Apple Pie by Grandma Ople

If you’re looking for a cozy dessert that feels like a warm hug, this Apple Pie by Grandma Ople is just what you need. It’s a recipe that has been passed down lovingly, bringing joy to family gatherings and holiday celebrations alike. The combination of sweet, buttery apple slices and a caramelized lattice crust makes this pie irresistible. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive occasion, this apple pie is sure to steal the show!

There’s something special about baking an apple pie; it fills your home with the most delightful aroma and creates memories that linger long after the last slice is enjoyed. So grab your apron, and let’s dive into this cherished recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these ingredients in your kitchen already!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves apple pie! It’s the perfect dessert to share with loved ones.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake it in advance and enjoy it later—just reheat for those cozy evenings.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet and tart apples with a buttery crust is simply heavenly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create a delicious dessert. Here’s what you’ll need for your Apple Pie by Grandma Ople:

• 8 small Granny Smith apples, or as needed
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 0.5 cup white sugar
• 0.5 cup packed brown sugar
• 0.25 cup water
• 1 (9 inch) double-crust pie pastry, thawed

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to add your personal touch! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add Spices: Sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra layer of warmth.
• Try Different Apples: Use a mix of apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji for varied flavors.
• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch in every bite.
• Cranberry Twist: Toss in some fresh cranberries for a tangy contrast to the sweetness.

How to Make Apple Pie by Grandma Ople

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Gather the ingredients first! Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Peel and core the apples before slicing them thinly. This step is crucial because it ensures even cooking and helps create that perfect soft texture inside the pie.

Step 2: Make the Sweet Sauce

Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour to form a paste and let it cook until fragrant. Then add both sugars and water; bring this mixture to a boil. Reducing heat afterward allows it to simmer gently, thickening into a sweet sauce that will soak beautifully into your apples.

Step 3: Assemble Your Pie

Press one pastry into the bottom of your pie pan, making sure it fits snugly against the sides. Roll out the remaining pastry so it overhangs slightly—this will help seal everything in when we fold it over later. Cutting it into strips makes creating that lovely lattice top easy and fun!

Step 4: Layer Up!

Now, place those sliced apples into the bottom crust, forming a slight mound—this gives you that delightful apple filling! Lay four strips of pastry over top evenly spaced apart; make sure they cover all those delicious apples.

Step 5: Create Your Lattice Crust

Here comes the fun part! Fold back every other strip of pastry to lay down another strip perpendicularly across them. Then unfold them back into place! Repeat this weaving pattern with all strips until you have done your lattice work.

Step 6: Pour on the Goodness

Gently pour that sugar-butter mixture over the lattice crust so it seeps down onto those sweet apple slices below. Brush some onto the lattice itself—this adds such nice flavor!

Step 7: Bake It!

Bake your masterpiece in that preheated oven for 15 minutes before reducing temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Continue baking until those apples are soft—about 35 to 45 minutes will do.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Once baked, let your pie cool slightly before serving. Slice it up and enjoy each comforting bite of homemade goodness!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Pie by Grandma Ople

Making a delicious apple pie is all about the details, and I’ve got some handy tips to ensure your pie turns out perfect every time!

• Choose the right apples: Using Granny Smith apples not only provides a tart contrast to the sweetness of the sugars but also holds up well during baking, ensuring your pie has that perfect texture.

• Don’t skip the lattice crust: The lattice crust isn’t just for looks; it allows steam to escape and helps prevent a soggy bottom. Plus, it gives that classic apple pie appearance everyone loves!

• Let it cool before serving: Allowing your pie to cool for at least 30 minutes after baking lets the filling set, making it easier to slice and serve without falling apart.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to your apple filling for an extra layer of flavor. These warm spices enhance the overall taste and bring a cozy aroma to your kitchen.

• Make it ahead of time: Apple pie can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheating it in the oven before serving brings back that fresh-baked goodness!

How to Serve Apple Pie by Grandma Ople

Serving your homemade apple pie can be just as delightful as baking it! Here are some creative ways to present this timeless dessert that will impress your family and friends.

Garnishes

• Whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and airy texture that beautifully complements the rich filling of the pie.
• Caramel sauce: Drizzling caramel sauce over each slice elevates the sweetness and creates an indulgent treat that’s hard to resist.
• Cinnamon sugar sprinkle: A light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top gives an extra touch of flavor while enhancing presentation with a lovely sparkle.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with warm apple pie, creating a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
• Fresh berries: A side of seasonal berries like raspberries or blueberries adds a refreshing tartness that balances out the sweetness of the pie.
• Cheese platter: A simple cheese platter with sharp cheddar or brie offers a savory contrast, making each bite more complex and enjoyable.
• Nutty granola: Serving a small bowl of homemade nutty granola alongside adds crunch and complements the soft apple filling beautifully.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll create not just a dessert but a memorable experience around your table. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Apple Pie by Grandma Ople is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Here are some tips on how to store your pie, freeze it for later, and reheat it perfectly.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the pie to cool completely before storing.
• Cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For best flavor, consume within 1-2 days.

Freezing

• Cool the pie completely before freezing.
• Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Label and date your pie to keep track of storage time.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Remove any plastic wrap or foil from the pie.
• Place the pie on a baking sheet and cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
• Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delightful dessert!

Can I use different types of apples for the Apple Pie by Grandma Ople?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples provide a great tartness that balances well with sweetness, you can experiment with other varieties like Honeycrisp or Braeburn for different flavor profiles.

How do I ensure my Apple Pie by Grandma Ople has a crispy crust?

To achieve a crispy crust, make sure your butter is cold when preparing the pastry. Additionally, avoid overworking the dough and consider pre-baking (blind baking) the bottom crust slightly before adding your apple filling.

Can I make Apple Pie by Grandma Ople without using sugar substitutes?

Yes! If you’re looking to reduce sugar, you can use natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey, adjusting the quantity according to taste. Just be mindful that this may alter the texture slightly.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Pie by Grandma Ople is truly a slice of comfort that brings back fond memories of family gatherings and cozy evenings. Its delightful caramelized lattice crust paired with sweet apple filling makes it a truly special dessert. I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I do! Don’t hesitate to share your experience and let me know how it turns out; happy baking!