Best Apple Pie Recipe - Perfect for Fall

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil is a healthier fat choice.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: corn syrup

Honey offers a natural sweetness.

pie crust

🥗Healthier: whole wheat crust

💰Cheaper: store-bought crust

Whole wheat crust adds fiber.

apples

🥗Healthier: pears

💰Cheaper: frozen apples

Pears provide a similar texture and flavor.

Start by peeling, coring, and slicing 4 pounds of apples (about 14 to 16 medium to small apples).

Remove the top and bottom of each apple to create a stable surface for peeling.

Peel the apples and slice them as close to the core as possible.

In a bowl, mix 1/3 cup dark brown sugar, 1/4 cup white sugar, 5 teaspoons lemon juice, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon all spice, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom to create a paste.

Coat the sliced apples with the sugar mixture and fold to incorporate.

Let the apples sit for 1 to 3 hours to allow the juices to extract and the fibers to soften.

After 3 hours, boil 1 1/2 cups of apple cider with a sliced vanilla bean until reduced to 2/3 its size.

Pour the extracted apple juice into the boiling cider, then stir 2 tablespoons corn starch into 3 tablespoons cold water and whisk it into the cider mixture to thicken.

Remove the vanilla bean and pour the thickened sauce over the apples, folding to combine.

Prepare the Pillsbury pie crusts, ensuring they are pliable.

Unwrap the pie crust and drape it into the pie dish, pressing it into the corners.

Whisk 1 egg with 1 teaspoon water to create an egg wash and apply it to the edges of the pie crust.

Add the apple filling into the pie crust, possibly reserving some for a smaller pie or gallette.

If desired, create a lattice top by cutting the second pie crust into half-inch strips and weaving them over the filling.

Pinch the edges of the crust to create a decorative finish.

Brush the top of the pie with the remaining egg wash and sprinkle with demerara sugar.

Preheat the oven to 375°F and bake the pie for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until golden brown on top.

Let the pie cool for about an hour before slicing.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens