How to Bake American Apple Pie

**Description:**

Indulge in the taste of tradition with our Classic American Apple Pie recipe. This iconic dessert has been a staple of American households for generations, embodying the heartwarming flavors of sweet, spiced apples enveloped in a flaky, buttery crust. With origins dating back to early American settlers, this pie represents the spirit of the nation's culinary history. Discover how to create this timeless delight step by step, and bring a slice of Americana to your table.

**Ingredients:**

*For the Pie Crust:*

- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 6-8 tablespoons ice water

*For the Filling:*

- 6 cups tart apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced

- ¾ cup granulated sugar

- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

- 1 tablespoon lemon juice

*For Assembly:*

- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling)

**Instructions:**

1. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt for the crust. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

2. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape them into discs, and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

3. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

4. In a bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and lemon juice for the filling. Toss until the apples are coated evenly.

5. Roll out one disc of the chilled pie crust on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Gently press the crust into the pan.

6. Fill the pie crust with the prepared apple filling, mounding slightly in the center.

7. Roll out the second disc of pie crust and place it over the filling. Trim any excess crust and crimp the edges to seal the pie.

8. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Brush the top crust with beaten egg and sprinkle granulated sugar over it.

9. Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

10. Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

**Food Origin:**

The Classic American Apple Pie has its roots deeply embedded in the culinary history of the United States. Dating back to the early European settlers, this dessert has become synonymous with American traditions and values. The combination of sweet, tart apples encased in a golden, flaky crust showcases the abundance of the land and the resourcefulness of its people. As settlers adapted their traditional pie-making techniques to the ingredients available in the New World, the apple pie emerged as a beloved symbol of American comfort and hospitality. Today, the Classic American Apple Pie remains an iconic dessert that brings families and friends together, embodying the spirit of unity and a shared love for time-honored flavors.