Ingredients
For the crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter (cold and cut into small cubes)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6-8 tablespoons ice water
For the filling:
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the streusel topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cold and cut into small cubes)
For finishing:
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions
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Prepare the Crust:
- In a large bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
- Add the cold butter cubes. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, blend the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough starts to come together. Avoid overmixing.
- Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
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Prepare the Filling:
- Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges.
- In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract. Ensure the apples are evenly coated with the mixture.
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Prepare the Streusel Topping:
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add the cold butter cubes. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
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Assemble the Pie:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish, trimming any excess dough. Press the dough into the bottom and sides of the dish.
- Pour the apple filling into the pie crust, spreading it evenly.
- Roll out the second disc of dough and place it over the apple filling. You can cut it into strips to make a lattice pattern or leave it whole for a classic top crust. Trim, tuck, and crimp the edges to seal.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the top of the pie.
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Finish and Bake:
- Brush the top crust with the beaten egg and sprinkle with granulated sugar for a nice finish.
- Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- If the edges start to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
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Cool and Serve:
- Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing. This helps the filling set and makes for easier cutting.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.