Delightful Apple Pecan Pie Recipe

Fall is the perfect season for cozy desserts, and nothing says autumn quite like an exquisite apple pecan pie. Combining the tart sweetness of apples with the rich, nutty flavor of pecans, this pie is a seasonal favorite that is sure to impress. Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving dinner or simply indulging in a weekend treat, this recipe is a must-try.

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
• 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water

For the Filling:

• 4 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (a mix of tart and sweet apples works best)
• 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Add the chilled, diced butter into the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing.
4. Shape the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples and chopped pecans.
2. Add brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, flour, and salt. Toss gently to coat the apples and pecans evenly.
3. Stir in the beaten eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. On a floured surface, roll out half of the chilled dough to fit a 9-inch pie plate. Place the rolled dough into the pie plate, trimming off any excess.
3. Pour the apple and pecan filling into the crust, spreading it evenly.
4. Roll out the second half of the dough and place it over the filling. You can create a lattice top for a decorative touch or simply cover the pie completely and cut a few slits for steam to escape. Seal and flute the edges.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

1. Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C).
2. Reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the filling is bubbly.
3. If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with strips of aluminum foil to prevent burning.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

1. Once baked, allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing. This cooling time helps the filling set perfectly.
2. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delightful treat.

Tips for the Perfect Pie

• Apple Varieties: Opt for a combination of apples like Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp or Fuji for sweetness.
• Pecan Toasting: For enhanced flavor, toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes before adding them to the filling.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the pie crust and filling a day in advance. Just assemble before baking.

Enjoy this luscious apple pecan pie, and make sure to share it with loved ones—it’s bound to bring smiles and warmth to any gathering! Happy baking!