There’s nothing quite like the aroma of an apple pie baking in the oven. McCall’s Apple Pie is the quintessential comfort dessert that brings back warm, nostalgic memories of family gatherings and festive occasions.
This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to create an easy yet impressive pie that is bursting with flavor. Allow me to guide you through the journey of crafting this delightful dessert, with personal insights and step-by-step instructions that will make the process a joy.
Why McCall’s Apple Pie is a Must-Try
Why is McCall’s Apple Pie great for you? Let me tell you, it’s not just about the flavor—though the flavor is absolutely divine. It’s about the experience, the process, and the reward of creating something from scratch. Imagine yourself in the kitchen, the smell of apples and cinnamon wafting through the air, the anticipation of that first buttery, flaky bite. It’s pure joy and satisfaction.
I’ve handpicked each ingredient in this recipe to ensure that every slice is packed with the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and texture. By using fresh, high-quality apples, rich butter, and the right blend of spices, I’ve designed a recipe that is straightforward yet gives you the comfort food experience you crave.
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Ingredients List
Here’s what you need to get started:
- 1 (14.1 ounce) package pastry for a double-crust 9-inch pie
- 7 cups apples (peeled, cored, and sliced) – Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are perfect choices.
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 large egg yolk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make McCall’s Apple Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pastry
First things first, let’s get the pastry ready. If you’re using store-bought pastry, take it out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature. This makes it easier to handle. If you’re crafting your own, kudos! Ensure it’s rolled out evenly.
Step 2: Make the Apple Filling
Peel, core, and slice your apples. Toss them in a large bowl with lemon juice. This prevents browning and adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness. Add sugar, flour, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until apples are well-coated.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Place the bottom crust in a 9-inch pie dish. Pour the apple mixture into the crust, spreading it out evenly. Dot the filling with small chunks of butter. Cover with the top crust, trim the excess pastry, and pinch the edges to seal. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
Step 4: Brush with Egg Wash
Beat the egg yolk with a little water. Brush this over the top crust for a beautiful, golden finish.
Step 5: Bake the Pie
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake for 45-50 minutes. When the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly, your pie is ready. Let it cool for a bit to set.
Recipe Notes
Understanding each ingredient is key to mastering this pie.
- Apples: Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for complexity. Granny Smiths provide tartness, while Honeycrisps or Galas add sweetness.
- Butter: Adds richness to the filling and ensures a flaky crust.
- Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg are classic spices that bring warmth. Be careful not to overuse them as they can overpower the apples.
- Lemon Juice: Prevents apples from browning and enhances the flavors.
- Egg Yolk: Gives the crust a beautiful sheen and helps it crisp up nicely.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to experiment:
- Add Ins: Raisins, cranberries, or nuts bring extra texture and flavor.
- Spices: Try adding a pinch of allspice or cloves.
- Alcohol: A splash of bourbon or brandy adds depth to the filling.
- Crust Variations: Try a lattice crust or decorative cut-outs.
McCall’s Apple Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- Here’s what you need to get started:
- 1 14.1 ounce package pastry for a double-crust 9-inch pie
- 7 cups apples peeled, cored, and sliced – Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are perfect choices.
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 large egg yolk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare The Pastry
- First things first, let’s get the pastry ready. If you’re using store-bought pastry, take it out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature. This makes it easier to handle. If you’re crafting your own, kudos! Ensure it’s rolled out evenly.
Step 2: Make The Apple Filling
- Peel, core, and slice your apples. Toss them in a large bowl with lemon juice. This prevents browning and adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness. Add sugar, flour, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until apples are well-coated.
Step 3: Assemble The Pie
- Place the bottom crust in a 9-inch pie dish. Pour the apple mixture into the crust, spreading it out evenly. Dot the filling with small chunks of butter. Cover with the top crust, trim the excess pastry, and pinch the edges to seal. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
Step 4: Brush With Egg Wash
- Beat the egg yolk with a little water. Brush this over the top crust for a beautiful, golden finish.
Step 5: Bake The Pie
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake for 45-50 minutes. When the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly, your pie is ready. Let it cool for a bit to set.
Notes
-
- Apples: Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for complexity. Granny Smiths provide tartness, while Honeycrisps or Galas add sweetness.
-
- Butter: Adds richness to the filling and ensures a flaky crust.
- Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg are classic spices that bring warmth. Be careful not to overuse them as they can overpower the apples.
- Lemon Juice: Prevents apples from browning and enhances the flavors.
- Egg Yolk: Gives the crust a beautiful sheen and helps it crisp up nicely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use a different type of apple?
A1: Absolutely! You can use any firm apple that holds up well during baking. A mix of different varieties enhances the flavor.
Q2: How do I store leftover pie?
A2: Cover leftovers with plastic wrap or foil and store at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for several months.
Q3: Can I make the pie ahead of time?
A3: Yes! Prepare the pie up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q4: What if I don’t have a 9-inch pie dish?
A4: You can use an 8-inch or 10-inch pie dish, but baking times may vary slightly. Keep an eye on the crust to prevent over-browning.
Q5: How can I tell if the pie is done?
A5: The crust should be golden brown, and the filling should be bubbly. A knife inserted into the pie should go through the apples easily, indicating they are tender.
Q6: My crust always burns, what should I do?
A6: Cover the edges with foil or a pie shield after about 20 minutes of baking to prevent them from burning while the rest of the pie finishes baking.
Conclusion
There’s a special kind of magic in baking a pie. McCall’s Apple Pie recipe offers a delightful blend of sweet, tart, and spiced flavors, all wrapped up in a golden crust.
It’s a dessert that invites you to slow down and savor each bite, ideally topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice, this recipe is approachable and rewarding. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on this baking adventure. The results? Absolutely delicious and worth every minute. Enjoy!
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more