There’s something truly special about a homemade apple pie recipe. It brings warmth and comfort to any home. This timeless dessert features a flaky, buttery crust hugging a perfectly spiced apple filling. Get ready to create a dessert that tastes like a cozy hug. Follow our easy guide for perfect results every time and bake this beloved classic.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Apple Pie
Making this simple apple pie recipe will quickly become a cherished tradition. It delivers incredible flavor with minimal fuss. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- You’ll achieve a flaky, buttery crust that melts in your mouth.
- Enjoy a perfectly spiced apple filling, balanced with sweet and tart notes.
- Say goodbye to soggy bottoms; our tips ensure a crisp crust every time.
- Follow simple, straightforward steps, perfect for beginners and busy cooks.
- Create a crowd-pleasing dessert that everyone will adore.
- This homemade pie is perfect for any holiday, celebration, or simple family dinner.
Classic Homemade Apple Pie
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar for the crust. Add cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter (or your fingers) to cut butter into flour until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice-cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Divide dough into two portions, shape into discs, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Peel, core, and slice the apples thinly. In a large bowl, toss apple slices with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Let rest 15–20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C). On a floured surface, roll out one disc of chilled dough to about 12 inches in diameter. Gently press into a 9-inch pie dish, trimming excess dough. Fill crust with the apple mixture, then dot with small pieces of butter.
- Roll out the second dough disc and use to cover the pie, sealing and crimping the edges. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Brush the top with the egg + milk mixture (egg wash) for golden finish.
- Bake the pie for 50–60 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If edges brown too quickly, cover the rim with foil. Remove from oven and let cool for at least 2 hours before slicing so the filling sets.
Notes
Ingredients
Gather these fresh ingredients to create your delicious homemade apple pie recipe. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect taste and texture.
Pie Crusts: 2 (9-inch) pie crusts (store-bought or homemade)
Apples: 7 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced into ½-inch pieces
Granulated Sugar: ½ cup
Light Brown Sugar: ½ cup, loosely packed
All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons
Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
Ground Nutmeg: ⅛ teaspoon
Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon
Lemon Zest: Zest of half a lemon
Egg Wash: 1 large egg, lightly beaten in a small bowl
Sanding Sugar: 2 tablespoons (optional, for sparkling crust)
Notes & Substitutions
Selecting the right apples is key for the best flavor and texture in your apple pie. For baking, firm, slightly tart varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Jonathan, Jazz, Jonagold, Golden Delicious, or Pink Lady work wonderfully. A mix of two or three types adds complexity. You can use store-bought refrigerated pie crusts for convenience, or try our flaky homemade pie crust recipe for an authentic touch. All-purpose flour helps thicken the filling; you can also use cornstarch for a gluten-free option. Adjust sugar amounts based on your apple variety and sweetness preference. For extra spice, try a pinch of allspice or ginger. As explained by the Home Science Tools Learning Center, lemon juice brightens the flavors and prevents apples from browning. If you omit the egg wash, brush the crust with milk or cream for a golden finish.
Equipment
You don’t need many special tools for this delightful apple pie recipe. These essential items will help you bake with ease.
- 9-inch deep-dish pie plate
- Large mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Sharp knife
- Small bowl (for egg wash)
- Pastry brush
- Baking sheet
- Pie shield or aluminum foil strips (optional, for crust edges)
Instructions
Creating this classic apple pie recipe is straightforward with our step-by-step guide. Follow along for perfect results.
Begin by preparing your flaky pie crust recipe, which yields two 9-inch pie crusts. One will be for the bottom, and one for the top. The pie dough needs to chill for at least one hour before you roll it out. Alternatively, use store-bought pie crusts and follow the package directions for thawing.
Position your oven rack in the center, then preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). This initial high heat helps the crust become flaky.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Toss all the ingredients gently to ensure the apples are evenly coated with the spice mixture.
Remove one disc of pie crust dough from the fridge and let it rest at room temperature for 5-10 minutes. On a lightly floured surface, roll it into a 12-inch circle about ⅛-inch thick. Carefully lay this crust into the bottom of your deep-dish pie plate.
Spoon the apple filling over the bottom crust, mounding it slightly in the center. Be sure to discard any excess liquid that has accumulated at the bottom of the bowl. This prevents a soggy bottom crust. Roll out the second disc of pie crust until it is also ⅛-inch thick, then gently lay it over the apple filling.
