Timeless Apple Pie: Relive Nostalgia with Every Bite

The Memory Behind This Treat

The first time I baked a Timeless Apple Pie, I was standing in my grandmother’s cozy kitchen, surrounded by the scent of cinnamon and warm apples. It was a chilly autumn afternoon, the kind where the leaves are a quilt of red and gold outside the window, and the kitchen felt like a haven. My grandmother handed me an apron, and with her gentle guidance, we set out to create a pie that has since become a cherished family tradition.

As we peeled and sliced the Granny Smith apples, she shared stories of her childhood, picking apples from the orchard with her sisters. Those tales infused our baking with a sense of history, each slice of apple representing a piece of the past. I remember how she would sprinkle the cinnamon and nutmeg, letting me inhale the intoxicating aroma that filled the room and clung to our sweaters long after we had finished.

Years later, every time I make this pie, I’m whisked back to those precious moments. The pie’s golden crust and sweet-tart filling evoke a nostalgia that’s hard to put into words. Sharing this pie with my family feels like passing on a piece of that legacy. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a simple weekend treat, this Timeless Apple Pie continues to bind past and present with every delicious bite.

How To Make It (Mix & Ingredients)

Creating a Timeless Apple Pie might sound like an old-fashioned endeavor, but I promise it’s as inviting as a cozy sweater on a crisp autumn day. Let’s dive into the heart of this classic.

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Double Crust Pie Pastry

Start with the pastry. Whether you’re crafting it from scratch or taking the store-bought shortcut, the key is to handle it gently. If making your own, combine 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt in a medium bowl. Add ⅔ cup plus 2 tablespoons of shortening, cubed and at room temperature. Cut this in until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs. Slowly, incorporate ½ cup of ice water, a tablespoon at a time, just until the dough holds together. Wrap it tightly and chill until ready.

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Step-by-step preparation of Timeless Apple Pie with apples and spices.

Pie Filling

For the filling, the apples are your stars. I adore tart Granny Smiths for their firm texture and tangy flavor. Peel, core, and slice about 6 cups, then toss these in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to prevent browning. Mix ½ cup of white sugar, ½ cup of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of flour, and spices—½ teaspoon of cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg. You could also use ¾ teaspoon of apple or pumpkin pie spice for a cozy twist. Sprinkle this mixture over the apples, ensuring each slice is coated.

Before you know it, your kitchen will be filled with the warm, inviting aroma of nostalgia.

Make-Ahead & Storage

When crafting a Timeless Apple Pie, planning ahead can save you time and stress, especially during busy gatherings. You can easily prepare the pie dough in advance. Simply wrap each half tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use, let the dough thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen.

For the pie filling, you have a couple of options. You can slice and toss the apples with lemon juice and sugar, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This approach allows the flavors to meld beautifully, giving your pie that rich, nostalgic taste we all love.

Once baked, your Timeless Apple Pie can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, covered with a pie dome or loose foil. For extended freshness, keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just imagine the joy of savoring a slice of pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream after a long day! If you’re looking to enjoy your pie much later, consider freezing individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. This way, you can relive the magic of a homemade apple pie whenever the craving strikes. Remember, nothing beats the comfort of a warm slice of pie, even if it’s been lovingly stored for a while.

Best Ingredients & Party Variations

When creating a Timeless Apple Pie, the secret lies in choosing the best ingredients. Start with Granny Smith apples for their tartness and firm texture. They hold up beautifully after baking, offering that delightful contrast of soft and crisp with every bite. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a balance of tart and sweet. For the spices, while cinnamon and nutmeg are traditional, experimenting with apple pie spice adds a cozy complexity that screams nostalgia.

Now, let’s talk party variations! Hosting a crowd? Turn your pie into mini apple pie tarts using muffin tins. This portion-friendly version is as charming as it is delicious, allowing guests to mingle while savoring your creation. If you love a crumbly topping, swap the top crust for a streusel topping. Combine flour, brown sugar, and butter, then sprinkle over the apple filling for a sweet, crunchy twist.

