Homemade Apple Pie Recipe: Golden, Flaky Crust Perfection

Warm cinnamon and fresh apple pie bring comfort straight to your kitchen table.

Memories of grandma’s baking waft through the air, tempting everyone nearby.

Sweet aromas promise something magical is about to emerge from the oven.

Crisp pastry and tender fruit create a classic dessert that speaks directly to the heart.

Seasonal ingredients combine in a simple yet profound way that feels like a culinary embrace.

Homemade goodness awaits you with just a few straightforward steps.

This delightful treat will make you the star of any gathering.

What Makes James Martin Apple Pie Recipe a Classic

• Craft Simple Pastry: Beginner bakers can master this recipe with basic mixing and rolling techniques, making it perfect for those learning kitchen skills.
• Seasonal Delight: Celebrate autumn's bounty by transforming fresh apples into a comforting dessert that captures the warmth of home cooking.
• Versatile Serving Option: Enjoy this classic pie warm straight from the oven or cool it for a refreshing dessert that works for casual family dinners or elegant gatherings.
• Adaptable Ingredients: Swap apple varieties like Bramley and Coxs to match seasonal availability or personal taste preferences, ensuring flexibility in preparation.

Ingredients in James Martin Apple Pie Recipe

• Butter: A rich, creamy ingredient that helps create a flaky and tender pie crust.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps in browning the pastry.
• Flour: The main structure-building ingredient for the pie crust.
• Baking Powder: Helps the pastry rise and become light.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the pastry.

• Bramley Apples: A tart cooking apple that breaks down easily and creates a soft filling.
• Coxs Apples: A sweet apple that adds depth and balance to the filling.
• Butter: Helps create a rich and smooth apple mixture.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps caramelize the apples.
• Vanilla: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the apple filling.

• Egg Whites: Creates a shiny, golden finish on the pie crust.
• Sugar: Adds a sweet, crystalline topping that caramelizes during baking.

Instructions for Baking James Martin Apple Pie Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up Pie Crust Dough

Grab your mixer and gently blend butter and sugar until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add half the dry ingredients to create a paste, then mix in the remaining dry ingredients to form a perfect pie dough. Wrap the dough and chill in the refrigerator for two hours to develop amazing flavor and texture.

Step 2: Create Delectable Apple Filling

• Sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Bramley apples

Cook for 8-10 minutes. Introduce Coxs apples and continue cooking until they become wonderfully tender. Transfer the filling to a roasting dish and let it cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare Glossy Egg Glaze

Whisk egg whites with sugar to create a beautiful, shiny glaze that will make your pie sparkle.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

Roll out the chilled dough into two round shapes. Carefully line a greased pie dish with the first pastry round. Spoon the cooled apple filling into the crust.

Step 5: Top and Seal the Pie

Cover the filling with the second pastry round. Crimp and seal the edges carefully. Cut a small steam hole in the top crust to allow steam to escape.

Step 6: Finish and Bake

Brush the pie with the egg glaze and sprinkle with sugar. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes until the crust turns golden brown. Serve piping hot or enjoy at room temperature.

Pro Tips for James Martin Apple Pie Recipe Perfection

• Chill Dough Thoroughly: Refrigerate pastry for full 2 hours to ensure flaky, tender crust that won't break when rolling.
• Choose Apple Varieties Wisely: Combine Bramley (tart) and Cox (sweet) apples for balanced, complex flavor profile that enhances overall taste.
• Control Moisture Carefully: Cook apple filling until liquid reduces, preventing soggy bottom and maintaining crisp pastry texture.
• Create Perfect Seal: Press pastry edges firmly with fork or fingers to prevent filling leakage during baking.
• Glaze for Golden Finish: Brush egg white mixture generously over top crust to achieve beautiful, glossy brown color and professional appearance.

Smart Swaps for James Martin Apple Pie Recipe

• Gluten-Free Apple Pie: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version. Use gluten-free baking powder and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Apple Pie: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Use aquafaba instead of egg whites for glaze. Select plant-based sugar to maintain vegan standards.
• Low-Sugar Apple Pie: Substitute regular sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Use tart apples like Granny Smith to reduce overall sugar content. Consider adding cinnamon for natural sweetness.
• Dairy-Free Apple Pie: Replace butter with vegetable shortening or olive oil. Use dairy-free milk alternatives for brushing. Ensure all ingredients are milk-free for those with lactose intolerance.