Use a sharp knife to trim the excess dough along the outside edge of the pie plate, leaving about a half-inch overhang. Lift the edges where the two pie crusts meet, gently press them to seal, and then fold them under. Rotate the pie plate and repeat this process until all edges are neatly tucked under themselves. You can then crimp the edges with your fingers or a fork for a decorative finish. Cut four slits in the top of the dough to allow steam to vent during baking. This helps prevent the crust from puffing up. Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any potential drips.
Brush the surface of the top pie crust with the lightly beaten egg wash, then sprinkle it with sanding sugar if desired. Cover the edges of the pie with a pie shield or thin strips of aluminum foil. This step is crucial to prevent them from over-browning during the first 25 minutes of baking.
Bake the pie at 400°F (204°C) for 25 minutes. Carefully remove the pie shield or foil strips. Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for an additional 30-35 minutes. The pie is ready when the top crust is golden brown and the juices bubbling visibly through the steam vents.
Finally, cool the baked pie at room temperature for at least 3 hours. This cooling period is important for the filling to set properly, ensuring a perfect slice every time.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Pie
Achieve an amazing apple pie recipe every time with these expert tips. They help prevent common baking issues and enhance flavor.
- Prevent soggy crust: Drain any excess liquid from the apple mixture before adding it to the pie shell.
- Choose firm, tart apples: Varieties like Granny Smith hold their shape and provide excellent flavor.
- Do not pre-cook apple slices: The apples will soften perfectly during the baking process.
- Chill dough for best flakiness: Cold butter in the dough creates steam, leading to a truly flaky crust.
- Use a pie shield for even browning: This protects the delicate edges from burning while the center bakes.
- Cut apples uniformly: Consistent ½-inch slices ensure the apples cook evenly throughout the pie.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This classic apple pie recipe is delightful on its own, but can be elevated further. Learn how to serve it perfectly, store it for freshness, and explore exciting variations.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your warm apple pie with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The cold, melting ice cream is a perfect contrast to the warm, spiced apples. You can also offer it with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a drizzle of rich caramel sauce for an extra treat.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover apple pie at room temperature, loosely covered, for up to two days. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate the pie, well-covered with plastic wrap or foil, for up to five days.
Freezing Instructions
- Baked Pie: Cool the baked pie completely. Freeze it uncovered until solid, then wrap it tightly in several layers of plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.
- Unbaked Pie: Prepare the pie as directed but do not cut steam vents. Freeze the assembled pie until solid. Once frozen, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Store for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, unwrap and cut vents. Bake from frozen at 400°F (204°C) for 20 minutes, then reduce heat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 60-80 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
Recipe Variations
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of allspice, ground ginger, or cardamom to the apple filling for a deeper flavor profile.
- Add nuts: Incorporate ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the apple filling for extra crunch and richness.
- Streusel topping: Instead of a top crust, crumble a streusel mixture (flour, sugar, butter, oats) over the filling for a different texture.
- Apple blends: Experiment with different apple varieties. Combine sweet apples like Honeycrisp with tart Granny Smiths for a more complex flavor.
Nutrition Information
Making this classic apple pie recipe for your family is a delicious choice. Here are the approximate nutritional values per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 |
| Carbohydrates | 60g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugars | 35g |
Nutrition facts are approximate and based on 8 servings. Calculations may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Find quick answers to common questions about baking the perfect apple pie recipe.
How do you keep the bottom crust of apple pie from getting soggy?
Drain any excess liquid from the apple mixture before filling the crust. You can also pre-bake the bottom crust for 10-15 minutes, though this recipe doesn’t require it.
Should I cook apples before making pie?
No, it is generally not necessary to cook apples before making pie. The apples will soften and cook perfectly during the oven baking process.
How do I freeze a baked apple pie?
Cool the baked pie completely, then freeze it uncovered until solid. Once frozen, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn.
How do I freeze an unbaked apple pie?
Prepare the pie as directed, but do not cut steam vents in the top crust. Freeze the assembled pie until solid, then wrap it securely and bake from frozen when ready.
What is the best way to cut apples for pie?
Slice your apples uniformly into ½-inch thick pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and retain some texture in the finished pie.
For the best apple pie, consider the recommendations from King Arthur Baking on selecting pie apples based on flavor and texture.
What kind of apples should you use for an apple pie?
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Jonathan, Jazz, Golden Delicious, Jonagold, and Pink Lady apples are excellent choices. They hold their shape well during baking and offer a balanced flavor.
Conclusion
Mastering this classic apple pie recipe truly brings the heart of home baking to your kitchen. With its flaky crust and perfectly spiced, tender apple filling, it’s a dessert that never disappoints. We’ve made it simple for you to achieve delicious results every time. Go ahead, gather your ingredients, and create this timeless dessert that everyone will adore. Your taste buds, and your family, will thank you!
