Golden Apple Pie is a classic American dessert that celebrates the natural sweetness and bright flavor of fresh apples. Recipes like this became especially popular during the mid-20th century, when home bakers relied on simple pantry ingredients and seasonal fruit to create comforting family desserts. The combination of tart apples, warm cinnamon, fresh lemon, and a rich buttery filling creates a balanced flavor that highlights the fruit without overwhelming it. A touch of cream adds richness while the flaky double crust bakes to a beautiful golden brown. Perfect for holidays, Sunday dinners, or everyday baking, this timeless pie delivers the familiar aroma and comforting taste that have made apple pie one of America's most cherished desserts.
Ingredients
- 6 to 7 Golden Delicious apples (peeled, cored, and sliced)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (unsifted)
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp grated lemon zest
- 2 tbsp butter (or margarine)
- 1 tsp granulated sugar (for topping)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pastry
- Roll out half of the pastry and line a 9-inch pie plate.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples
- Peel, core, and slice the apples into a large bowl.
Step 3: Make the Filling
- Combine the heavy cream, flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and grated lemon zest.
- Mix until smooth.
Step 4: Fill the Pie
- Add the sliced apples to the cream mixture.
- Toss until evenly coated.
- Transfer the filling to the prepared pie shell.
- Dot the top with butter or margarine.
Step 5: Add the Top Crust
- Roll out the remaining pastry.
- Place it over the filling.
- Seal and crimp the edges.
Step 6: Vent and Finish
- Cut several slits in the top crust.
- Sprinkle the crust with 1 teaspoon sugar.
Step 7: Bake
- Bake at 400°F for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
- Allow the pie to cool for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving.
Tips
- Use Granny Smith apples for a tarter pie.
- Mix two apple varieties for more complex flavor.
- Brush the crust with egg wash for extra shine.
- Sprinkle coarse sugar on the crust for added crunch.
- Add ¼ teaspoon ground cloves for deeper spice flavor.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
- Chill the dough before rolling for a flakier crust.
- Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch drips.
- Let the pie cool completely for cleaner slices.
Nutrition
Calories: 425kcalCarbohydrates: 54gProtein: 4gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 42mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 225mgFiber: 4gSugar: 27gVitamin A: 620IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 2mg