Easy Homemade Apple Pie Recipe in a Baking Dish

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch glass baking dish with butter or a light coat of cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples:

1. Peel and core the apples, then slice them into thin, even pieces.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the apple slices, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of flour. Toss the mixture until the apple slices are evenly coated.
3. Let the apples sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 3: Make the Batter:

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add in the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until you get a smooth batter with no lumps.
3. Pour half of the batter into the greased baking dish, creating an even layer at the bottom.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie:

1. Spread the prepared apple mixture evenly over the layer of batter in the baking dish.
2. Pour the remaining batter over the apple layer, spreading it gently to cover as much of the apples as possible. It’s okay if some apple pieces are peeking through.

Step 5: Bake the Apple Pie:

1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
2. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover it with aluminum foil after 30 minutes.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy:

1. Remove the apple pie from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Dust the top with powdered sugar if desired for a decorative finish.
2. Serve warm, either on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.

Tips for the Best Apple Pie in a Baking Dish:

• Choose the Right Apples: For a balance of tart and sweet, Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples are ideal. You can also mix apple varieties for a more complex flavor.
• Don’t Overfill with Apples: Make sure the apple layer is evenly spread and not too thick, as too many apples can prevent the batter from cooking through evenly.
• Let it Cool Slightly: This pie is best enjoyed warm, but letting it cool for a few minutes after baking helps the filling set and makes it easier to slice.

Storage and Reheating:

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or warm the whole dish in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through.