Like many of the nation’s favorite recipes, the most popular baked good in America originated in Europe.
Apple pie is easily the most popular for new and experienced bakers alike.
A crumbly crust and tart-sweet filling combine to make one of the best desserts for special occasions or even as a mid-week treat.
Apple pie recipes range from simple and familiar to complex and elevated.
For new bakers, the simpler options are the best to go for.
The key to a good apple pie is not so much the recipe used, but the apple variety.
In America, there are countless options to go for, with all imparting their own special flavors and textures.
If you’re looking to master even the simplest recipe, consider how your choice of apples can make a difference.
Firm Apples Work Best
The baking process breaks down the carbohydrates and liquids in apples.
It’s important to choose firm varieties.
Tart or sweet is entirely up to you.
The best tart apples for baking pie include:
- Goldrush, Granny Smith, Suncrisp, Roxbury Russet, and Arkansas Black. Granny Smith is the most readily available and is ideal for any apple pie recipe.
If you’re looking for a pie with more sweetness, the following varieties will work best:
- Pink Lady, Baldwin, Opal, and Jonagold.
If you can’t find these varieties at your local grocer, you can always work with what’s available.
Consider buying a few different types and taste them at home to find the one that works best for you.
If your local apples are too tart for your taste, you can always add a little extra sugar to the recipe to get it just how you like it.
Cooking a Flawless Apple Pie
There are countless Apple Pie recipes to find online, but some of the best that we’ve found are curated in popular cookbooks.
Sister Pie by Lisa Ludwinski includes more than just recipes.
It’s a complete journey through a lifetime of baking, and it includes tips, techniques, and secrets of the best bakers.
The equipment you use also matters.
A pie dish is essential for cooking the most popular baked good in America.
While any glass dish will do, real ceramic pie pans will work the best.
Ceramic also means you can choose colored pans to suit your kitchen and dining décor.
An all-American apple pie served hot in a glossy red ceramic pan will impress your guests on holidays and special occasions.
They’re the perfect pairing for a great cookbook, and ceramic can last for a lifetime when well cared for.
If you’re in a rush and don’t have the time to prepare your dough, you can order ready-bake pie crusts.
These Immaculate Baking Pie Crusts are ideal for apple pie and similar recipes.
They’re incredibly affordable and contain all-natural ingredients.
Experiment With The Most Popular Baked Good in America
A great recipe book, the right pan, and a delicious crust will set you on your way to making the most popular baked good in America.
Apple pie is a favorite for any occasion, and it’s the best type of pie to choose when you get started with baking.
