Grandma's Perfect Flaky Deep-Dish Apple Pie
Explore the delightful flavors of fall with this Grandma's Perfect Flaky Deep-Dish Apple Pie. This recipe combines tart Granny Smith apples with a rich blend of sugars, spices, and buttery pecans, all nestled within a flaky, homemade crust. Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or any day you crave a comforting dessert, this pie is sure to become a family favorite. Whether enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or chilled, it promises to deliver a delightful taste experience in every slice. Share it with loved ones and create lasting memories around the table!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Classic Pie Crust
1 (for the bottom and top of a 10-inch deep dish pie)
Butter
3 tablespoons (melted)
Granny Smith Apples
4 lbs (peeled and sliced)
Sugar
1/2 cup (granulated)
Light Brown Sugar
1/2 cup (packed)
Lemon
1 (juice only)
Flour
2 tablespoons (all-purpose)
Nutmeg
1 pinch (freshly grated or ground)
Cinnamon
1 teaspoon (ground)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Pecan Pieces
1 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
Note: If you are making a 9-inch pie, reduce all ingredient quantities by approximately 25%.
2
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
3
In a large sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
4
Add the sliced Granny Smith apples to the pan and sauté for 2 minutes until they begin to soften.
5
Stir in the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, lemon juice, and flour. Continue to sauté for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the sugars to dissolve and coat the apples.
6
Season the mixture with nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt. Fold in the chopped pecans and mix thoroughly, then remove the pan from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
7
On a floured surface, roll out each half of the pre-prepared pie crust to a diameter of about 12 inches and a thickness of approximately 1/8 inch.
8
To transfer the bottom crust, fold one circle of dough into fourths and carefully place it into a 10-inch deep dish pie pan, unfolding it to cover the bottom completely.
9
Evenly spoon the cooled apple mixture into the pie shell, spreading it out for even baking.
10
Place the second round of rolled dough over the apple filling. Trim excess dough with a sharp knife, leaving a small overhang to crimp the edges.
11
Using your fingers, crimp the edges of the pie firmly to seal, ensuring no filling leaks out during baking.
12
With a sharp knife, cut three slits in the top crust, each approximately 4 inches long and spaced 2 inches apart to allow steam to escape.
13
Optional: Brush an egg wash (1 egg beaten with a teaspoon of water) over the top of the pie and sprinkle with a dusting of sugar to create a golden, crispy crust.
14
Carefully place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for about 55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the juices are bubbling.
15
Allow the pie to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it warm or cold, with ice cream or whipped cream if desired!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients in Grandma's Perfect Flaky Deep-Dish Apple Pie?
The main ingredients include 4 lbs of Granny Smith apples, classic pie crust, butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, lemon juice, flour, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt, and pecan pieces.
What kind of apples are best for this recipe?
Granny Smith apples are used because their tartness balances the sweet sugars and they hold their shape well during baking.
What oven temperature is required for baking the apple pie?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for this recipe.
How long should I bake the pie?
The pie should bake for approximately 55 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the juices are bubbling.
What size pie pan is needed for this recipe?
This recipe is designed for a 10-inch deep dish pie pan.
Can I make this recipe in a 9-inch pie pan?
Yes, if you use a 9-inch pie pan, reduce all ingredient quantities by approximately 25%.
Do I need to cook the apples before putting them in the crust?
Yes, the apples are sautéed in butter for 2 minutes and then cooked with sugars and flour for another 2 minutes before being added to the crust.
What is the purpose of adding flour to the apple mixture?
Flour is added to help thicken the juices as the sugars dissolve and the apples bake, preventing a watery filling.
Are there nuts in this apple pie?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 cup of chopped pecan pieces for added texture and flavor.
How thick should I roll out the pie crust?
Roll out each half of the dough to a thickness of approximately 1/8 inch.
How large should the diameter of the rolled crust be?
The crust should be rolled to a diameter of about 12 inches to properly fit the 10-inch deep dish pan.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Crimp the edges of the pie firmly with your fingers to seal the top and bottom crusts together.
Why do I need to cut slits in the top crust?
Three slits are cut in the top crust to allow steam to escape during the baking process.
How many slits should be cut and how big should they be?
Cut three slits, each about 4 inches long and spaced 2 inches apart.
How do I get a golden, crispy crust?
Brush an optional egg wash (1 egg beaten with a teaspoon of water) over the top and sprinkle with sugar before baking.
Should I let the apple mixture cool before filling the pie?
Yes, let the sautéed apple mixture cool slightly after removing it from the heat and before spooning it into the pie shell.
What spices are used in the filling?
The recipe uses a pinch of nutmeg and a teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
How much butter is used in the filling?
3 tablespoons of butter are melted in a sauté pan to start the filling.
Is there lemon in the recipe?
Yes, the juice of one lemon is stirred into the apple mixture to add brightness.
What types of sugar are used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1/2 cup of packed light brown sugar.
Can I serve this pie cold?
Yes, it can be enjoyed either warm or chilled.
What are the best toppings for this apple pie?
It is delicious served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Is the pie crust included in the recipe ingredients?
The recipe calls for 1 classic pie crust prepared for both the bottom and top of the pie.
How many pounds of apples are required?
You will need 4 lbs of Granny Smith apples.
What is the best way to transfer the bottom crust to the pan?
Fold the dough circle into fourths, place it into the pan, and then carefully unfold it to cover the bottom.
How long should the apples sauté initially?
Sauté the sliced apples for 2 minutes until they just begin to soften before adding the sugars.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Yes, the recipe specifies that the apples should be peeled and sliced.
What kind of pecans should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of pecan pieces, chopped.
Is salt included in the filling?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of salt (or to taste) is added to the filling mixture.
Is this a good recipe for holidays?
Absolutely, this deep-dish apple pie is perfect for holidays, special occasions, or any time you want a comforting dessert.