Apple Pie à la Mode (Apple Pie with Ice Cream Recipe)

The first time I attempted apple pie à la mode, I was trying to impress my grandmother, a woman who crafted pies like Michelangelo painted ceilings. You know what? It was a disaster. My crust was tough, the apples turned to mush, and the vanilla ice cream I paired it with was… well, let’s just say store-bought. My grandma, bless her heart, took one bite, smiled, and said, “Darling, it’s a good first try.” That day, I vowed to perfect the art of this classic dessert.

Fast forward to today, I’ve baked more apple pies than I can count, and each one gets me closer to grandma’s level of pie mastery. There’s truly nothing like the aroma of spiced apples wafting through the house, the golden crust breaking at the touch of a fork, and that creamy ice cream melting into the warm filling. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a comfort wrapped in tradition and love.

Ingredients

Grandma always said the best pies are made with love and the freshest ingredients. So here’s what you’ll need, and don’t worry if you have to make a substitution here and there (we’ve all been there).

• For the pie crust:
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water
• For the filling:
• 6 to 8 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp works wonders)
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• For serving:
• Your favorite vanilla ice cream

Instructions

Now, about those instructions. I’ve made mistakes so you don’t have to. Follow these steps, and you’ll be golden – like your pie crust should be!

1. First, let’s tackle the crust. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar. Add the chilled butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until you have pea-sized crumbs. Gradually add ice water until the dough just comes together.
2. Divide the dough in half, form into discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour (this is non-negotiable).
3. While the dough chills, mix apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice in a large bowl. Let it sit to draw out those apple juices.
4. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). On a floured surface, roll out one dough disc to fit your pie dish. Gently place it in the dish, and trim the excess.
5. Add the apple filling and dot with butter. Roll out the second dough disc, place it over the filling, and seal the edges. Cut slits in the top crust for steam to escape.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the crust is golden brown. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil. Let the pie cool before serving.
7. Serve each slice with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. And there you have it, apple pie à la mode that would make my grandma proud.

Tips & Tricks

Alright, let’s dive into some tips that I’ve picked up along the way (some learned the hard way).

• Keep everything cold. I mean, the butter, the water, even the bowl if you can. This ensures a flaky crust (trust me on this).
• If the dough is being a diva and won’t come together, add a tad more ice water. But literally, just a tad.
• When it comes to apples, variety is the spice of life. Mixing tart and sweet apples gives you a balanced filling that’s just chef’s kiss.
• Patience, my friend. Letting the pie cool allows the filling to thicken, so you don’t end up with apple soup.

FAQ

Got questions? I’ve got answers (and I’ve probably asked these same questions at some point).

Q: Can I use store-bought crust?
A: Absolutely, I won’t judge. Sometimes you’ve got to choose your battles, and a good store-bought crust can save the day.

Q: My crust is soggy. What did I do wrong?
A: Ah, the soggy bottom. It’s likely your oven wasn’t hot enough or the pie wasn’t on the lowest rack. Hot heat right at the start is crucial.

Q: Can I make this pie ahead of time?
A: You bet! Bake it, let it cool completely, and then wrap and freeze. Thaw and reheat in the oven for that freshly-baked taste.

There’s a cultural story woven into every apple pie à la mode. It’s American as, well, apple pie. This dessert brings people together, evoking memories of family gatherings, laughter, and shared stories. Each slice is a comforting hug, a timeless tradition passed down from generation to generation. My own journey with this pie, from those initial flops to the pies I proudly serve today, is a testament to the resilience and love baked into every bite.

In conclusion, apple pie à la mode is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience, a piece of heritage, and a delicious dessert that speaks to our hearts. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or this is your first foray into the world of pies, embrace the process, enjoy the flavors, and share the joy. Happy baking!