Apple pie is a classic dessert loved by many. It is warm, sweet, and full of flavors. Using Pillsbury pie crusts makes the process easy. In this article, you will learn how to make a simple and delicious Pillsbury apple pie. This recipe is perfect for beginners and those who want a quick dessert.
Why Choose Pillsbury Pie Crust?
Pillsbury pie crusts save time. You do not have to make dough from scratch. The crust is flaky and tasty. It bakes well and holds the filling nicely. This helps you focus on making the apple filling perfect. It is a great choice if you want a fast and good pie.
Ingredients Needed
Here are the ingredients you need for the Pillsbury apple pie:
- 2 refrigerated Pillsbury pie crusts
- 6 cups sliced apples (Granny Smith is best)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon milk (for brushing crust)
- Coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps carefully to make a perfect apple pie.
1. Prepare The Apples
Wash and peel the apples. Slice them thin. Put sliced apples in a large bowl. Add lemon juice and toss to coat. This keeps apples from turning brown.
2. Mix The Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, mix sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir well to combine. Sprinkle this over the apples. Mix gently so apples are evenly coated.
3. Prepare The Pie Crust
Unroll one Pillsbury pie crust. Place it in a 9-inch pie pan. Press gently to fit the pan. Do not stretch the dough.
4. Add The Apple Mixture
Pour the apple filling into the crust-lined pan. Spread it out evenly. Cut the butter into small pieces. Place butter pieces on top of the apples.
5. Add The Top Crust
Unroll the second pie crust. Place it over the apples. Trim extra dough from edges. Press the edges of both crusts together. You can crimp the edges for a nice look.
6. Cut Slits For Steam
Cut 4 to 6 small slits in the top crust. This allows steam to escape while baking. Without slits, the pie may get soggy.
7. Brush With Milk And Sprinkle Sugar
Brush the top crust with milk. This helps the crust get a golden color. Sprinkle coarse sugar on top for extra crunch and sweetness.
8. Bake The Pie
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the pie on the middle rack. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Watch the crust; if it browns too fast, cover edges with foil.
9. Cool Before Serving
Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours. This helps the filling set and slice well. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips for a Better Apple Pie
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for best flavor.
- Mix sugar and flour well to avoid lumps in filling.
- Do not overfill the pie to prevent spills.
- Use chilled pie crust for easier handling.
- Let the pie cool fully to avoid runny filling.
- Try adding a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth.
Variations You Can Try
Apple pie can be changed to suit your taste. Here are some easy ideas:
- Caramel Apple Pie: Add caramel sauce over the apples before adding the top crust.
- Double Crust Lattice Pie: Cut strips from the top crust and weave them over the filling.
- Apple Cinnamon Roll Pie: Add cinnamon rolls on top of the apples for a sweet twist.
- Spiced Apple Pie: Add cloves, allspice, or ginger along with cinnamon.
Serving Suggestions
Apple pie tastes great in many ways. You can serve it with:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Caramel sauce
- A cup of hot coffee or tea
These add more flavor and make dessert special.
How to Store Your Apple Pie
If you have leftovers, store the pie well. Cover it with plastic wrap or foil. Keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.
You can also freeze the pie before baking. Wrap it tightly and store for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra baking time.