Are you in the mood for a comforting and delicious dessert that will fill your home with the delightful aroma of freshly baked apples and spices? Look no further than our delightful Free Style Apple Pie recipe. This twist on the classic favorite incorporates a flaky crust with a generous filling of warm, gooey apples. Perfect for cozy evenings at home, gatherings with friends, or simply treating yourself to a slice of homemade goodness, this apple pie recipe is sure to become a regular in your baking repertoire.
**Free Style Apple Pie**
**Ingredients:**
– 6-8 medium-sized apples (a mix of sweet and tart varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp works well)
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup light brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 homemade or store-bought pie crust (for a double-crust pie)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place a rack in the center.
2. **Prepare the Filling:** Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. In a large bowl, combine the apple slices with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, flour, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Toss well to coat the apples evenly in the mixture.
3. **Line Your Pie Dish:** Roll out the pie crust and line a 9-inch pie dish with it, leaving a slight overhang around the edges.
4. **Add the Apple Filling:** Pour the prepared apple filling into the pie crust, mounding it slightly in the middle.
5. **Create a Rustic Top:** You can create a rustic top for your pie by cutting the remaining pie crust into strips and laying them in a lattice pattern over the apple filling. Alternatively, you can place the whole rolled-out crust over the filling and cut a few slits to allow steam to escape.
6. **Seal the Edges:** Fold and crimp the overhanging edges of the crust with the bottom crust. This will help seal in the filling while baking.
7. **Bake the Pie:** 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 bubbly.
8. **Cool and Serve:** Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving. This will help the filling set and make for easier slicing. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.
Capture the essence of fall with this homemade Free Style Apple Pie that celebrates the comforting flavors of apples and spices. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe offers a delightful opportunity to hone your skills and create a delicious dessert that will surely impress your family and friends. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy the simple pleasures of baking your very own apple pie.
