Introduction:
There is something magical about the aroma of freshly baked apple pie that instantly transports me back to my childhood. Growing up, my grandma’s apple pie was a staple at every family gathering. The smell of warm cinnamon and the taste of perfectly sweetened apples have become ingrained in my memory. This recipe holds a special place in my heart, not just for its deliciousness but also for the memories it evokes. So, put on your apron and join me on a journey to recreate the enchanting flavors of my grandma’s unforgettable apple pie.

Ingredients:
For the Crust:
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
– 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
– ¼ to ½ cup ice water

For the Filling:
– 6-7 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or a mix of your favorites)
– ¾ cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
– ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Topping:
– ¼ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
– ½ cup all-purpose flour
– ⅓ cup granulated sugar
– ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
– ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
– A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preparing the Crust:
– In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar until well combined.
– Add the chilled cubed butter and, using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, incorporate it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
– Drizzle in ¼ cup of ice water, and gently mix with a fork until the dough starts to come together. Gradually add more water, as needed, until the dough holds together when squeezed in your hand.
– Divide the dough into two equal halves, shape each half into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.

2. Preparing the Filling:
– Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Place them in a large bowl.
– Add sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to the bowl of sliced apples. Toss gently until the apple slices are evenly coated. Set aside.

3. Assembling the Pie:
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
– Roll out one dough disk on a lightly floured surface into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. Transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish, gently pressing it into the bottom and sides.
– Pour the apple filling into the prepared crust, spreading it evenly.
– Dot the filling with small cubes of chilled butter for extra richness.

4. Making the Topping:
– In a separate bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
– Add the chilled cubed butter and, using your fingertips, pinch the butter into the dry ingredients until crumbly.

5. Finalizing:
– Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apple filling, covering it completely.
– Place the pie on a lined baking sheet and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
– If the edges start to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil.
– Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving.

Serving Suggestions:
– Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top to take it to the next level of delight.
– For a caramelized twist, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the pie as a finishing touch.
– Experiment with adding a handful of raisins or chopped walnuts to the filling for added texture and flavor.

Final Words:
Every time I take a bite of this apple pie, it feels like a hug from my grandma. The delicate balance of sweet and tart apples, the flaky crust, and the comforting crumb topping combine to create a dessert that transcends time and place. I hope this recipe brings you as much joy and nostalgia as it has brought me. So gather your loved ones, create new memories, and savor every bite of this remarkable apple pie.