Recipe 7: Great Grandma Z’s Perfect Apple Pie

🥧 Great Grandma Z’s Perfect Apple Pie

Serves: 8 

Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes (plus cooling time)

A true family classic — buttery crust, tender cinnamon apples, and that golden, bubbling top that fills your kitchen with nostalgia. Passed down from our great-grandma who was famous for her pies and still perfect today.

🧂 Ingredients

🍏 Apple Filling

• 6 to 8 tart apples (Granny Smith recommended), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced

• ¾ to 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste depending on tartness of apples)

• 2 tbsp flour

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg

• Pinch of salt

• 2 tbsp butter, cut into small pats

🥧 Crust

• 2 pastry crusts (store-bought or homemade, 9-inch size)

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Directions

🔹 1. Prep the Oven & Crust

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).

2. Line a 9-inch pie pan with one pastry crust, pressing gently to fit the bottom and sides.

🔹 2. Make the Apple Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine:

   • Sliced apples

   • Sugar

   • Flour

   • Cinnamon

   • Nutmeg

   • Pinch of salt

2. Toss until apples are evenly coated and juices begin to form.

🔹 3. Assemble the Pie

1. Spoon the apple mixture evenly into the prepared crust.

2. Dot the filling with 2 tbsp butter (just place the small pats over the apples).

3. Lay the second crust over the top.

4. Trim and crimp the edges to seal.

5. Cut 3–4 small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.

🔹 4. Bake

1. Bake at 400°F for 10 minutes.

2. Reduce heat to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for 45–50 minutes, until:

   • The crust is golden brown

   • The filling is bubbling through the slits

3. Watch closely during the last 10 minutes — every oven bakes a little differently!

🔹 5. Cool & Serve

Let the pie cool for at least 1 hour before slicing to allow the filling to set. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

🛒 Shopping List

Produce

• 6–8 Granny Smith apples

Pantry

• Sugar

• Flour

• Ground cinnamon

• Ground nutmeg

• Salt

Dairy

• Butter

Bakery

• 2 pastry crusts (or ingredients to make homemade)

⭐ Family Tip: If you like a shiny golden crust, brush the top with a little milk or egg wash before baking. And if you want extra sweetness, sprinkle a pinch of sugar over the crust right before it goes into the oven.