Pie for Thanksgiving: 7 Irresistible Secrets to Delight

pie for thanksgiving

By:

Julia marin

There’s just something magical about pie for Thanksgiving, isn’t there? It’s not just dessert; it’s a warm hug at the end of a long, family-filled day. This apple pie recipe is special because it combines sweet and tart apples, creating a flavor explosion that reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen. I can still picture her rolling out the dough, flour dusting her apron, as the scent of cinnamon filled the air. Trust me; everyone will be gathering around the table just for a slice of this beauty. So let’s get baking and make some memories with this delicious pie!

Ingredients List

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base for your pie crust, giving it that wonderful flaky texture.
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled: Make sure it’s nice and cold to achieve a tender crust. Cut it into small cubes to make mixing easier.
  • 1/2 cup sugar: This adds a touch of sweetness to the crust. You can also use a bit more if you like it sweeter!
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt: A must for balancing the sweetness; it enhances the overall flavor of your pie.
  • 1 tablespoon ice water: This helps bring the dough together without melting the butter, keeping it flaky.
  • 4 cups sliced apples: I love using a mix of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for depth of flavor. Peel and slice them thinly for even cooking!
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon: This aromatic spice is essential for that classic apple pie flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg: Just a pinch adds warmth and richness to the filling.
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice: This brightens up the apple mixture and prevents the apples from browning.
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar: Adds a lovely caramel note to the filling that complements the apples wonderfully.

How to Prepare Instructions

Making the Pie Crust

First, let’s whip up that flaky pie crust! In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt. Then, cut in the chilled butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs—don’t worry if there are some small chunks of butter; they’re key to flakiness! Next, add in the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. You want it to be moist but not sticky. Form it into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial, my friends!

Preparing the Apple Filling

While your dough chills, let’s tackle that delicious apple filling! In a large bowl, toss together the sliced apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar. I can’t stress enough how important it is to use a mix of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor. Granny Smith apples add that perfect tang, while Honeycrisp offers sweetness. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Assembling the Pie

Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Roll out your chilled pie crust on a floured surface until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Carefully transfer it to your pie pan, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides. Pour in the apple filling, spreading it evenly. Roll out another piece of dough for the top crust. You can either lay it over the apples whole or cut it into strips for a lattice effect. Seal the edges well—crimp them with your fingers or a fork for a pretty finish. Don’t forget to cut slits in the top crust for steam to escape; this helps prevent a soggy bottom!

Baking Instructions

Time to bake! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the assembled pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips (trust me, it happens!). Bake for 45-50 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil to prevent burning. Once it’s done, let it cool on a wire rack for at least an hour before serving—this allows the filling to set up nicely. You’ll want to savor every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick Prep Time: You can whip this pie up in about 30 minutes, leaving you plenty of time to focus on other Thanksgiving dishes!
  • Simple Ingredients: With just a handful of pantry staples, you’ll find it’s easy to pull together. No fancy ingredients here!
  • Classic Flavor: The combination of sweet and tart apples, with warm spices, creates that quintessential fall flavor that everyone loves.
  • Versatile: This pie is perfect as a stand-alone dessert, but it also pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat!
  • Impressive Presentation: Whether you go for a classic crust or a fun lattice top, this pie is sure to impress your guests.
  • Crowd-Pleasing: It’s hard to find anyone who doesn’t love apple pie! It’s a guaranteed hit around the Thanksgiving table.
  • Great Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the filling or even the whole pie a day in advance, making your holiday prep a breeze.

Tips for Success

  • Use a Variety of Apples: For the best flavor, combine sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji with tart varieties such as Granny Smith. This mix creates a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible!
  • Keep Your Butter Chilled: Make sure your butter is super cold when you mix it into the dough. This helps create that flaky texture we all love. If you’re feeling fancy, you can even freeze your butter for 10-15 minutes before cutting it in!
  • Don’t Overmix the Dough: When you add the ice water, mix just until the dough comes together. Overworking it can make your crust tough, and we want it to be tender and flaky!
  • Let the Pie Cool: Allow your pie to cool for at least an hour after baking. This helps the filling set up nicely so it doesn’t run all over when you slice into it. Patience is key here!
  • Serve with a Twist: For a delicious serving suggestion, top your pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A drizzle of caramel sauce doesn’t hurt either!
  • Make it Ahead: You can prepare the apple filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just assemble the pie the day you plan to serve it. It makes Thanksgiving prep so much easier!
  • Experiment with Spices: Feel free to play around with spices! A touch of allspice or cloves can add a wonderful warmth to the filling, making it even more comforting.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Now, let’s talk about how to store any leftover pie—if there’s any, that is! To keep your delicious pie fresh, simply cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay good for about 3-4 days, but I doubt it’ll last that long with how tasty it is!

If you have a whole pie or just a few slices left, you can also freeze it for a later treat. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then pop it into a freezer-safe bag or container. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. This helps maintain that yummy texture.

When it comes to reheating, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie on a baking sheet (just in case it drips) and warm it in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s heated through. This method keeps the crust nice and crisp, which is exactly how you want it. If you’re short on time, you can also microwave individual slices for about 30 seconds, but be warned—this might make the crust a bit softer. I prefer the oven method for that perfect pie experience!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for each slice of this delightful Thanksgiving pie. Keep in mind, these figures can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but it’s a good guideline to keep in mind as you indulge!

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: Approximately 250
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Protein: 2g

Enjoy this comforting pie with the knowledge that it brings not just flavor to your table but a delightful experience for everyone gathered around. Happy holidays!

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for the filling?
While fresh apples are ideal for that crisp texture and vibrant flavor, you can use frozen apples in a pinch! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before mixing them with the rest of the filling ingredients to avoid excess moisture.

What type of apples should I use for my Thanksgiving pie?
For the best flavor, I recommend using a mix of sweet and tart apples. My go-tos are Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp for sweetness. This combo gives you the perfect balance, bringing depth to your pie!

Can I make the pie crust ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pie crust a day in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. This way, when it’s time to bake, you can dive straight into filling and assembling your pie!

How do I prevent my pie crust from getting soggy?
To keep your crust from getting soggy, make sure to bake the pie until the filling is bubbly and the crust is golden brown. Also, using a layer of cornstarch or flour under the filling can help absorb excess moisture!

Is this pie suitable for freezing?
Yes! You can freeze the pie before or after baking. If freezing before baking, just wrap it well and pop it in the freezer. When you’re ready to bake, you can go straight from freezer to oven—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. If freezing after baking, let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly!

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pie for thanksgiving

Pie for Thanksgiving: 7 Irresistible Secrets to Delight


  • Author: Julia marin
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A delicious pie perfect for Thanksgiving celebrations.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon ice water
  • 4 cups sliced apples
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt.
  3. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Add ice water, mix until dough forms.
  5. Roll out dough and place in pie pan.
  6. In another bowl, mix apples, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar.
  7. Pour apple mixture into pie crust.
  8. Cover with top crust, seal edges, and cut slits for steam.
  9. Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown.
  10. Let it cool before serving.

Notes

  • Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for better flavor.
  • Serve with vanilla ice cream for a treat.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Thanksgiving pie, apple pie, holiday dessert

Over mij

Hoi, mijn naam is Julia. Ik ben het hart van Vihaad Recipes en een gepassioneerde liefhebber van lekker eten. Mijn liefde voor koken begon al in mijn kindertijd, geïnspireerd door de heerlijke maaltijden van mijn grootmoeder. Vandaag de dag deel ik smakelijke recepten die mensen samenbrengen door het gedeelde plezier van eten.

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