What should apple pie taste like?

Flavors:

* Sweet: The dominant flavor should be sweet, coming from the apples and the sugar. The sweetness should be balanced, not overly cloying.

* Tart: The apples themselves bring a tartness, especially if you use Granny Smith or other tart varieties. This tartness balances the sweetness and adds complexity.

* Spice: Cinnamon is the most common spice, but nutmeg, allspice, or even a hint of ginger can add warmth and depth.

* Buttery: The crust, made with butter, adds a rich, buttery flavor.

* Vanilla: A touch of vanilla extract enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors.

Texture:

* Crispy: The crust should be flaky and crispy, with a satisfying crunch.

* Tender: The apple filling should be tender but not mushy, with the apples holding their shape.

* Juicy: The apples should be juicy and release their juices into the filling, creating a sauce that coats the crust.

Overall:

A perfect apple pie should be a harmonious blend of sweet, tart, spicy, and buttery flavors, with a contrasting texture of flaky crust and tender filling. It should evoke feelings of warmth, comfort, and nostalgia.

Bonus Tip:

While a perfect apple pie will be delicious, it's also important to consider personal preference. Some people prefer their pies sweeter, while others prefer them more tart. You can adjust the amount of sugar, spices, and even the type of apples used to create a pie that perfectly suits your taste.