Annabel Karmel: An Easy Apple Pie Recipe For Kids

Editor's note: The following is a guest post written by Annabel Karmel, the British children's chef and kiddie cookbook author. Here, Annabel shares step-by-step instructions for apple pie that tots can make for a holiday dinner (or any night of the week, really!).

This traditional dessert is a big favorite in North America — and at my house! I've used sharp green Granny Smith apples here, but sweet eating apples work well, too — just add a little less sugar. Following my recipe and step-by-step instructions, kids can take the lead in creating dessert for their holiday meal! Enjoy!

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Step 1: Make the Pastry

Step 1: Make the Pastry

Stir together the flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Add the cubes of butter and rub in until the mixture looks like fine bread crumbs.

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Step 2: Form a Ball

Step 2: Form a Ball

Stir in the egg mixture to make a soft dough. Add extra water, a teaspoon at a time, if necessary. Bring the dough together with your hands. Form into a disk about ½ inch thick. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.

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Step 3: Make the Filling

Step 3: Make the Filling

For the filling, first peel and core the apples.

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Step 4: Slice

Step 4: Slice

Slice the apples into pieces. (Stop them from turning brown by putting them in a bowl of water mixed with 1 tbsp lemon juice.)

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Step 5: Mix Together the Sugar and Cinnamon

Step 5: Mix Together the Sugar and Cinnamon

If you are soaking the apples, drain and pat them dry.

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Step 6: Add to Dish

Step 6: Add to Dish

Put half the sliced apples into an oval pie dish about 10 x 7 x 3 inches.

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Step 7: Sprinkle Half the Sugar Over the Top

Step 7: Sprinkle Half the Sugar Over the Top

Add the rest of the apples, then the remaining sugar. Dot with butter.

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Step 8: Roll Out Dough

Step 8: Roll Out Dough

Flour a board and rolling pin. Roll out the pastry until it is slightly larger than the dish.

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Step 9: Top Off Pie Dish

Step 9: Top Off Pie Dish

Brush the tip of the dish with beaten egg. Lift the pastry on the rolling pin and lay it over the filling. Cover the filling completely.

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Step 10: Cut Away Excess Pastry

Step 10: Cut Away Excess Pastry

Use a knife to create an even edge.

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Step 11: Crimp

Step 11: Crimp

Crimp the edge of the pastry to seal it to the dish.

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Step 12: Decorate

Step 12: Decorate

Decorate with pastry scraps, brush with egg, and cut a steam hole.

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Step 13: Bake

Step 13: Bake

Cook on a baking sheet for 20 minutes at 400˚F and bake for another 40 minutes.