Thanksgiving wouldn’t feel quite right without the warm, inviting aroma of a freshly baked apple pie wafting through the house, right? For me, this classic dessert is the heart of the holiday, bringing family and friends together around the table. There’s just something magical about that first slice—golden, flaky crust giving way to a sweet and spiced apple filling that dances on your taste buds. Trust me, my recipe for Thanksgiving apple pie is not just a pie; it’s a tradition. I love how the buttery crust melts in your mouth, while the tart apples, kissed with cinnamon and nutmeg, create the perfect balance of flavors. It’s a slice of comfort that feels like home, and I can’t wait to share this with you! Let’s make some holiday magic together!
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Apple Pie
Gathering the right ingredients is key to creating that perfect Thanksgiving apple pie! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – This will be the base for your flaky crust.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled – Make sure it’s nice and cold for the best texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Just a touch to enhance the flavors.
- 1/4 cup sugar – A little sweetness for the crust.
- 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water – This helps to bring the dough together without warming it up too much.
- 6 cups sliced apples – I recommend using a mix of tart apples like Granny Smith and sweeter ones for the best flavor.
- 3/4 cup sugar – This sweetens the apple filling to perfection.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – This helps thicken the filling and keeps it from being too runny.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon – Because what’s an apple pie without a dash of spice?
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg – Just a pinch for that warm, cozy flavor.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice – This brightens up the filling and balances the sweetness.
- 1 egg, beaten – For brushing on top of the crust to give it that beautiful golden finish.
Make sure to have everything ready before you start! It makes the pie-making process so much smoother and more enjoyable.
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Apple Pie
Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s dive into making that delightful Thanksgiving apple pie! Follow these steps, and soon you’ll have a warm, delicious pie that’ll steal the show.
Preparing the Pie Crust
First things first, let’s make that flaky crust! In a large bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 cup of sugar. Then, add in 1 cup of chilled unsalted butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Now, here’s the secret: add 6 to 8 tablespoons of ice water, a little at a time, until the dough just comes together. Don’t overwork it! Once it’s ready, divide the dough in half, wrap each half in plastic wrap, and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is crucial for that flaky texture!
Making the Apple Filling
While the dough is chilling, let’s prepare the apple filling! In a large bowl, toss together 6 cups of sliced apples with 3/4 cup of sugar, 2 tablespoons of flour, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. The lemon juice is key—it brightens up the flavor and balances the sweetness. Make sure to use a mix of tart apples like Granny Smith for that perfect zing!
Assembling the Pie
Once your dough is chilled and your filling is mixed, it’s assembly time! Roll out one half of the dough on a floured surface until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Place this rolled dough into your pie pan, gently pressing it into the bottom and sides. Pour in your lovely apple mixture, spreading it evenly. Roll out the second half of the dough and cover the filling, crimping the edges to seal. Don’t forget to cut a few slits in the top crust for steam to escape! Finally, brush the top with the beaten egg for that gorgeous golden finish.
Baking the Pie
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake the pie for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 30-35 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Oh, that smell! Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for at least an hour before slicing. This helps the filling set up nicely for easier serving. Trust me, the wait is worth it!
Tips for Success with Thanksgiving Apple Pie
Let’s make sure your Thanksgiving apple pie is a showstopper! First off, when choosing apples, aim for a mix of tart and sweet varieties. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are my go-to combo for the best flavor and texture. If your apples are particularly sweet, don’t hesitate to cut back on the sugar in the filling a bit—balance is key!
When serving, I highly recommend a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. It adds a creamy contrast to the warm pie that’s simply divine. And remember, letting the pie cool for at least an hour before slicing helps everything settle and makes those beautiful slices a breeze. You’ve got this!
Nutritional Information for Thanksgiving Apple Pie
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. However, here’s a general breakdown for a slice of this delightful Thanksgiving apple pie:
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Enjoying this pie in moderation can definitely fit into a balanced diet! Just make sure to savor every bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of apple?
Absolutely! While I love the classic tartness of Granny Smith apples, you can mix in other varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter touch. A blend of both tart and sweet apples gives the filling a wonderful depth of flavor. Just make sure to stick with apples that hold their shape well when baked!
How do I store leftovers?
If you’ve got any pie left (which is pretty rare in my house!), just cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can eat it cold or pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to warm it up. The aroma will make your kitchen feel cozy all over again!
Can I make the pie crust ahead of time?
You bet! Making the pie crust ahead of time is a fantastic idea. Just prepare the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to use it, just let it thaw in the fridge overnight before rolling it out. This way, you’ll save time on the big day and still have that flaky goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Apple Pie
- Classic flavor that captures the essence of Thanksgiving.
- Flaky, buttery crust that’s easier to make than you think!
- Warm spiced apple filling that balances sweetness and tartness.
- Perfect for sharing with family and friends—everyone loves it!
- Customizable with your favorite apple varieties.
- Fills your home with mouthwatering aromas that create a cozy atmosphere.
Thanksgiving Apple Pie: 7 Secrets for Perfect Flavor
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic Thanksgiving apple pie with a flaky crust and spiced apple filling.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water
- 6 cups sliced apples
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, salt, and sugar.
- Add chilled butter and mix until crumbly.
- Stir in ice water until dough forms.
- Divide dough in half and roll out each half.
- Place one rolled dough in a pie pan.
- In another bowl, combine apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
- Pour apple mixture into the pie crust.
- Cover with the second pie crust and cut slits for steam.
- Brush with beaten egg.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Use tart apples for better flavor.
- Adjust sugar based on apple sweetness.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream for a treat.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: thanksgiving apple pie, dessert, pie, apple pie, holiday dessert
