If you’re looking to make cozy homemade pies, apple pie is a great recipe. Rustic Golden Orchard Apple Pie gives it a twist, perfect for family gatherings and holidays.
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Rustic Golden Orchard Apple Pie: A Classic American Dessert Recipe
Rustic Golden Orchard Apple Pie is perfect for a weekend dinner or potluck. This cinnamon-spiced, flaky, and buttery pie filled with apples is an American icon, a favorite in every home. This article will walk you through the easy recipe with a step-by-step guide. By the end, you’ll learn how to correct mistakes, as some questions will be answered, allowing you to become experienced, creating a pie that’s fragrant, golden, and absolutely delicious. Let’s get started.
What makes this rustic Golden Orchard Apple Pie unique—
- It’s made with everyday ingredients.
- Vinegar is incredibly easy to make.
- It strikes a balance between sweet and sour.
- It’s a great way to please guests.
- It’s flaky, buttery, and perfectly spiced.
Rustic Golden Orchard Apple Pie: All ingredients—
Ingredients for the Pie Crust:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cubed and chilled
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 7 to 8 tablespoons ice-cold water
Ingredients for the Apple Filling:
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 6 large apples
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 egg
Follow all instructions to make this Rustic Golden Orchard Apple Pie.
1. Preparing Homemade Pie Crust
A. Mixing the Dry Ingredients
Use a large bowl and combine the sugar, flour, and salt, mixing thoroughly.
B. Adding the Cold Butter
After mixing, add the cubed cold butter to the bowl.
You can use your fingers or a pastry cutter to incorporate the butter and continue mixing until it has the texture of coarse crumbs.
Tip: Using cold butter produces a more flaky crust.
C. Adding the Ice Water
Now sprinkle in 6 to 7 tablespoons of ice water, then gradually continue mixing, adding an additional 2 tablespoons of cold water if needed.
Stop when your dough comes together without breaking.
D. Dividing and Chilling
Divide the prepared dough into two equal discs, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
If you chill the dough, the gluten relaxes better, and your butter stays firm.
2. Preparing the Apple Pie Filling
A. Using the Apples:
First, peel the apples, core them, and then slice them.
You should cut the apples into thin, even slices.
Using a mix of sour and sweet apples maintains a balanced flavor.
B. Combining Seasonings and Flavors
Use a large bowl and combine the ingredients in the specified quantities:
cinnamon, brown sugar, lemon juice, chopped apples, granulated sugar, nutmeg, vanilla extract, flour
Keep mixing until the apples are thoroughly coated.
C. Letting the filling rest
First, let the apples rest for 8 to 10 minutes, then drain the juice and add the flavors, creating a truly rustic Golden Orchard Apple Pie.
3. Assembling the Pie
A. Rolling Out the Bottom Crust
First, take one dough disk, roll it out into a 12-inch circle, place it in a 9-inch pie dish, and press it down lightly.
B. Adding the Apple Filling
Fill the crust generously with your apple mixture and spread it evenly.
For a richer flavor, be sure to add two tablespoons of butter.
C. Rolling Out the Top Crust
Take another dough disk and roll it out.
You can:
Cover the entire top crust completely for a traditional top crust or create a beautiful lattice for a rustic look.
D. Sealing the Edge
Use your fingers or a fork to lightly press or cream the edge to seal it tightly.
E. Egg Wash
If you want a rustic Golden Orchard Apple Pie that looks shiny, brush the top crust with an egg wash for a golden finish.
F. Cutting Vents
If you use the entire top crust, cut 5 to 6 slits in it first to allow steam to escape.
4. Baking the Apple Pie
A. Preheat the oven to 425°F, 190°C.
- Bake at 425°F for 18 to 20 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to 375°F, 190°C, then bake for 36 to 40 minutes.
- Total baking time: 50 to 55 minutes.
B. Check for doneness.
- Your rustic Golden Orchard Apple Pie is ready when:
- The crust is golden brown.
- The apple filling continues to bubble from the vents.
C. Chill and then slice
- Be sure to chill the Rustic Golden Orchard Apple Pie for 2 hours after making it, so the filling sets properly and the slices don’t become runny.
Serving Suggestions:
Rustic Golden Orchard Apple Pie can be served with a few side dishes:
- With fresh whipped cream
- Great with vanilla ice cream
- With a sprinkle of cinnamon
- With a caramel drizzle
- Rustic Golden Orchard Apple Pie is perfect for Christmas, Thanksgiving,
- 4th of July, or any time you want a cozy dinner night.
Tips for the Perfect Rustic Golden Orchard Apple Pie –
- If you want a flaky crust, use cold butter, as hot butter melts too quickly and ruins the texture.
- Apples should always be sliced evenly, which maintains a consistent balance of sweet and sour, ensuring even baking.
- A mix of sweet and sour apples creates a perfect balance of flavors like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp.
- Be sure to chill the dough before rolling it out to prevent cracking and shrinkage.
- To prevent your Rustic Golden Orchard Apple Pie from burning, use a file after 15 to 20 minutes.
Avoid Common Mistakes –
There are some important mistakes to avoid when making a Rustic Golden Orchard Apple Pie, which are listed below. Please keep these in mind:
- Never add lemon juice, as it prevents oxidation and adds shine.
- Using only sweet apples can make your pie overly sweet.
- The pie should never be cut while it is still warm.
Storage –
- Rustic Golden Orchard Apple Pie can be stored at room temperature for 2 to 3 days.
- It can be stored in the refrigerator for 4 to 6 days.
- If you wish to store it for a longer period, slice it first before freezing it.
- To reheat, preheat the oven to 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes.
FAQ
Q. Why does pie filling become watery?
Reasons: When you don’t have enough flour
Because excess moisture is drawn out of the apples
When you slice the apples too thinly
If you let the filling rest after baking, this doesn’t happen.
Q. Can I use a store-bought crust?
Absolutely! While homemade is much better, on busy days, a store-bought crust saves time and works just fine.
Q. Which is the best crust to make for a rustic Golden Orchard apple pie?
A combination of Fuji, Granny Smith, Honey Crisp, and Braeburn gives a great texture and wonderful flavor.
Final Thoughts
Rustic Golden Orchard apple pie is a celebration of the breaking of the century in every American home, loved by all because it’s fun, warm, simple, and incredibly comforting. If you’re a beginner, this is a great recipe. So, this article will walk you through the easy, step-by-step process, and you’ll be a master at making it.
This pie transforms everyday items into a nostalgic dessert everyone loves. Whether you’re craving a holiday treat, thinking about baking, or just craving something homemade, this apple pie will never disappoint.