Few things say “home” quite like a slice of Southern-style apple pie, and Chef Ed’s version is the definition of down-home comfort. With buttery, flaky crust and tender apples drenched in a warm spiced syrup, this dessert doesn’t just bring smiles—it brings memories. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or cooled on the windowsill like Grandma used to do, this pie is Southern hospitality in every bite.

Ingredients

For the Filling:

  • 6 large green apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup Jack Daniels Bourbon
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tsp. dark vanilla
  • ¼ tsp ground allspice
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed

For the Crust (Double Crust Pie):

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, very cold and cubed
  • 6–8 tbsp iced milk

Egg Wash:

  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 tbsp milk

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add ice water one tablespoon at a time until dough holds together. Divide in half, shape into disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least an hour.

Step 2: Make the Filling
In a large bowl, toss apple slices with lemon juice. In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and a pinch of salt. Combine the apples with the sugar-spice mixture and let them sit for about 15 minutes to develop a syrup.

Step 3: Roll Out the Crust
On a floured surface, roll one dough disk into a 12-inch round and line a 9-inch pie dish, leaving some overhang. Spoon in the apple filling, including the juices, and dot with cubed butter.

Step 4: Add the Top Crust
Roll out the second dough disk and lay it over the filling. Trim and crimp the edges, tucking them under or fluting as desired. Cut slits or create a lattice for ventilation. Brush the crust with the egg wash for that golden-brown finish.

Step 5: Bake It
Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Bake pie on the lower rack for 20 minutes, then reduce heat to 350°F (177°C) and bake for another 30–35 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden and the filling bubbles through the slits.

Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let pie cool for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of heavy cream for full Southern effect.

Tag words: apple pie, southern dessert, chef ed, homemade pie, granny smith apples, buttery crust, pie crust recipe, deep south pie, flaky pie, spiced apples, comfort food, rustic dessert, homemade baking, southern recipes, classic pie, chef special, cozy desserts, cinnamon nutmeg apple pie, holiday pie, family favorite, lattice crust, country pie, traditional dessert, golden crust, sugar spice apple, dessert table, chef ed desserts, from scratch pie, vintage dessert, all-American pie, pie from scratch, food memories, heirloom dessert, soulful baking, warm pie, fall dessert, winter dessert, Sunday supper, homemade treat, home baked, ice cream pie, southern charm, festive baking, best apple pie, flaky pastry, chef curated, pie lover's dream, homemade crust, sweet tooth fix

add a scoop of ice cream on top of a slice of cheddar cheese

Chef Ed’s Notes

This apple pie gets its Southern charm from the spice blend and the rustic, buttery crust. The choice of Granny Smith apples ensures a balance of tartness and structure—they won’t go mushy during baking. Don’t rush the chilling process: a cold crust makes all the difference when achieving that flaky bite.

If you’re feeding a crowd, double the recipe and make a slab pie. Want to dress it up? Add a splash of bourbon to the filling for an extra depth of flavor that’ll make your guests tip their hats.

This pie is more than dessert—it’s a tradition.

 

 

 

 

References:

  • McGee, H. (2004). On Food and Cooking: The Science and Lore of the Kitchen. Scribner.
  • America’s Test Kitchen. (2022). The Perfect Pie: Your Ultimate Guide to Classic and Modern Pies.
  • USDA FoodData Central. (2024). Nutritional data for Granny Smith apples and standard pie ingredients.
  • Southern Living Magazine. (2023). “Classic Southern Apple Pie Recipes.” Retrieved from southernliving.com.

Let me know if you want every recipe from now on to include references automatically, boss.