For a whimsical touch, consider adding a layer of caramel sauce over the apples before adding the top crust. This indulgent addition melts into the pie as it bakes, creating a luscious, gooey filling that will have your guests coming back for seconds. Remember, whether it’s a traditional pie or a playful variation, each bite of this apple pie will bring a warm, nostalgic smile to your face.

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Serving the Timeless Apple Pie with elegant presentation.

FAQs About Timeless Apple Pie

Conclusion

Baking a Timeless Apple Pie is like weaving a tapestry of cherished memories and fragrant aromas that fill your home with warmth. Every slice is a sweet reminder of cozy gatherings, laughter, and the simple joy of creating something delicious with your own hands. There’s a special magic in watching friends and family come together, their eyes lighting up as they take that first, irresistible bite.

I hope this recipe inspires you to create new moments with those you love. Whether it’s a quiet evening or a bustling holiday, this pie is your invitation to pause and savor life’s sweet moments. Don’t hesitate—roll up those sleeves and let your kitchen be the heart of your home.

For more delightful recipes and culinary adventures, follow us on social media! Let’s keep making magic in the kitchen together.

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Timeless Apple Pie: Relive Nostalgia with Every Bite

Abby Martin

This classic apple pie is easier to make than you might think. This is definitely something everyone needs in their recipe arsenal!

 

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Ingredients

  

• Double Crust Pie Pastry store bought is also fine
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon table salt
• ⅔ cup + 2 tablespoons shortening room temperature;
• I prefer butter flavored but either works; look for it in sticks
• ½ cup ice water
• Pie
• 6 cups apples Granny Smith, sliced about 1 ½ pounds
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ cup white sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon*
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg* *
• The cinnamon and nutmeg can be replaced with ¾ teaspoon apple pie or pumpkin pie spice
• 2 tablespoons cold butter chopped

Instructions

 

• Double Crust
•  
• If using store bought crust, skip to “Pie Assembly”. Ensure shortening is at room temperature.
• Combine flour and salt in a medium-sized bowl. Add shortening in small cubes. Cut in shortening until you get pieces that are about pea-sized. Start sprinkling the ice water by about a tablespoon at a time over the flour/shortening mixture. Very, very gently, turn the dough with your fingers so it gets exposed to the water. You’re not mixing, just trying to moisten all of the flour/shortening mixture. Gradually, all of the flour mixture will be moistened.
• Gently pat the dough into a ball (it should come together easily but not be sticky). Wrap in plastic wrap and keep in the fridge until you’re ready to use. When ready to use, handle as little as possible according to recipe directions.
• Pie Assembly
• Roll half of the pastry to ⅛” thickness on a surface that’s been sprayed with cooking spray. Gently place in a 9″ pie plate; set aside.
• Preheat your oven to 450℉. Combine lemon juice and apples in a large bowl. Combine white sugar, brown sugar, flour, and spices and mix well. Spoon over apple mixture, tossing gently. Spoon filling evenly into pastry shell and dot with chopped butter.
• Roll remaining pie crust 1/8″ thick. For ideas on how to top your crust, see this post; includes instructions on how to make a lattice crust.
•  
• When your top is how you want it, bake at 450℉ for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350℉ and bake 50 minutes more. Definitely keep an eye on the pie; you may need to loosely cover the darker parts with aluminum foil if it starts getting too brown. If you get worried, go ahead and make a square of foil, cut a center out of the foil, and place it on the pie so the foil covers the edge of the pie.
• When done, remove from oven and allow to stand. The pie will be runny until it cools completely, but warm pie is never a wrong choice. Serve with ice cream or sweetened whipped cream.

Notes

• While the sugar and lemon juice in the pie will help slow any bacterial growth and the pie would be ok at room temperature for a couple of days, it’s best to store the cooled pie, tightly covered, in the refrigerator and consume within about 4 days.
• To reheat a whole pie, place it in a preheated 350°F oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until warmed through.
• Can I freeze my apple pie? Yes. You can wrap a baked and cooled pie in two layers of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of foil and freeze for up to 3 months. You can also freeze your un-cooked assembled pie in the same manner. When it’s time to bake, remove all wrappings and bake from frozen. Expect additional baking time for a frozen pie.