The Easiest Apple Pie

Serves 6–8

INGREDIENTS:

For the Filling:

4 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work well), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced

1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste based on apple sweetness)

1 tbsp lemon juice (to prevent browning and add brightness)

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional, for warmth)

1 tbsp cornstarch (to thicken the filling)

For the Crust:

1 sheet puff pastry (or pre-made pie crust)

1 tbsp unsalted butter , cut into small pieces

1 egg , beaten (for egg wash)

Optional Toppings:

Coarse sugar (for sprinkling)

Vanilla ice cream (for serving)

DIRECTIONS:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) . Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch until evenly coated. Set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

Unroll the puff pastry sheet onto the prepared baking sheet. Arrange the apple slices in an overlapping pattern on one half of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.

Dot the apples with small pieces of butter for extra richness.

Fold the other half of the pastry over the apples to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly and crimp with a fork to seal. Use a sharp knife to cut a few small slits in the top to allow steam to escape …