Alton Brown Apple Pie Crust Recipe

Alton Brown Apple Pie Crust Recipe is made with all-purpose flour, unsalted butter, vegetable shortening, and Applejack or apple brandy. This recipe creates a rich, flaky crust that holds a spiced apple filling made with Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, and Granny Smith apples. It takes about 6 hours and 40 minutes to prepare and serves 6 to 8.

Alton Brown Apple Pie Crust Recipe Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces, chilled
• 1/4 cup plus 2 teaspoons vegetable shortening, cut into 1/2-inch pieces, chilled
• 7 tablespoons Laird’s Applejack or apple brandy, such as calvados, chilled

For the Filling:

• 4 1/2 pounds (8 large) apples – mix of Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, and Granny Smith
• 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar, divided
• 1/4 cup tapioca flour
• 2 tablespoons liquid pectin (like Certo)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground grains of paradise

How To Make Alton Brown Apple Pie Crust Recipe

1. Make the Dough:

In a food processor, pulse flour, salt, and sugar 3–4 times. Add butter and pulse 5–6 times until mealy. Add shortening and pulse 3–4 times more. Drizzle in 5 tablespoons of Applejack and pulse 5 times. Add remaining Applejack and pulse until dough starts to pull together.

2. Form and Chill:

Dump dough onto a clean surface and shape into a ball. Divide in half, press into 1-inch-thick disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

3. Prepare the Apples:

Peel, core, and slice apples into 1/4-inch slices. Toss with 1/4 cup sugar and let sit for 45 minutes. Drain apples in a colander over a bowl for 45 minutes. Reduce the collected juice in a saucepan to 2 tablespoons and cool.

4. Mix the Filling:

Toss drained apples with remaining sugar, tapioca flour, pectin, vinegar, salt, and grains of paradise.

5. Assemble the Pie:

Preheat oven to 400°F. Roll one disk of dough into a 12″x12″ circle and fit into a 9.5″x2″ tart pan. Arrange apples in concentric circles, mounding slightly in the center. Drizzle with any remaining liquid.

6. Top the Pie:

Roll out second dough disk, place over apples, trim excess, and seal edges. Cut slits in top crust and brush with the reduced apple juice.

7. Bake and Cool:

Place pie on a foil-lined sheet pan and bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes. Cool on a rack for at least 4 hours before slicing.

Recipe Tips

• Chill Your Ingredients: Cold butter and shortening ensure a flaky crust.
• Use Applejack Wisely: Applejack adds flavor and helps bind the dough.
• Let the Filling Rest: Draining apples and reducing the juice concentrates flavor and prevents a soggy crust.
• Roll on Wax Paper: Easier transfer and cleanup with minimal sticking.
• Grains of Paradise: This unique spice adds a peppery-citrus note that elevates the pie.

What To Serve With Apple Pie

This apple pie pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, sharp cheddar cheese, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. It’s perfect with coffee or a spiced cider on a cool day.

How To Store Apple Pie

Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days.
Refrigerate: Store up to 5 days, covered loosely.
Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge and warm before serving.

Apple Pie Crust Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 520
• Total Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 64g
• Sugar: 28g
• Protein: 3g
• Sodium: 270mg

FAQs

Can I use all butter instead of shortening?
Yes, but shortening helps create a flakier texture. A mix offers the best of both worlds.

Is Applejack necessary?
It adds flavor and structure, but ice water with a splash of vinegar can be used instead.

What if I can’t find grains of paradise?
You can substitute with black pepper and a pinch of cardamom, though the flavor will differ.

Why reduce the apple juice?
Reducing the juice intensifies the apple flavor and prevents sogginess.

Can I use a regular pie dish instead of a tart pan?
Yes, just ensure it’s deep enough to hold the filling.

Try More Recipes:

• Alton Brown Apple Crisp Recipe
• Alton Brown Apple Cobbler Recipe
• Alton Brown Apple Cider Recipe