Classic Apple Pie

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a homemade apple pie baking in the oven, and this classic recipe is the perfect way to make the most of your seasonal apples. Using crisp baking apples gives the filling a lovely sharp tang that balances beautifully with the light, flaky pastry. It’s an easy, no-fuss dessert that’s ideal for using up a surplus of apples — delicious served warm with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a generous pour of custard.

Ingredients

• 675 g Cooking Apples (peeled, cored and cut into chunks)
• 55 g Caster Sugar
• ½ tsp Ground Nutmeg (or ground cloves)
• 3 tbsp Cold Water

Apple Pie Pastry

• 175 g Plain Flour
• 40 g Margarine (cubed, or butter)
• 40 g White Vegetable Fat/Lard (cubed or butter)
• Milk (to glaze)
• Granulated Sugar (for sprinkling)

Instructions To Make Traditional Apple Pie

Arrange half the apples in the bottom of the dish, sprinkle with caster sugar and nutmeg evenly over the apples. Cover with the remaining apples and add the water.

Pastry

Place the flour in a bowl, add the fats and rub in until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Add the cold water to mix to a firm dough.

Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface and cover the top of the pie dish. Use any pastry trimmings to decorate (opt). Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 200℃/180℃ Fan/400℉/Gas 6. Brush the pastry with milk, then sprinkle the top with sugar. Make a small slit in the centre of the pie for the steam to escape and bake for 40 minutes until the pastry is crisp and pale golden.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your classic apple pie warm or at room temperature — both are delicious! For a traditional touch, pair each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of warm custard, or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For something a little different, try serving it with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese for a sweet-and-savory contrast. You can also sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top just before serving for extra warmth and aroma.

How To Store Apple Pie

If you have leftovers, let the pie cool completely before covering it loosely with foil or plastic wrap. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 4–5 days.

To reheat, warm slices in the oven at 180°C (400°F) for about 10 minutes to refresh the pastry and bring back that just-baked taste.

Can You Freeze Apple Pie

Yes, apple pie freezes beautifully! You can freeze it either baked or unbaked.

• To freeze a baked pie: Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in a double layer of foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in a 180°C (400°F) oven for 25–30 minutes, or until hot through.
• To freeze an unbaked pie: Assemble the pie, then wrap it well and freeze. When ready to bake, place it straight from the freezer into a preheated oven, adding about 15–20 minutes to the usual baking time.

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