The Ultimate Michigan Grown Apple Pie Recipe

If you want to be the ultimate baker in the kitchen, you need the ultimate Michigan-grown apple pie recipe.

First things first, we need to go on a delightful journey through the scenic orchards of Michigan, where crisp autumn breezes carry the tantalizing scent of freshly harvested apples.

… Or you can just go to the store and pick up some apples.  Either way works just fine. 

The Michigan Apple Pie Ingredients

Let’s begin.

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Ice water

For the Filling:

6-7 medium-sized Michigan apples, preferably a mix of Honeycrisp and Gala

½ cup granulated sugar

½ cup light brown sugar

¼ cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (but keep the bottle handy)

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

¼ teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice (you can use lime too)

1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

For the Topping:

1 tablespoon milk

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Michigan Apple Pie Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 420°F (215.6°C). Prepare yourself for the symphony of flavors that’s about to unfold.

Begin with the crust, the foundation of this apple pie masterpiece. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter and work it into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Slowly add ice water, a tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough just comes together. Be cautious not to overmix. Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disc, and wrap them in plastic wrap. Allow the dough to chill.  Just chill.  In the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.  

While the dough is chillin’, let’s focus on the star of our pie: the Michigan apple. Peel, core, and slice the apples into uniform pieces, about ¼ inch thick.  But you can slice however thick you like it.  Some people like it more thick than others, and to each their own. 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the apple slices, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and orange juice. Give it all a gentle toss until the apples are evenly coated.  Although you might be tempted, DO NOT EAT ANY! 

Retrieve the chilled dough from the refrigerator and roll out one of the discs on a lightly floured surface. Be Careful, transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish, gently pressing it into the bottom and sides.

Pour the apple mixture into the pie crust, making sure it is evenly distributed. Hit 3 areas of the filing with small pieces of butter, which will melt into the apples as they bake, adding a rich, buttery touch.

Roll out the second disc of dough and place it over the filling, or get creative with your own design.  Seal the edges of the pie by crimping them together with a fork or your fingers. This is your chance to create a unique, artistic touch on your pie so get crazy with it.  Just be mindful that thin strips of dough tend to burn easier, so maybe don’t go too thin? 

Brush the top crust with cream or milk and sprinkle it with granulated sugar.

This step not only adds a beautiful golden hue to the pie but also creates a caramelized, crispy crust that will leave you craving for more.

Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any potential spills, and then into the preheated oven. Bake for 18 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for an additional 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

At this time your home should be smelling great!

Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least an hour. This will allow the flavors to meld together, ensuring a perfect, sliceable delight.

Serve your Michigan Grown Apple Pie warm or at room temperature, with a MASSIVE serving of freshly whipped cream or a HUGE scoop of local vanilla ice cream. The contrasting combination of creamy sweetness against the warm, spiced apples is pure bliss.  

Michigan Apple Pie Responsibility Disclosure

Once you have eaten this; you are now the custodians of a Michigan recipe that ensures you embody Michigan more than Tim Allen doing the voiceover for a Pure Michigan commercial.

With that label, you have a responsibility to share this with a friend or family member and let them taste a piece of Michigan. 

So go forth, embrace the local flavors, and savor the taste of Michigan in every mouthwatering slice.

Just another reason why we call Michigan our home. 

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