Thanksgiving has always been a cherished time in my family, filled with laughter, gratitude, and, of course, delicious food. But let me tell you, the star of our Thanksgiving table is always the pie! There’s just something magical about the aroma of baked apples wafting through the house that brings everyone together. It’s like a warm hug on a chilly fall day. As we gather around the table, sharing stories and savoring each bite, I can’t help but feel grateful for these moments. This pie recipe isn’t just dessert; it’s a celebration of togetherness. Trust me, when you serve this pie for Thanksgiving, you’ll create memories that linger long after the last slice is gone. So, let’s dive into making this delightful dessert that will make your holiday truly special!
Ingredients for Pie for Thanksgiving
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water
- 4 cups apples, peeled and sliced (I like a mix of sweet and tart for the best flavor!)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
How to Prepare Pie for Thanksgiving
Getting this pie ready is such a joyful experience, and I promise, it’s easier than you might think! Let’s break it down step by step so you can impress your family and friends with your baking skills!
Preparing the Pie Crust
First, you want to start by mixing your flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. You can use a whisk to combine them well. Then, here comes the fun part—cutting in the chilled butter! I like to use a pastry cutter, but you can also use your fingers if you prefer. You want the mixture to look like coarse crumbs, so don’t worry about being perfect. Once that’s done, it’s time to add the ice water. Add it one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough comes together. You’re looking for a nice, soft dough that holds together but isn’t sticky. Wrap it in plastic wrap and let it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This step is super important for a flaky crust!
Making the Apple Filling
While your dough is chilling, let’s whip up that delicious apple filling! In a large bowl, toss your sliced apples with lemon juice (this adds a lovely brightness!). Then, sprinkle in the cinnamon, nutmeg, and both sugars. Here’s my favorite tip: use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a flavor explosion! Gently mix everything together to coat the apples evenly. You want them to be sweet but also have that delightful tang. Let this sit while your dough chills, so the flavors can really mingle!
Assembling the Pie
Now for the fun part—let’s assemble! Roll out your chilled dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Carefully place it into your pie pan, letting the excess hang over the edges. Next, pour in that beautiful apple filling and spread it out evenly. If you want to get fancy, you can sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top. Now, roll out the second half of your dough, or you can use decorative cutters to create shapes! Place it over the filling, and don’t forget to cut slits in the top for steam to escape. This is crucial to avoid a soggy bottom. Finally, fold the edges under and crimp them for a lovely finish. Pop it in the oven and watch the magic happen!
Tips for Success
To ensure your pie turns out absolutely perfect, I’ve got some tried-and-true tips that I swear by! First off, when it comes to apples, go for a mix of sweet and tart varieties. I love using Granny Smith and Honeycrisp together; they balance each other beautifully! Also, to prevent that dreaded soggy bottom crust, make sure to roll out your dough evenly and don’t skip the chilling step—trust me, it makes a world of difference. Another little trick is to sprinkle a thin layer of flour or cornmeal on the bottom of the crust before adding the filling. This helps absorb excess moisture. Lastly, keep an eye on your pie as it bakes. If the edges start browning too quickly, shield them with some foil. That way, you’ll have a stunning pie that’s golden all over!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. The following estimates are based on a standard recipe serving size of one slice of pie:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 2g
These values are just a guide, so feel free to adjust based on your ingredients and enjoy this delicious pie for Thanksgiving without worry!
FAQ about Pie for Thanksgiving
Can I use frozen apples?
Absolutely! Frozen apples can work in a pinch, especially if you can’t find fresh ones. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid extra moisture in your filling. You might want to add a bit more sugar and spices to boost the flavor, too!
What other fillings can I use?
While apple is a classic, you can definitely get creative! Pears, peaches, or even a mix of berries would make a fantastic filling. Just keep in mind the sweetness level and adjust your sugars accordingly. A little lemon juice can brighten up any fruit filling!
How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?
This is a great question and something I’ve struggled with in the past! To avoid that soggy crust, make sure to roll out your dough evenly and chill it well before baking. Also, a sprinkle of flour or cornmeal on the bottom of the crust helps absorb moisture from the filling. And don’t forget to cut those steam slits in the top crust!
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can! You can prepare the pie a day in advance and keep it in the fridge before baking. Just be sure to cover it well with plastic wrap. If you prefer, you can also bake the pie ahead of time and reheat it in the oven before serving. It tastes just as delicious!
What’s the best way to serve this pie?
I love serving this pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. It really elevates the experience and makes it feel extra special. Plus, who can resist that warm pie and cold ice cream combo? Yum!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a classic, heartwarming dessert that evokes the spirit of Thanksgiving.
- Simple ingredients come together for a delicious, homemade taste that impresses.
- The flaky crust paired with sweet and tangy apple filling is a flavor match made in heaven!
- It’s an easy recipe that even beginner bakers can master with confidence.
- This pie fills your home with the most delightful aroma, creating an inviting atmosphere for family and friends.
- Perfect for gatherings, it’s a dessert that everyone will rave about and ask for seconds!
- It’s versatile—feel free to mix in other fruits or spices to make it your own.
- Leftovers (if there are any!) taste amazing the next day, making it a great make-ahead option.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store your delicious pie for Thanksgiving, simply cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, though I doubt it’ll last that long with how good it is! If you have leftovers, you can also freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, just thaw it overnight in the fridge. For reheating, pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Enjoy that delightful aroma all over again!
Serving Suggestions
Serving this pie for Thanksgiving is a delight! I love to pair it with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream—it adds a light, creamy touch that complements the spiced apples beautifully. If you want to take it up a notch, a scoop of vanilla ice cream is divine as it melts into the warm pie. And don’t forget a steaming cup of coffee or spiced cider on the side; it really rounds out the cozy experience. Enjoy every bite!
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Pie for Thanksgiving: 7 Reasons You’ll Fall in Love
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious pie perfect for Thanksgiving celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water
- 4 cups sliced apples
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt.
- Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until dough forms.
- Roll out the dough and place in a pie pan.
- In a separate bowl, combine apples, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar.
- Pour apple mixture into the pie crust.
- Cover with another layer of dough and cut slits for steam.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until apples are tender.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for better flavor.
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: pie for thanksgiving
