The Essence of Fall: An Apple Pie Worth Making

The BEST Apple Pie Recipe. Photo via Natasha's Kitchen

As the weather finally begins to cool, many of us turn to familiar comforts like warm  drinks, cozy weekends, and of course, seasonal desserts. Among these, nothing is more  emblematic of fall than a classic apple pie. For the past few years, I have been baking this recipe  for my family during the holidays, impressing them with a simple and effortless process. With  exact measurements, this pie can be easily replicated by any student who feels like baking,  whether for family, friends, or as a personal treat. 

This recipe begins with the filling, which relies on 2¼ pounds of Granny Smith apples— typically 6 to 7 apples, equating to 7 cups once peeled and thinly sliced. Their tartness becomes  the foundation of the pie, especially once combined with 1½ teaspoons of cinnamon. What truly  elevates this recipe, however, is the sauce. It combines 8 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 3  tablespoons of flour, ¼ cup of water, and 1 cup of granulated sugar on the stovetop. After  simmering, it transforms into a mixture to be poured over the apples. 

The crust is equally central to the elevation of the pie’s flavor. This recipe uses a crust  composed of 2½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ tablespoon of sugar, ½ teaspoon of sea salt, ½  pound of cold, diced butter, and 7 tablespoons of ice water. Once made, the dough is chilled for  an hour, rolled out, and placed into a 9-inch pie dish. After adding the apple filling, the second  crust is rolled into an 11-inch circle and cut into 10 strips, woven into a classic lattice that gives  the pie its classic look. Egg wash, 1 egg mixed with 1 tablespoon of water, adds a golden glow once baked. 

The pie starts in a 425°F oven for 15 minutes before the heat is reduced to 350°F for the  remaining 45 minutes. You will know it’s ready when the filling bubbles through the vents for at  least five minutes. After an hour of resting at room temperature, the pie settles into the perfect  consistency. 

Overall, this recipe proves that baking can be incredibly rewarding, even for students  balancing challenging classes and extracurriculars. Whether shared with family or enjoyed on  your own, this apple pie captures the essence of the season and reminds us to slow our lives  down for the duration of a slice.  

Source: Natasha’s Kitchen recipes