Apple Pie by Grandma Ople

If you’re looking for a dessert that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia, then you’ve stumbled upon a gem: Apple Pie by Grandma Ople. This recipe is a cherished family favorite, perfect for cozy fall evenings or festive holiday gatherings. The sweet aroma of caramelized apples and buttery crust fills the house, making it hard to resist a slice (or two!). Trust me, this pie has a way of bringing everyone together—just like Grandma used to do.

What makes this apple pie truly special is its delightful lattice crust and the tender, juicy apple filling. It’s not just delicious; it’s also a wonderful opportunity to create memories in the kitchen with loved ones. So whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family celebration, this Apple Pie by Grandma Ople will surely steal the show!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With simple steps and wholesome ingredients, anyone can whip up this pie—even if you’re new to baking!
• Family-friendly: Kids love helping out in the kitchen, especially when it comes to arranging the apple slices and weaving the lattice.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving dinner or a casual weekend treat, this pie fits right in.
• Deliciously comforting: The combination of sweet apples and buttery crust provides that warm hug we all crave.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that will bring this delicious pie to life! You probably have most of these in your kitchen already.

For the Pie Filling:

• 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

For the Crust:

• 1 (9 inch) double-crust pie pastry, thawed

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can easily tweak it to suit your taste or whatever you have on hand.

• Add spices: Sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg into the apple filling for an extra layer of warmth.
• Switch up the apples: Try using different varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter flavor.
• Incorporate nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute with gluten-free pie crust and flour for those with dietary restrictions.

How to Make Apple Pie by Grandma Ople

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Gather all your ingredients first so you have everything at your fingertips. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Peel and core those Granny Smith apples, then slice them thinly. This step is crucial because evenly sliced apples ensure they cook perfectly—no one wants crunchy bits in their pie!

Step 2: Create the Filling

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt your butter. Once melted, add flour and stir until it forms a paste—this helps thicken our filling later on. After cooking for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, mix in both sugars and water. Bring everything to a boil before reducing the heat and letting it simmer for 3-5 minutes. The flavors meld beautifully during this time!

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

Press one pastry into your 9-inch pie pan, making sure it goes up the sides as well. Roll out the remaining pastry so there’s about half an inch overhang on top. Cut this into eight strips—these will be our lattice! Now place those lovely apple slices into the bottom crust, forming a little mound.

Step 4: Weave Your Lattice

Lay four strips vertically across your apple mound first. Now here comes the fun part: folding back every other strip allows you to weave in another strip perpendicularly! Repeat this process until all strips are woven together into a beautiful lattice.

Step 5: Pour Over Filling

Gently pour that sweet sugar-butter mixture over your lattice crust so it seeps down into those delicious apple slices below—this is where magic happens! Brush some onto the lattice but be careful not to let it run off.

Step 6: Bake It Up

Pop your pie into that preheated oven for 15 minutes before lowering the temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Continue baking until those apples are soft—this usually takes about 35-45 minutes depending on your oven’s quirks.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Once baked to perfection, let your pie cool slightly before slicing into it. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling indulgent! Enjoy every bite surrounded by family and friends—it’s moments like these that make life sweeter!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Pie by Grandma Ople

Making this delightful apple pie is a comforting experience, and with a few pro tips, you can enhance your baking skills even further!

• Choose the right apples: Opt for Granny Smith apples for their tartness, which balances the sweetness of the sugars. Their firm texture also holds up well during baking.
• Chill your pastry: For a flakier crust, chill your pie pastry before using it. This helps the butter solidify, resulting in a tender and flaky crust once baked.
• Don’t skip the lattice: The lattice crust not only looks beautiful but also allows steam to escape, preventing a soggy bottom and ensuring perfectly cooked apples.
• Let it cool: After baking, let the pie cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This allows juices to thicken, making for cleaner slices when serving.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add cinnamon or nutmeg to your apple filling for an extra layer of flavor that complements the sweetness of the apples.

How to Serve Apple Pie by Grandma Ople

This apple pie is not just a treat; it’s a centerpiece that brings warmth to any gathering. Here are some delightful ways to present this classic dessert!

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a creamy texture and light sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spiced apples.
• Cinnamon sugar sprinkle: Dusting a little cinnamon sugar on top of the pie right after it comes out of the oven gives it an inviting aroma and an extra touch of sweetness.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream complements the warm pie perfectly, creating that classic à la mode experience.
• Caramel sauce: Drizzling homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over each slice adds richness and enhances the caramel notes in the pie.
• Fresh fruit salad: A light fruit salad can provide freshness and balance out the richness of the pie with its vibrant flavors.
• Coffee or herbal tea: Serving warm slices with a cup of coffee or herbal tea creates a cozy atmosphere that’s perfect for enjoying dessert after dinner.

With these serving suggestions, your Apple Pie by Grandma Ople will truly shine at any occasion! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Apple Pie by Grandma Ople is perfect for meal prep and can be made ahead of time. Whether you’re planning for a gathering or just want to enjoy this comforting dessert later, storing it correctly will keep it delicious!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the pie to cool completely before storing.
• Cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil.
• Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• For best results, freeze before baking if you plan on making it ahead of time.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Remove any plastic wrap and cover the pie loosely with foil.
• Bake for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making and enjoying Apple Pie by Grandma Ople.

Can I use other types of apples for the pie?

While Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tartness, you can mix them with sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a different flavor profile!

How do I achieve a perfectly caramelized crust with Apple Pie by Grandma Ople?

To achieve that beautiful caramelization, ensure you pour the sugar-butter mixture slowly over the lattice crust. This allows it to seep into the apples while baking, creating that delightful golden finish.

Can I prepare the Apple Pie by Grandma Ople in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare this pie ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer, making it a great option for meal prep.

What should I serve with my Apple Pie by Grandma Ople?

Serving this delicious pie warm with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream or even a dollop of whipped coconut cream can elevate your dessert experience!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy this delightful recipe as much as my family does! The rich flavors and comforting aroma of Apple Pie by Grandma Ople bring back cherished memories and create new ones. Don’t hesitate to try making this pie; it’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Happy baking!