Pillsbury apple pie recipe is a beloved classic that combines the convenience of pre-made crust with the comforting flavors of homemade apple filling. This timeless dessert is perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to holiday celebrations. In this article, we’ll guide you through creating the perfect Pillsbury apple pie, ensuring a delicious result every time.

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How to Make Pillsbury Apple Pie

Making a Pillsbury apple pie is simpler than you might think. By using Pillsbury’s ready-made pie crust, you can focus on creating a delectable apple filling that will tantalize your taste buds. The key to a great apple pie lies in selecting the right apples, balancing the sweetness and spices, and achieving the perfect texture in both the crust and filling.

Ingredients For Pillsbury Apple Pie Recipe

For the Crust

1 box Pillsbury refrigerated pie crusts, softened as directed on box

For the Filling

6 cups thinly sliced, peeled apples (about 6 medium)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Topping

1 tablespoon milk
2 teaspoons coarse sugar (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Heat your oven to 425°F (218°C). This high temperature will help create a crisp, golden crust.

Prepare the Pie Crust

Remove one pie crust from the package and let it soften at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
Unroll the crust and place it in a 9-inch glass pie plate, pressing firmly against the sides and bottom.

Create the Apple Filling

In a large bowl, mix the sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
Stir gently until all apples are evenly coated with the sugar and spice mixture.

Fill the Pie

Spoon the apple mixture into the crust-lined pie plate, mounding the apples slightly in the center.

Add the Top Crust

Unroll the second crust and place it over the filling.
Seal the edges by pressing the top and bottom crusts together, then trim excess dough, leaving about 1/2 inch overhang.
Fold the edge under and crimp decoratively.

Prepare for Baking

Cut several small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
Brush the top crust with milk and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.

Bake the Pie

Place the pie on the middle rack of the preheated oven.
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

Cool and Serve

After baking, let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving.
This cooling time allows the filling to set, making it easier to slice and serve.

Tips for Making the Perfect Pillsbury Apple Pie

Choose the Right Apples: Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for a balanced flavor. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Braeburn apples are excellent choices.
Slice Apples Uniformly: Ensure your apple slices are of similar thickness for even cooking.
Prevent a Soggy Bottom: Sprinkle some flour or breadcrumbs on the bottom crust before adding the filling to absorb excess moisture.
Create a Lattice Top: For a more visually appealing pie, try creating a lattice top with strips of dough instead of a solid top crust.
Use an Egg Wash: For an extra-golden crust, brush the top with an egg wash (1 beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon of water) instead of milk.

What to Serve with Pillsbury Apple Pie

Pillsbury apple pie is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it with these pairings:

Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic à la mode combination.
Whipped Cream: Homemade or store-bought, it adds a light, creamy touch.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: A slice of cheddar complements the sweetness of the apples.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over each slice for added indulgence.

Ingredient Substitutes

Apples

Pears: For a different twist, use pears instead of apples.
Peaches: Create a peach pie using the same spice blend.

Sugar

Brown Sugar: Replace half the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a richer flavor.
Honey: Use 1/2 cup of honey instead of 3/4 cup sugar for a natural sweetener.

Spices

Apple Pie Spice: Use 1 teaspoon of apple pie spice instead of individual spices.
Cardamom: Add a pinch for an exotic flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

The Pillsbury apple pie recipe offers a perfect balance of convenience and homemade taste. By using Pillsbury’s ready-made crust and following our tips, you can create a delicious apple pie that rivals those made entirely from scratch. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe ensures a crowd-pleasing dessert that embodies the essence of comfort food. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the sweet aroma of freshly baked apple pie filling your home.