Mom’s Flat Apple Pie: Pure Comfort

Oh, hello there! If there’s one smell that instantly transports me back to my granny’s kitchen, it’s the warm, comforting aroma of apple pie baking. And not just any apple pie, but the kind that’s wonderfully rustic and just perfectly flat – my Mom’s Flat Apple Pie. This isn’t some fussy, fancy dessert; it’s pure, unadulterated comfort in a pie crust. It’s the kind of recipe I grew up with, made with simple ingredients that always come together to create something truly special. Trust me, this pie is like a warm hug on a plate, and I can’t wait to share it with you!

Why You’ll Love This Mom’s Flat Apple Pie

This Mom’s Flat Apple Pie is an absolute winner because it’s:

• Super Easy: Seriously, it’s a fantastic recipe for beginners or when you just need a no-fuss dessert.
• Deliciously Classic: Packed with warm spices and sweet apples, it’s that comforting, old-fashioned apple pie flavor everyone adores.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a holiday gathering, this pie is always a crowd-pleaser.

Simple Ingredients for a Delicious Flat Apple Pie

The beauty of this pie is how it uses straightforward ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. We’re not talking anything fancy here, just good, honest ingredients that come together to make something truly delicious. My granny always said the best food comes from the simplest stuff, and this pie is proof! Using a mix of apples really does make a difference, giving you the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, plus a lovely texture. Just make sure those apples are sliced nice and thin so they cook through perfectly.

Pie Crust

You’ll need 1 recipe for double pie crust. Feel free to use your favorite homemade recipe, or if you’re in a pinch, a good quality store-bought one works like a charm too!

Apple Filling Components

• 6 cups thinly sliced apples (about 6 medium apples – I love using a mix like Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp for sweetness, and Fuji for a good all-around texture!)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

For the Topping

• 1 egg, beaten (this is our egg wash for that gorgeous golden crust!)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for a little sparkle and crunch)

How to Prepare Mom’s Flat Apple Pie From Scratch

Alright, let’s get this pie made! Making this Mom’s Flat Apple Pie from scratch is actually way simpler than you might think, perfect for anyone dipping their toes into baking. We’ll go step-by-step, and before you know it, you’ll have a gorgeous pie ready to bake.

Preparing the Pie Crust and Filling

First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 400°F (200°C). While it’s warming up, take one of your pie crusts and roll it out on a lightly floured surface. You want a nice circle, about 12 inches across. Gently ease it into your 9-inch pie plate. Don’t worry about perfection here; a little rustic charm is part of the appeal! Trim and crimp those edges however you like. Now, for the filling: grab a big bowl and toss your thinly sliced apples with the sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Give it a gentle mix so all those lovely apples are coated in spice. It smells amazing already, doesn’t it?

Assembling Your Mom’s Flat Apple Pie

Now, carefully pour that beautifully spiced apple mixture into your prepared pie crust. Make sure it’s distributed evenly. Then, dot the top of the apples with those little pieces of butter. This is key for richness! Take your second pie crust and roll it out into an 11-inch circle. Lay this over the apple filling. Trim the edges, leaving about a half-inch overhang. Fold the top crust edge under the bottom crust’s edge and crimp them together to seal. You want to cut a few slits in the top crust – these are called vents, and they let the steam escape as it bakes, preventing any soggy bottoms. Finally, give the top crust a nice brush with that beaten egg wash and sprinkle the remaining tablespoon of sugar over it for that perfect sweet crunch.

Baking Your Delicious Flat Apple Pie

Into the hot oven it goes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes. You’ll see it start to puff up and get a little color. After those 20 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and let it bake for another 30 to 35 minutes. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown crust and for the filling to be all bubbly and gorgeous through those vents. If you notice the crust getting a bit too dark before the filling is ready, just loosely tent the pie with aluminum foil. It’s a simple trick that saves the day! Once it’s done, the hardest part is waiting – let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 to 3 hours. This is super important so the filling can set properly and you get those perfect slices.

Tips for Baking the Best Flat Apple Pie

Okay, so you’ve got the recipe, but a few little secrets can really take your Mom’s Flat Apple Pie from good to absolutely incredible. These are the things my granny always swore by, little touches that make all the difference.

Apple Selection and Preparation

Seriously, don’t skip the apple mix! Using a few different kinds, like Granny Smith for a bit of tartness and Honeycrisp or Fuji for sweetness and a good texture, makes the filling so much more interesting. And slice them thin and evenly – this is *so* important so they all cook through at the same time. No one wants crunchy apple bits in their pie!

The Crucial Cooling Period

I know, I know, the smell is torture and you just want to dive in! But please, please let your Mom’s Flat Apple Pie cool for at least 2 to 3 hours. This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s essential. That cooling time lets the juices thicken up and the filling to set properly. If you cut into it too soon, you’ll have a beautiful crust with a soupy mess inside. Patience is truly a virtue here!

Serving and Storing Your Mom’s Flat Apple Pie

Once your Mom’s Flat Apple Pie has had that all-important cooling time, it’s ready to be enjoyed! It’s perfect served slightly warm, or even at room temperature. Honestly, it’s delicious any way you slice it.

Serving Suggestions

This pie is absolutely divine on its own, but if you want to elevate it, a scoop of good vanilla ice cream is classic for a reason! A dollop of freshly whipped cream or even a drizzle of caramel sauce works wonders too. It’s just that perfect comforting dessert.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers? Lucky you! You can store your Mom’s Flat Apple Pie at room temperature, loosely covered, for up to two days. If you have more than that, pop it in the fridge. To reheat a slice, pop it in a moderate oven (around 350°F or 175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until it’s warmed through and that crust is crisp again. It’s like baking it fresh all over!

Frequently Asked Questions About Mom’s Flat Apple Pie

Got questions about making this lovely Mom’s Flat Apple Pie? I’ve got you covered! It’s pretty straightforward, but a few little tips can make all the difference.

Can I use different types of apples in my Mom’s Flat Apple Pie?

Oh, absolutely! Using a mix of apples is my favorite way to get the best flavor and texture. Tart apples like Granny Smith give it a nice tang, while sweeter ones like Honeycrisp or Fuji add a lovely sweetness and hold their shape well. Just avoid apples that turn mushy when cooked, like McIntosh.

My Mom’s Flat Apple Pie filling is too runny. What went wrong?

The most common culprit is cutting the pie too soon! Seriously, let it cool for those full 2-3 hours so the filling can set. Also, double-check that you used the right amount of flour and that your apples were sliced thinly and evenly. If you used really juicy apples, a little extra flour (maybe an extra tablespoon) can help too.

Can I make this flat apple pie recipe ahead of time?

You sure can! You can prepare the pie crusts and store them wrapped tightly in the fridge for a day or two, or even freeze them. You can also mix up the apple filling ingredients and toss the apples with the spices and flour, storing it covered in the fridge. Just assemble and bake it when you’re ready to serve for the best results!

Nutritional Information for Mom’s Flat Apple Pie

Just a little note that all the nutritional info here is an estimate, as it can vary a bit depending on the exact ingredients you use. But generally, a slice of this delicious Mom’s Flat Apple Pie typically has around 350-400 calories, about 25-30g of sugar, and 15-20g of fat. It’s a classic dessert, so enjoy it!

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