Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will help the crust get golden and crispy while the apples soften perfectly.
2. Prepare the Apples:
- Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin slices (about 1/4-inch thick). You can also use an apple slicer to make this step even faster!
- Place the apple slices in a large mixing bowl.
3. Make the Filling:
- Add the white sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), flour, and lemon juice to the apples.
- Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated in the sweet, spiced mixture. The flour helps to thicken the juices released by the apples while baking, so you get a deliciously smooth filling.
4. Prepare the Pie Crust:
- Unroll one pie crust and lay it in a 9-inch pie dish, gently pressing it into the bottom and up the sides. Trim any excess dough, leaving about an inch hanging over the edge.
- If you want a top crust, unroll the second pie crust and set it aside for now.
5. Assemble the Pie:
- Pour the apple filling into the pie crust, spreading it out evenly.
- If you like, dot the top of the apples with small pieces of unsalted butter for extra richness (optional).
- Place the second pie crust over the top, sealing the edges by crimping them with your fingers or a fork.
- If desired, cut a few slits into the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
6. Egg Wash (Optional): For a golden, glossy finish, mix the egg and milk together in a small bowl and brush the top of the pie with the egg wash.
7. Bake:
- Place the pie on a baking sheet (just in case any filling bubbles over) and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the apples are tender. You may need to cover the edges of the pie crust with aluminum foil after 20 minutes to prevent them from getting too dark.
- If you notice the top crust is getting too dark before the pie is fully baked, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking.
8. Cool and Serve:
- Once the pie is done, let it cool for at least 20–30 minutes before slicing. This allows the filling to set and makes it easier to cut.
- Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.