Reach New Heights with this Mile-High Apple Pie Recipe

Apple pie is a classic for a reason: it’s comforting, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. But why settle for a standard apple pie when you can create a show-stopping, mile-high masterpiece? This recipe will guide you through the steps of making a towering apple pie that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and embark on this delicious baking adventure!

Why Mile-High Apple Pie?

What exactly makes this apple pie “mile-high”? It’s all about the filling! We’re packing in layers and layers of thinly sliced apples, creating a dramatic height that makes it both visually stunning and incredibly flavorful. The extra apples mean more delicious, tender fruit in every bite, perfectly complemented by a flaky, golden-brown crust.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather all your ingredients. This recipe requires a bit of time and preparation, but the end result is well worth the effort.

For the Crust:

* 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, very cold and cut into small cubes
* ½ cup vegetable shortening, very cold
* 6-8 tablespoons ice water

For the Apple Filling:

* 8-10 pounds of assorted apples (such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Gala, and Fuji), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (about ¼-inch thick)
* ¾ cup granulated sugar
* ½ cup packed light brown sugar
* ¼ cup all-purpose flour
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice
* 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
* ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
* ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
* ¼ teaspoon salt
* 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

For the Egg Wash & Finishing Touches:

* 1 large egg, beaten
* 1 tablespoon milk or water
* Coarse sugar, for sprinkling (optional)

Equipment You’ll Need

* 9-inch deep-dish pie plate
* Food processor or pastry blender
* Large mixing bowls
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Paring knife or apple peeler/corer
* Rolling pin
* Plastic wrap
* Baking sheet
* Aluminum foil (for covering the edges if needed)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get baking! Follow these detailed instructions to create your own impressive mile-high apple pie.

Part 1: Making the Pie Crust

A good pie crust is essential for a successful apple pie. Here’s how to make a flaky and delicious crust from scratch:

1. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.

2. **Cut in the Butter and Shortening:** Add the cold butter and shortening to the flour mixture. Use a food processor or pastry blender to cut the fats into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. If using a food processor, pulse until the mixture comes together but still has visible pieces of butter and shortening. Be careful not to over-process.

3. **Add Ice Water:** Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing after each addition. Mix until the dough just comes together. It should be moist but not sticky. Do not overwork the dough.

4. **Divide and Chill:** Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the gluten to relax and the fats to firm up, resulting in a flakier crust.

Part 2: Preparing the Apple Filling

The apple filling is the heart of this pie. The combination of different apple varieties and spices creates a complex and delicious flavor.

1. **Prepare the Apples:** Peel, core, and thinly slice all the apples. Aim for consistent ¼-inch thick slices to ensure even cooking.

2. **Combine Filling Ingredients:** In a very large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Gently toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated. The flour will help thicken the juices during baking.

Part 3: Assembling the Mile-High Apple Pie

This is where the magic happens! Get ready to stack those apples high.

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a baking sheet on the lower rack of the oven to catch any potential drips.

2. **Roll Out the Bottom Crust:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the chilled dough discs into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer the dough to the 9-inch deep-dish pie plate. Gently press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the plate. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to create a decorative border. You can also flute the edges using your fingers or a fork.

3. **Layer the Apple Filling:** Begin layering the apple filling into the prepared pie crust. Pack the apples tightly, mounding them high in the center. Remember, this is a mile-high pie, so don’t be afraid to pile them up! Dot the top of the apples with the small pieces of butter. These will melt and add richness to the filling.

4. **Roll Out the Top Crust:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out the second chilled dough disc into a 12-inch circle. If you want to create a decorative top crust, you can cut out shapes using cookie cutters or create a lattice pattern.

5. **Cover the Pie:** Carefully place the top crust over the apple filling. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal the top and bottom crusts together. Make sure to cut several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking. This will prevent the crust from puffing up too much and potentially cracking.

6. **Egg Wash and Sugar (Optional):** In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk (or water) to create an egg wash. Brush the top crust with the egg wash. This will give the crust a beautiful golden-brown color. Sprinkle the top with coarse sugar for added sweetness and sparkle, if desired.

Part 4: Baking the Mile-High Apple Pie

Baking this pie takes a little patience, but the result is worth it.

1. **Bake:** Place the pie on the preheated baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C). This initial high heat helps set the crust quickly.

2. **Reduce Heat and Cover Edges:** Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for 45-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with strips of aluminum foil to prevent burning. Keep a close eye on the pie and adjust the baking time as needed.

3. **Cool Completely:** Once the pie is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This is crucial! The filling needs time to set, otherwise, it will be too runny.

