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Apple Pie by Grandma Ople

Shruthi
Apple Pie by Grandma Ople is a classic homemade pie featuring sliced apples, flaky pastry, and a rich buttery sugar syrup.
Flavor: Sweet, buttery, fruity, and caramel-like.
Texture: Tender apples inside a flaky, golden pastry crust.
Preparation: Arrange sliced apples in a pastry-lined pie dish and cover with a top crust.
Special feature: Pour a homemade butter-and-sugar syrup over the top crust before baking.
Serving suggestion: Enjoy warm with vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream.
Best occasion: Thanksgiving, Christmas, family dinners, and weekend desserts.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 480 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the pie

  • 1 package double-crust pie pastry, or homemade pastry for a 9-inch pie
  • 8 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, optional
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions
 

  • Wash, peel, and core the apples. Cut them into thin, even slices so they cook uniformly during baking.
    Place the apple slices in a large bowl and toss with lemon juice to help prevent browning. If you enjoy a warm, spiced flavor, add the optional cinnamon and mix gently.
    Set the apples aside while you prepare the pastry and syrup.
  • Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
    Place one pastry crust into a 9-inch pie dish. Gently press it against the bottom and sides without stretching the dough.
    Arrange the sliced apples in the pastry shell, layering them evenly. Slightly mound the apples toward the center because they will settle as they bake.
    Place the second pastry crust over the apples. Trim any excess dough, press the top and bottom edges together, and crimp them to seal.
    Cut several small vents into the top crust to allow steam to escape.
  • Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat.
    Whisk in the flour until smooth, cooking for approximately one minute to remove the raw flour taste.
    Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and water. Stir continuously until the sugars dissolve and the mixture forms a smooth syrup.
    Allow it to simmer gently for a few minutes, stirring frequently. Avoid boiling it aggressively or allowing the syrup to become excessively thick.
    Remove the saucepan from the heat.
  • Carefully spoon or slowly pour the warm syrup over the top crust, allowing some of it to flow through the pastry vents.
    Distribute the syrup as evenly as possible so the crust and apple filling receive flavor throughout. Take care when handling the hot syrup.
    Place the pie dish on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any bubbling filling during baking.
  • Bake the pie in the preheated oven at 220°C (425°F) for approximately 15 minutes.
    Reduce the oven temperature to 175°C (350°F) and continue baking for another 45–60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender.
    If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with strips of aluminum foil or a pie-crust shield.
    The filling should bubble gently through the vents near the end of baking. If the apples are still firm, continue baking in short intervals until tender.
  • Remove the pie from the oven and place it on a heat-resistant rack.
    Allow it to cool for at least 2–3 hours before slicing. This resting time is important because the filling thickens as it cools.
    Cutting the pie too early may cause the syrup to run out, so be patient for the cleanest slices.
  • Slice the cooled pie and serve it at room temperature or gently warmed.
    For a classic dessert experience, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Whipped cream, caramel sauce, or a light dusting of cinnamon also makes a delicious topping.

Notes

  1. Choose firm apples: Granny Smith apples are ideal because their tart flavor balances the sweet syrup.
  2. Slice apples evenly: Uniform slices help the filling cook consistently.
  3. Avoid overfilling: A moderate mound of apples allows space for the top crust and syrup.
  4. Seal the pastry edges: Proper sealing helps prevent the filling from escaping.
  5. Create steam vents: Small openings in the top crust help steam escape during baking.
  6. Monitor the crust: Cover the edges if they brown before the center is finished.
  7. Allow enough cooling time: Cooling helps the filling set and makes slicing easier.
  8. Use a baking sheet: Placing the pie on a rimmed sheet makes cleanup easier if syrup bubbles over.

 

Keyword Apple Pie by Grandma Ople, buttery pie crust, Caramel Apple Pie, Classic American Dessert, Homemade Apple Pie, traditional apple pie