This classic apple pie features a butter-laminated crust and sweet-tart apple filling with a secret ingredient for the perfect set. Unlike soggy versions, ours stays crisp-bottomed thanks to a pre-baking trick, while the filling bursts with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a splash of bourbon for depth. Ideal for holidays, potlucks, or cozy Sundays.
Why This Recipe Stands Out:
✔️ Foolproof crust with vodka for tenderness
✔️ No weepy filling – stays sliceable but juicy
✔️ Make-ahead friendly – assemble frozen, bake anytime
✔️ Customizable – use honeycrisp, granny smith, or a mix
🛒 Ingredients
For the Crust (Double 9”):
- 2½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp (15g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, frozen & cubed
- ¼ cup (60ml) ice water
- 2 tbsp (30ml) vodka (or sub water)
For the Filling:
- 6 cups (900g) peeled & sliced apples (1/4” thick)
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp (15g) tapioca starch (or cornstarch)
- 1½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp (15ml) lemon juice
- 1 tbsp (15ml) bourbon (optional)
- 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter, diced
For Finishing:
- 1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp water (egg wash)
- Coarse sugar for sprinkling
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Make Crust (20 mins + chill)
- Mix dry: Pulse flour, salt, sugar in food processor.
- Cut butter: Add frozen butter; pulse until pea-sized crumbs form.
- Hydrate: Drizzle water/vodka; pulse just until dough clumps.
- Chill: Divide into discs, wrap, refrigerate 1 hour.
2️⃣ Prep Filling (15 mins)
- Toss apples with sugars, tapioca, spices, lemon juice, and bourbon.
- Macerate: Let sit 30 mins, then drain excess liquid.
3️⃣ Assemble (20 mins)
- Roll bottom crust: 12” circle, fit into pie plate, trim edges.
- Pre-bake: Line with parchment, fill with pie weights, bake at 375°F for 15 mins.
- Fill: Add apple mixture, dot with butter.
- Lattice top: Weave strips, seal edges, brush with egg wash, sprinkle sugar.
4️⃣ Bake (55 mins)
- Initial bake: 425°F for 20 mins (until bubbly).
- Reduce heat: 375°F for 35 mins (until golden).
- Cool: 2+ hours before slicing (or filling runs).
Health Notes:
• No trans fats (unlike store-bought)
• Vitamin C from fresh apples
🌟 Pro Tips
✅ Apple varieties: Use 2 sweet (Honeycrisp) + 2 tart (Granny Smith)
✅ Crust hack: Grate frozen butter for even distribution
✅ Storage: Room temp 2 days, fridge 5 days, freeze 3 months
