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice in a large mixing bowl.
What spices are used in this apple pie?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of apple pie spice (such as Watkins brand), which typically contains a blend of cinnamon and nutmeg.
How do I get a golden finish on the top crust?
Whisk together one egg yolk and a tablespoon of water, then brush this wash over the entire surface of the top crust before baking.
Why do I need to cut slits in the top crust?
Slits allow steam to escape during the baking process, preventing the crust from becoming soggy or bursting.
How do I stop the edges of the crust from burning?
If the edges appear too dark halfway through baking, place a pie ring or strips of aluminum foil around the crust to shield it.
What is the purpose of the cookie sheet in the oven?
Placing a foil-lined cookie sheet on the bottom rack catches any drips from the pie filling to keep your oven clean.
How long should I let the pie cool before slicing?
Allow the pie to cool for at least 30 minutes. This helps the filling set and prevents the hot filling from burning your mouth.
Should the butter be melted before adding it to the pie?
No, the butter should be cut into small pieces and dotted over the top of the apple filling before adding the top crust.
How much sugar is in the filling?
The recipe uses 1 cup of granulated sugar to sweeten the 8 cups of tart apples.
What size pie plate is recommended?
A standard 9-inch pie plate is the correct size for this recipe.
Why is flour added to the apple mixture?
1/4 cup of all-purpose flour is added to thicken the juices released by the apples as they bake, creating a luscious filling.
Is there salt in the recipe?
Yes, a pinch (1/8 teaspoon) of salt is added to the apple mixture to enhance the flavors.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
There are 10 main ingredients: pie crust, butter, apples, lemon juice, sugar, flour, apple pie spice, salt, egg yolk, and water.
Can I serve the pie chilled?
Yes, while many prefer it warm, the pie can also be served chilled according to your preference.
How should I handle the apple mixture to avoid mushing them?
Gently fold the sugar, flour, and spices into the apples using a large mixing bowl, being careful not to break the slices.
Is this a double crust or single crust pie?
This is a double crust pie, requiring both a bottom layer and a top layer of dough.
How do I seal the edges of the pie?
Crimp the edges of the top and bottom crusts together to create a sealed and attractive design.
What should the butter consistency be?
The butter should be cut into small cubes and allowed to soften slightly at room temperature before being dotted on the pie.
Can I use other spices if I don't have apple pie spice?
You can use your favorite spice blend or a mix of cinnamon and nutmeg as a substitute.
Is the lemon juice necessary?
Lemon juice is important for preventing oxidation (browning) and adds a bright acidity that balances the sugar.
Where in the oven should the pie be placed?
Position the pie on the center rack for even baking, with a cookie sheet on the rack below it.
How do I know when the pie is finished baking?
The crust should be golden brown and the apple filling should be visibly bubbling.
Can I make this for Thanksgiving?
Yes, this pie is described as a cherished family tradition specifically for Thanksgiving and the festive holiday season.
What type of butter is recommended?
The recipe specifies using sweet unsalted butter.