What to Serve with James Martin Apple Pie Recipe

• Pair with Creamy Vanilla Custard: Rich, smooth custard complements the warm, spiced apple pie perfectly, adding a luxurious layer of flavor that melts delightfully on the tongue.
• Serve with English Cream Tea: Classic black tea with a splash of milk balances the sweetness of the pie, creating a quintessential British dessert experience that feels comforting and indulgent.
• Match with Calvados Brandy: This apple-based spirit from Normandy enhances the pie's fruity notes, providing a sophisticated alcoholic warmth that elevates the entire dessert.
• Complement with Cinnamon Whipped Cream: Light, airy whipped cream infused with ground cinnamon adds a delicate spice that harmonizes with the apple filling, creating a delectable topping that feels both classic and innovative.

How to Store James Martin Apple Pie the Right Way

• Store leftover apple pie in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, maintaining its delicious flavor and texture.
• Carefully wrap the entire pie or individual slices in aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing quality.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed pie slices at 175°C for 10-15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning and preserve moisture.
• Heat individual slices for 20-30 seconds on medium power. Let rest for a minute to distribute heat evenly and prevent sogginess.

Common FAQs on James Martin Apple Pie Recipe

• Why use two types of apples in this recipe?

Different apple varieties provide a complex flavor profile and varied texture. Bramley apples are tart and break down easily, while Coxs maintain their shape and offer a sweeter taste.

• How do I know if my dough is properly mixed?

The dough should form a smooth, cohesive paste without looking crumbly. When you press it, it should hold together without falling apart, indicating proper mixing and moisture balance.

• Can I make the pastry dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. This actually helps develop better flavor and makes the dough easier to handle.

Apple Pie Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 48 minutes to 2 hours 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Grandma’s classic Apple Pie brings warm nostalgia to family gatherings, blending sweet cinnamon-spiced apples with a buttery golden crust. Slice into pure comfort and savor each heavenly bite of this timeless American dessert.

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Ingredients

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Pie Filling:

• 5 Bramley apples, peeled, cored, chopped
• 5 Coxs apples, peeled, cored, chopped
• 250 grams (8.8 ounces) caster sugar
• 150 grams (5.3 ounces) sultanas (optional), soaked overnight
• 1 vanilla pod, halved and scraped

Pie Crust:

• 220 grams (7.8 ounces) unsalted butter, chilled
• 560 grams (19.8 ounces) strong flour
• 15 grams (0.5 ounces) baking powder
• 6 grams (0.2 ounces) salt
• 280 grams (9.9 ounces) caster sugar

Cream and Egg Wash:

• 250 grams (8.8 ounces) double cream
• 125 grams (4.4 ounces) butter
• 2 egg whites
• 100 grams (3.5 ounces) caster sugar

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Instructions

1. Combine softened butter and sugar in a mixer until light and fluffy. Gradually incorporate flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing first to a paste, then blending into a smooth dough. Refrigerate pastry for 2 hours to firm.
2. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sugar, vanilla, and Bramley apples, simmering for 8-10 minutes. Introduce Coxs apples and continue cooking until fruit becomes tender and caramelized. Transfer mixture to a roasting dish and allow to cool completely.
3. Whisk egg whites with sugar to create a glossy, translucent glaze for the pie’s finishing touch.
4. Remove chilled pastry and roll into two even rounds. Carefully drape one round into a greased pie dish, ensuring complete coverage of the base and sides.
5. Spread the cooled apple filling evenly across the pastry base. Cover with the second pastry round, crimping and sealing edges securely. Cut a small steam vent in the center.
6. Generously brush the pie’s surface with prepared egg white glaze, then sprinkle with additional sugar for a sparkling finish. Bake at 180°C for 20-25 minutes until pastry achieves a golden, crisp appearance. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• Chill dough thoroughly to ensure a flaky, tender pastry that doesn’t shrink during baking.
• Choose a mix of sweet and tart apples like Bramley and Coxs for a balanced, complex flavor profile.
• Brush egg white glaze sparingly to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust without making it too wet.
• Adapt the recipe for dietary needs by using gluten-free flour or plant-based butter for alternative versions.

• Prep Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 28-35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 511 kcal
• Sugar: 39 g
• Sodium: 236 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 63 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 37 mg