Getting a headstart on the holidays by baking desserts before the big meal is a hosting go-to. Here's what to know about prepping apple pie ahead of time.
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Katlyn Moncada is the associate food editor at BHG.com, sharing food news and tutorials on becoming better home cooks. She is a writer and editor with nearly a decade of experience in digital media, photography, and video production.
Updated on July 28, 2022
Whenever apples are in season (yay for fall!), a warm slice of old-fashioned apple pie filled with aromatic spices and covered in buttery crust really hits the spot. If you're getting a head start on your favorite fall baking recipes, you might be wondering if it's OK to assemble an apple pie in advance and bake it the next day. While this might sound like a good plan (and totally is for many desserts), you may want to reconsider prepping an apple pie ahead of time to bake later on. Read on to find out our Test Kitchen's recommendations for a make-ahead apple pie to make sure everyone gets to enjoy a fresh slice of the classic fall dessert.
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Can You Prep Apple Pie Ahead of Time?
Our Test Kitchen doesn't recommend assembling an apple pie before baking it at a later time. If made ahead without baking, the pastry crust can become too wet and end up soggy after baking. The best way to make your apple pie in advance? Bake the pie completely, then chill it overnight, allowing the pie to sit at room temperature for at least an hour before serving. If you don't have room in your fridge for a pie, there are still several ways you can easily make a homemade apple pie by doing a lot of the prep work ahead of time. Here are some tips for getting as close to creating a make-ahead apple pie as possible:
- Prep your pastry crust in advance: Luckily, pastry dough for pie is easy to make ahead of time and store in the fridge or freezer so you can bake a pie at a moment's notice. Use our Test Kitchen's method for make-ahead piecrust.
- Make homemade apple pie filling: Turn your freshly-picked apples into a delicious apple pie filling. You can even allow your homemade pie filling to keep for longer by canning it in jars so you'll have the filling ready to dump and bake whenever you need it.
If you're planning way ahead, you can also bake an apple pie in advance, cool it, and pop it in the freezer for up to four months. Once you're ready to serve, simply allow it to thaw at room temperature—you can also reheat the pie for 15 minutes (or until warmed through) in a 425 F oven so everyone gets a nice warm slice after dinner.
I'm an experienced culinary enthusiast with a deep understanding of various cooking techniques, recipe development, and the science behind food. I've spent considerable time exploring the intricacies of different cuisines, studying the art of baking, and delving into the nuances of ingredient combinations. My passion for the culinary arts extends to both traditional and modern approaches, allowing me to appreciate and comprehend the evolving landscape of food.
Now, let's dive into the article about prepping apple pie ahead of time. The author, Katlyn Moncada, who is the associate food editor at BHG.com, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience with nearly a decade in digital media, photography, and video production. This background indicates her proficiency in communicating culinary concepts effectively.
The article focuses on the preparation of apple pie, a classic fall dessert, and addresses the common query of whether it's advisable to assemble an apple pie in advance and bake it later. The Test Kitchen's recommendations play a crucial role in providing practical insights for home cooks. Here's a breakdown of the key concepts discussed:
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Assembling Apple Pie Ahead of Time:
- The Test Kitchen advises against assembling an apple pie before baking it at a later time. The reason provided is that the pastry crust may become too wet and end up soggy after baking.
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Alternative Approach:
- The recommended approach for making apple pie in advance is to bake the pie completely and then chill it overnight. Allowing the pie to sit at room temperature for at least an hour before serving ensures a fresh slice of the classic fall dessert.
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Prep Work Ahead of Time:
- To facilitate a more convenient baking process, the article suggests prepping the pastry crust in advance. The Test Kitchen's method for make-ahead piecrust is recommended for this purpose.
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Homemade Apple Pie Filling:
- The article encourages readers to turn freshly-picked apples into a delicious apple pie filling. Additionally, the homemade pie filling can be canned in jars for longer storage, providing the flexibility to bake a pie whenever needed.
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Freezing Apple Pie:
- For those planning ahead, the article suggests baking an apple pie in advance, cooling it, and freezing it for up to four months. Thawing at room temperature or reheating in a 425 F oven ensures a warm slice after dinner.
This comprehensive guide not only provides practical advice on the do's and don'ts of preparing apple pie ahead of time but also offers alternative methods and tips for those who wish to streamline the baking process while ensuring a delightful dessert experience.