Tips for Success

* **Keep Ingredients Cold:** The key to a flaky crust is cold ingredients. Make sure your butter, shortening, and water are all very cold. You can even chill your flour for 30 minutes before starting.
* **Don’t Overwork the Dough:** Overworking the dough develops the gluten, which can result in a tough crust. Mix the dough just until it comes together.
* **Use a Variety of Apples:** Using a mix of different apple varieties will give your filling a more complex and interesting flavor. Some apples are tart, some are sweet, and some hold their shape better than others during baking.
* **Slice Apples Thinly:** Thinly sliced apples will cook more evenly and create a more tender filling.
* **Prevent Soggy Bottom Crust:** To prevent a soggy bottom crust, you can blind-bake the bottom crust for about 15 minutes before adding the filling. To blind-bake, prick the bottom of the crust with a fork, line it with parchment paper, and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, then remove the parchment paper and weights and bake for another 5 minutes.
* **Let the Pie Cool Completely:** As mentioned earlier, letting the pie cool completely is essential for the filling to set. This can take several hours, so plan accordingly.

Apple Variety Guide for Baking

Choosing the right apples is crucial for a successful apple pie. Here’s a breakdown of some popular apple varieties and their baking characteristics:

* **Granny Smith:** Tart and firm, Granny Smith apples hold their shape well during baking and provide a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the filling. They are a great choice for adding structure and acidity.
* **Honeycrisp:** Sweet, crisp, and juicy, Honeycrisp apples are a popular choice for eating fresh, but they also work well in pies. They retain some of their texture during baking and offer a balanced flavor.
* **Gala:** Sweet and slightly soft, Gala apples are a good all-purpose apple that works well in pies. They break down a bit during baking, creating a smoother texture.
* **Fuji:** Sweet and crisp, Fuji apples are similar to Gala but slightly firmer. They hold their shape reasonably well during baking and provide a good sweetness.
* **Braeburn:** Sweet-tart and firm, Braeburn apples offer a complex flavor and hold their shape well during baking. They are a great choice for adding depth to your filling.
* **Golden Delicious:** Mildly sweet and soft, Golden Delicious apples break down easily during baking, creating a smoother and more sauce-like filling. They are a good choice for adding moisture and sweetness.
* **Pink Lady:** Tart and crisp, Pink Lady apples hold their shape well during baking and offer a balanced sweet-tart flavor. They are a good choice for adding both structure and flavor.

Experiment with different combinations of apples to find your favorite blend. A good rule of thumb is to use a mix of tart and sweet apples to create a balanced and flavorful filling.

Serving Suggestions

Mile-high apple pie is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to take it to the next level:

* **Vanilla Ice Cream:** A scoop of vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing with apple pie. The cold, creamy ice cream complements the warm, spiced filling perfectly.
* **Whipped Cream:** A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy touch to the pie.
* **Caramel Sauce:** A drizzle of caramel sauce adds extra sweetness and richness.
* **Cheddar Cheese:** In some regions, apple pie is traditionally served with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese. The savory cheese provides a surprising but delicious contrast to the sweet pie.
* **Warm Butter Sauce:** A warm butter sauce adds richness and enhances the flavors of the pie. To make a simple butter sauce, melt butter in a saucepan, then whisk in a little brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Storage Instructions

* **Room Temperature:** If you plan to eat the pie within a day or two, you can store it at room temperature, covered loosely with plastic wrap or foil.
* **Refrigerator:** For longer storage, store the pie in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil. It will keep for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freezer:** To freeze apple pie, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, transfer the pie to the refrigerator overnight.

Reheat individual slices of apple pie in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Variations

* **Crumble Topping:** Instead of a top crust, you can use a crumble topping made from flour, butter, sugar, and oats. This adds a crunchy texture to the pie.
* **Caramel Apple Pie:** Add caramel sauce to the apple filling for a richer, sweeter pie.
* **Apple Cranberry Pie:** Add cranberries to the apple filling for a tart and festive twist.
* **Apple Walnut Pie:** Add chopped walnuts to the apple filling for added texture and flavor.
* **Spiced Apple Pie:** Experiment with different spices, such as cardamom, ginger, or cloves, to create a unique flavor profile.

Troubleshooting

* **Crust Too Tough:** This is usually caused by overworking the dough. Be careful not to overmix the dough and use cold ingredients.
* **Soggy Bottom Crust:** Blind-bake the bottom crust to prevent a soggy bottom.
* **Filling Too Runny:** Make sure to use enough flour in the filling to thicken the juices. Also, let the pie cool completely before slicing.
* **Crust Burning:** Cover the edges of the crust with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

Conclusion

This mile-high apple pie recipe is a labor of love, but the end result is a truly spectacular dessert that’s sure to impress. With its towering layers of apples, flaky crust, and warm spices, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to bake a pie that reaches new heights! Enjoy!