Apple Pie by Grandma Ople

If you’re looking for the perfect dessert to bring warmth and joy to your table, then look no further than Apple Pie by Grandma Ople. This recipe is like a warm hug on a chilly evening, filled with sweet, buttery apple slices wrapped in a delightful caramelized lattice crust. It’s one of those timeless treats that can brighten up busy weeknights or turn family gatherings into cherished memories. Whenever I bake this pie, I’m reminded of cozy afternoons spent in Grandma’s kitchen, where the aroma of baked apples and spices would fill the air.

What makes this apple pie so special is not just its incredible flavor but also the love and nostalgia that come with each slice. Whether you’re sharing it at Thanksgiving or enjoying it as a comforting weeknight dessert, this pie will surely be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and perfect for bakers of all levels. If you’ve never made a pie before, don’t worry—this one is simple!
• Family Favorite: With its delicious blend of tart and sweet flavors, everyone at the table will be asking for seconds.
• Make Ahead Convenience: You can prepare this pie ahead of time and bake it just before serving, making it great for gatherings.
• Wholesome Ingredients: The ingredients are simple and wholesome, allowing the natural flavors of the apples to shine through.
• Comforting Flavor: There’s something undeniably comforting about homemade apple pie—each bite feels like home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Apple Pie by Grandma Ople requires just a few simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need to create this delicious dessert!

For the Pie

• 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

One of the best things about Apple Pie by Grandma Ople is its flexibility! You can easily make this recipe your own with just a few tweaks. Here are some fun ideas to consider:

• Add spices: Sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra layer of warmth and flavor.
• Mix up the apples: Try using different varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a unique taste.
• Make it crumbly: Top your apple filling with a crumb topping instead of a lattice crust for a crunchy twist.
• Incorporate other fruits: Add some sliced pears or berries to the apple mixture for a fruity surprise.

How to Make Apple Pie by Grandma Ople

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

First things first—gather all your ingredients together! Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). While that heats up, peel and core your Granny Smith apples before slicing them thinly. Set those beautiful apple slices aside; they’ll soon become the star of this pie!

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the flour and stir until you form a nice paste; cook it until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes). Then add both sugars and water, bringing everything to a boil. After boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes before removing it from heat. This mixture adds sweetness and richness to our filling!

Step 3: Prepare Your Crust

Press one portion of your double-crust pastry into the bottom and up the sides of your 9-inch pie pan. Next, roll out the remaining pastry so that it slightly overhangs (about 1/2 inch). Cut this pastry into eight 1-inch strips; these will create our beautiful lattice crust.

Step 4: Fill It Up!

Now comes the fun part! Place those lovely sliced apples into your prepared bottom crust, forming a slight mound at the center. Lay four pastry strips vertically over the apples—use longer strips in the middle and shorter ones on either side for balance.

Step 5: Weave Your Lattice

To create that classic lattice look, fold back every other vertical strip so they’re almost falling off. Then lay one unused strip perpendicularly over them before unfolding those vertical strips back into place. Repeat this process with each strip until you have woven an inviting lattice top. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect—it will still taste amazing!

Step 6: Add Sweetness

Slowly pour that luscious sugar-butter mixture over your lattice crust, ensuring it seeps down onto those apple slices below. Brush some onto the lattice itself without letting it spill over too much on the edges—this step is key to achieving that golden-brown finish!

Step 7: Bake It Up!

Place your pie in that preheated oven for about 15 minutes to get things started. Then reduce the temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and continue baking until those apples are soft (about 35-45 minutes). Your kitchen will start smelling heavenly!

Step 8: Serve & Enjoy!

Once baked to perfection, take your apple pie out of the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy each slice warm with ice cream or just on its own! Each bite is sure to bring smiles around your table.

And there you have it—Apple Pie by Grandma Ople! A delightful dessert that’s easy enough for any day yet special enough for holidays. Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Pie by Grandma Ople

Making the perfect apple pie can be a delightful experience, and these tips will help ensure your pie turns out just like Grandma’s!

• Choose the right apples: Opt for Granny Smith apples or a mix of tart and sweet apples to create a balanced flavor profile. Tart apples hold their shape well during baking and provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the sugars.
• Keep your butter cold: Using cold butter in your pastry helps create a flaky crust. When the butter melts during baking, it creates steam that forms those delicious flaky layers we all love.
• Don’t skip the lattice crust: The lattice not only looks beautiful but also allows steam to escape, preventing a soggy bottom. Plus, it gives you more surface area for that sweet sugar-butter mixture to soak in!
• Let it cool before serving: Allowing your pie to cool for at least 2 hours after baking helps the filling set properly. This way, each slice holds its shape beautifully when served.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to your apple filling for an extra depth of flavor. These warm spices enhance the overall taste and give your pie that cozy, comforting vibe.

How to Serve Apple Pie by Grandma Ople

Serving your homemade apple pie can be just as enjoyable as making it! Here are some creative ideas to make your dessert shine.

Garnishes

• Whipped cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a light and airy texture that complements the richness of the pie.
• Cinnamon sugar sprinkle: A light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top can enhance both flavor and presentation, giving your pie an inviting aroma.
• Caramel drizzle: Drizzling warm caramel sauce over each slice brings extra sweetness and a beautiful finish.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A classic pairing, creamy vanilla ice cream contrasts wonderfully with warm apple pie. The melting ice cream seeps into every bite!
• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits offers a bright and healthy contrast to the rich flavors of apple pie.
• Cheese platter: A selection of mild cheeses such as brie or gouda can complement the sweetness of the pie while providing a savory balance.
• Hot spiced cider: Serve up mugs of hot spiced apple cider alongside your pie for a cozy fall experience that enhances the flavors of the dish.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to share this delicious Apple Pie by Grandma Ople with family and friends. Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Apple Pie by Grandma Ople is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and store it, making it a delightful treat for special occasions or cozy family dinners. Here’s how to keep your pie fresh and delicious.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature.
• Cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Cool the pie completely before freezing.
• Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Remove any plastic wrap and cover with aluminum foil.
• Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delightful recipe!

Can I make Apple Pie by Grandma Ople with different types of apples?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are preferred for their tartness, you can experiment with other varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter flavor.

How long does Apple Pie by Grandma Ople last once baked?

Once baked, this apple pie can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator. If you want to extend its shelf life, consider freezing it instead.

What is special about Apple Pie by Grandma Ople?

This recipe features a unique caramelized lattice crust that adds an irresistible sweetness and texture, elevating your standard apple pie experience.

Can I use a store-bought crust for Apple Pie by Grandma Ople?

Yes, using a store-bought double-crust pie pastry can save time while still delivering delicious results!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating this Apple Pie by Grandma Ople! It’s not just a dessert; it’s a comforting reminder of home and family gatherings. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or savoring it on your own, this pie will surely warm your heart. Enjoy every slice and happy baking!