Step 1: Gather the Ingredients

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A colorful assortment of fresh apples, flour, sugar, cinnamon, butter, and a pie crust.

To begin making a delicious apple pie, gather all the necessary ingredients. You will need a variety of fresh apples, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Golden Delicious, depending on your preference. Additionally, you will need flour, sugar, cinnamon, butter, and a pre-made or homemade pie crust.

Step 2: Peel, Core, and Slice the Apples

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A hand holding a knife, peeling an apple with precision, revealing its crisp white flesh.

Once you have your apples ready, peel them using a sharp knife or a peeler. Remove the core from each apple and slice them into thin, even slices. This step ensures that the apple pieces cook evenly and create a delightful texture in the pie.

Step 3: Mix the Apples with Sugar and Spices

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A bowl of sliced apples coated in a mixture of sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg.

In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg. The sugar will add sweetness to the apples, while the spices will enhance their natural flavor. Gently toss the apple slices until they are evenly coated with the sugar and spice mixture.

Step 4: Prepare the Pie Crust

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A rolling pin and a ball of dough being rolled out on a floured surface, ready to be placed in a pie dish.

If you are using a pre-made pie crust, skip this step. However, if you prefer a homemade crust, it's time to prepare it. Roll out the dough on a floured surface using a rolling pin until it is large enough to fit your pie dish. Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to the dish and press it gently against the sides and bottom.

Step 5: Fill the Pie Crust with the Apple Mixture

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The prepared pie crust in a pie dish, filled to the brim with the sweet and spiced apple slices.

Now comes the exciting part—filling the pie crust with the apple mixture. Arrange the coated apple slices in the prepared pie crust, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Fill the crust all the way to the brim, as the apples will shrink slightly during baking.

Step 6: Add the Butter

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Small cubes of butter scattered on top of the apple filling, ready to melt and add richness to the pie.

To enhance the flavor and texture of your apple pie, add small cubes of butter on top of the apple filling. The butter will melt during baking, infusing the pie with richness and creating a luscious, golden-brown crust.

Step 7: Cover the Pie with the Second Crust

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A second rolled-out pie crust being carefully placed on top of the apple filling, ready to be sealed.

If you prefer a double-crust apple pie, cover the filling with the second rolled-out pie crust. Carefully place it on top of the apples and seal the edges by pressing the top and bottom crusts together. You can create decorative edges by crimping or using a fork to seal them.

Step 8: Cut Slits for Ventilation

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Slits cut on the top crust of the pie, allowing steam to escape during baking, ensuring a flaky crust.

Using a sharp knife, cut a few slits on the top crust of the pie. These slits will serve as ventilation, allowing steam to escape while the pie bakes. Ventilation is crucial to prevent the pie from becoming soggy and to achieve a beautifully flaky crust.

Step 9: Brush with Egg Wash

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A pastry brush gently gliding over the top crust, applying a shiny egg wash for a golden, glossy finish.

To give your apple pie a beautiful golden color and a glossy finish, brush the top crust with an egg wash. Beat an egg and lightly brush it over the crust using a pastry brush. This step will make your pie visually appealing and add an extra touch of flavor.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

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A golden-brown apple pie fresh out of the oven, with steam rising from the slits on the top crust.

Preheat your oven to the recommended temperature and place the pie on the center rack. Bake it for the recommended time, usually around 45-60 minutes, or until the crust turns a golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling. The aroma of the baked apples and spices will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist the anticipation of tasting your homemade apple pie.

Step 11: Let it Cool and Serve

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A slice of apple pie on a plate, served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Once your apple pie is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a while. This will allow the filling to set and make it easier to slice. Serve your apple pie warm or at room temperature, and enjoy it as is or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Indulge in the delightful combination of sweet, spiced apples and buttery, flaky crust.Making an apple pie from scratch may seem like a daunting task, but by following these simple steps, you can create a mouthwatering dessert that will impress your family and friends. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and embark on a delicious apple pie-making adventure!

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