Homemade Pies Recipe

Making Homemade Pies from scratch is a great way to enjoy delicious, warm, and comforting desserts. Whether you prefer fruit pies, custard pies, or cream pies, there’s something special about baking a pie at home. Here’s a simple guide to making both pie crust and filling from scratch for a classic fruit pie:

Homemade Pie Recipe (Fruit Pie)

Ingredients:

For the Pie Crust (makes 2 crusts for top and bottom):

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
• 6-8 tbsp ice water

For the Filling (Apple Pie Filling Example):

• 6 cups apples (peeled, cored, and sliced; Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are great choices)
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp butter (optional, for dotting the filling)
• 1 egg (for egg wash, optional for a golden crust)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pie Crust:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients:

   • In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, and sugar.

2. Cut in the Butter:

   • Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender, fork, or your hands, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.

3. Add Ice Water:

   • Gradually add 6 tablespoons of ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time. Mix gently with a fork after each addition until the dough starts to come together. If the dough is still too dry, add an additional tablespoon of ice water.

4. Form the Dough:

   • Divide the dough into two equal portions. Form each into a ball and flatten them into discs. Wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before rolling out. This helps the dough relax and prevents it from shrinking when baking.

2. Prepare the Filling (Apple Pie Example):

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Mix the Filling:

   • In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until well coated. This will help thicken the juices while baking and add flavor to the apples.

3. Assemble the Pie:

1. Roll Out the Dough:

   • On a floured surface, roll out one of the dough discs to fit a 9-inch pie dish. The dough should be about 1/8-inch thick. Carefully place the dough into the pie dish, pressing it gently into the edges.

2. Add the Filling:

   • Pour the prepared apple filling into the crust. If desired, dot the filling with small pieces of butter for added richness and flavor.

3. Top the Pie:

   • Roll out the second dough disc and place it over the filled pie. Trim any excess dough from the edges, then crimp the edges together to seal the pie. Cut a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.

4. Egg Wash (Optional):

   • For a golden, shiny crust, beat the egg and brush it over the top crust. You can also sprinkle some sugar on top for a sweet finish.

4. Bake the Pie:

1. Bake the Pie:

   • Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling. You may want to check halfway through and cover the edges with aluminum foil if they are browning too quickly.

2. Cool the Pie:

   • Let the pie cool for at least 1-2 hours before serving to allow the filling to set.

Other Homemade Pie Options:

For a Classic Cherry Pie:

• Replace the apple filling with 4 cups of fresh or frozen cherries (or a combination of berries).
• Add sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and a little almond extract for extra flavor.

For a Pumpkin Pie:

• Make a simple pumpkin filling by combining 2 cups of canned pumpkin puree, 1 cup of heavy cream, 2/3 cup brown sugar, 2 large eggs, and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

For a Chocolate Cream Pie:

• Make a rich chocolate pudding with cocoa powder, sugar, milk, butter, cornstarch, and vanilla extract, then pour it into a baked pie crust and top with whipped cream.

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Tips for Perfect Homemade Pies:

• Chill the Dough: Always chill your dough before rolling it out to keep the butter solid and create a flakier crust.
• Fruit Pie Tip: When making fruit pies, be sure to drain any excess liquid from the fruit filling to avoid a soggy crust.
• Pie Crust Variations: You can add a tablespoon of vinegar to the pie crust dough for a flakier texture.
• Serving: Serve your homemade pies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Homemade pies are a comforting treat, and with a little practice, you’ll be able to make these from scratch with ease! Whether you choose fruit, custard, or cream pies, they are always a crowd favorite. Enjoy!