If there’s one thing that can bring warmth and comfort to any gathering, it’s a freshly baked apple pie. The aroma of buttery crust and cinnamon-spiced apples wafting through the house is a surefire way to make everyone feel at home. Today, we bring you a classic recipe inspired by the legendary Paula Deen, known for her decadent and down-home dishes. This apple pie recipe is the epitome of Southern charm, with a flaky crust and a sweet apple filling that will have your guests coming back for seconds. Let’s get started on creating a dessert that’s sure to become a family favorite: Paula Deen’s Apple Pie.
Ingredients:
– 2 store-bought pie crusts
– 6-7 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling on top)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place a baking sheet lined with parchment paper on the center rack to catch any drips from the pie.
2. Take one of the store-bought pie crusts and carefully line a 9-inch pie dish with it. Press the crust gently into the bottom and sides, making sure there are no air pockets. Trim any excess crust hanging over the edges with a sharp knife or kitchen shears.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice. Toss the ingredients together until the apples are evenly coated with the sugar and spices.
4. Pour the apple mixture into the prepared pie crust, mounding it slightly in the center. Dot the apples with the pieces of butter.
5. Unroll the second pie crust and place it on top of the apple filling. Using your fingers, pinch the edges of the top and bottom crusts together to create a decorative border. Trim any excess crust if necessary.
6. With a sharp knife, make 4-5 small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking. This will help prevent the pie from becoming soggy.
7. Brush the top crust with the beaten egg, then sprinkle the remaining tablespoon of granulated sugar over the pie for a sparkling finish.
8. Place the pie on the preheated baking sheet in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
9. If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly during baking, you can cover them loosely with strips of aluminum foil to prevent burning.
10. Once the pie is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the filling to set slightly and make it easier to slice and serve.
This Paula Deen-inspired apple pie is best enjoyed warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply craving a taste of traditional comfort, this dessert is the perfect way to indulge your sweet tooth. The combination of tender apples, sweet spices, and flaky crust is simply irresistible. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of homemade goodness.
