Ingredients

For the Pie Crust (Double Crust)

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 6-8 tablespoons ice-cold water

For the Apple Filling

• 6-7 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for dotting)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pie Crust

1. In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Add the chilled butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Slowly add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together.
4. Divide the dough in half, shape into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

2. Prepare the Apple Filling

1. Peel, core, and slice the apples thinly.
2. In a large bowl, toss the apples with sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Let it sit for 15 minutes.

3. Assemble the Pie

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roll out one disk of dough on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie pan.
3. Transfer the dough to the pie dish and trim any excess overhang.
4. Pour the apple filling into the crust and dot with small pieces of butter.
5. Roll out the second disk of dough and place it over the filling. Trim and crimp the edges to seal.
6. Cut slits in the top crust or make a lattice pattern to allow steam to escape.
7. In a small bowl, beat the egg with milk and brush over the pie crust for a golden finish.

4. Bake the Pie

1. Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes.
2. Reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for another 35-40 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
3. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil or a pie shield.

5. Cool and Serve

1. Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before slicing to allow the filling to set.
2. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the ultimate American apple pie experience!

Tips for the Best Apple Pie

• Use a mix of apples for the best balance of tartness and sweetness.
• Chill the dough to ensure a flaky crust.
• Bake on a lower oven rack to ensure the bottom crust is fully cooked.
• Brush with egg wash for a golden, glossy finish.