Homemade Apple Pie Recipe: Classic Comfort in Every Slice

Crisp autumn winds carry memories of grandma’s heartwarming apple pie wafting through cozy kitchens.

Sweet orchard fruits nestled beneath buttery pastry create magic on dinner plates.

Rustic charm meets delectable comfort in this classic dessert that connects generations.

Seasonal ingredients dance together, promising rich flavors and nostalgic moments.

Delicate spices whisper tales of home-baked traditions waiting to unfold.

Baking this pie invites warm conversations and shared laughter around the table.

You’ll feel like a culinary artist crafting edible memories with every slice.

Grab a fork and let the delicious journey begin!

Why Apple Pie Is A Timeless Favorite

• Create Nostalgic Family Memories: This classic apple pie recipe brings generations together, filling your kitchen with warm, comforting aromas that instantly transport you to cherished childhood moments.
• Master an Easy Baking Challenge: Perfect for beginners, this recipe offers simple step-by-step instructions that guarantee a delicious homemade pie, boosting your confidence in the kitchen with minimal effort.
• Celebrate Seasonal Autumn Delights: Packed with cinnamon, nutmeg, and fresh apples, this dessert captures the essence of fall, making it ideal for holiday gatherings, thanksgiving, or cozy weekend treats.
• Customize with Creative Twists: Easily adapt the recipe by experimenting with different apple varieties, adding nuts, or creating decorative crust designs to make this traditional dessert uniquely yours.

Everything Inside Apple Pie

• All-Purpose Flour, Salt: Base for a flaky, tender crust that holds the pie together.
• Unsalted Butter, Vegetable Shortening: Creates layers and rich flavor in the crust, cold butter works best.

• Apples: Sweet and tart filling that gives the pie its signature flavor, choose firm baking varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps caramelize the apple filling, brown sugar provides deeper flavor.

• Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg: Warm spices that enhance the apple's natural sweetness and provide classic pie aroma.

• Lemon Juice: Prevents apples from browning and adds bright acidity.
• Vanilla Extract: Deepens overall flavor complexity.
• All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the filling and prevents excess liquid.

• Egg, Milk: Creates a golden, shiny crust surface when brushed on top.

• Butter: Adds richness when dotted on top of filling before adding top crust.

How To Bake Apple Pie Right

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 425 degrees, getting it ready for pie magic.

Step 2: Craft the Bottom Crust

Gently roll out the first pie crust and nestle it into a cozy 9-inch pie pan, making sure it hugs the bottom and sides perfectly.

Step 3: Create Apple Flavor Explosion

• Sliced apples
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• All-purpose flour
• Ground cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Fresh lemon juice
• Vanilla extract

Toss everything together until the apples are beautifully coated with the sweet and spicy mixture.

Step 4: Build the Pie Foundation

Pour the apple mixture into the prepared crust, then dot the top with soft butter pieces for extra richness.

Step 5: Top It Off

Roll out the second crust and drape it over the apple landscape. Trim any extra dough hanging over the edges, then pinch and crimp the borders to create a beautiful seal. Slice a few strategic vents on top to let steam escape.

Step 6: Give It a Golden Glow

Whisk an egg with milk, then lovingly brush this mixture over the entire top crust to create a stunning golden finish.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any potential drips. Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’re looking for a crust that turns a gorgeous golden brown and a filling that bubbles with excitement.

Step 8: Prevent Over-Browning

If the crust starts turning too dark too quickly, gently cover the edges with aluminum foil halfway through baking.

Step 9: Let It Rest

Patience is key! Allow the pie to cool for at least two hours. This waiting period helps the filling set and makes slicing a breeze.

Smart Tips For Apple Pie Success

• Choose Perfect Apples: Select firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for balanced sweetness and structural integrity during baking.
• Control Moisture Masterfully: Sprinkle flour and cornstarch to prevent watery filling and ensure a thick, luscious apple pie consistency.
• Protect Pie Edges: Wrap aluminum foil around crust edges during baking to prevent over-browning and maintain a beautiful golden color.
• Create Flaky Crust Magic: Keep butter and ingredients extremely cold, handle dough minimally, and avoid overworking to achieve a delicate, tender pastry texture.
• Cooling Technique Matters: Allow pie to rest at room temperature for minimum two hours, enabling filling to set and preventing runny, messy slices when serving.

How To Keep Apple Pie Fresh

• Preserve your delicious apple pie's freshness by storing it properly.
• Keep the pie at room temperature, covered loosely with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, for up to two days.
• Refrigerate the pie if you want to extend its shelf life, where it will stay good for 4-5 days in an airtight container.
• Freeze leftover pie slices or the entire pie for up to 3 months by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Thaw frozen pie in the refrigerator overnight before serving, which helps maintain its texture and flavor.

What Goes Great With Apple Pie

• Pair with Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of rich, smooth vanilla ice cream alongside a warm slice of apple pie. The cold, velvety texture complements the hot, crispy crust perfectly.
• Match with Warm Cinnamon Tea: Brew a cup of aromatic cinnamon tea that echoes the warm spices in the pie. Its gentle heat and subtle sweetness enhance the apple pie's flavors.
• Enjoy with Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Add a slice of aged cheddar cheese to create a delightful sweet-savory contrast. The cheese's tangy bite cuts through the pie's sweetness, creating a complex taste experience.
• Sip Spiced Bourbon Cocktail: Mix a bourbon cocktail with hints of cinnamon and apple bitters. This sophisticated drink mirrors the pie's autumnal warmth and adds an elegant adult twist to dessert.

Tasty Spins On Classic Apple Pie

• Rustic Caramel Apple Pie: Drizzle homemade caramel sauce between apple layers before baking. Enhance the filling with chopped pecans for extra crunch and nutty depth.
• Maple Spice Apple Pie: Replace white sugar with pure maple syrup for rich sweetness. Add ground ginger and cardamom to complement the classic cinnamon flavor.
• Streusel-Topped Apple Pie: Skip the top crust and create a buttery crumb topping using flour, brown sugar, cold butter, and chopped walnuts. Sprinkle generously over the apple filling before baking.
• Bourbon-Infused Apple Pie: Mix a splash of bourbon into the apple filling for warm, complex notes. Incorporate dried cranberries for a tangy counterpoint to the sweet apples.

Apple Pie FAQ List

• What type of apples work best for this pie?

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Braeburn apples are ideal. They hold their shape well and provide a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness during baking.

• How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?

Sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs or ground nuts on the bottom crust before adding the apple filling. This helps absorb excess moisture and keeps the crust crisp.

• Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the pie and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, brush with egg wash and put directly in the preheated oven.

• Why is it important to let the pie cool for 2 hours?

Cooling allows the filling to set and thicken, preventing a runny texture. This helps the pie slice cleanly and hold its shape when served.

Apple Pie Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Homemade apple pie delivers classic comfort with layers of buttery crust and spiced fruit filling. Sweet cinnamon notes and flaky pastry transport taste buds to grandma’s kitchen, inviting delightful memories of warm, comforting desserts.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 6 to 7 cups peeled and sliced apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)
• 1 package (14 ounces / 397 grams) refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade crust for 9-inch double-crust pie)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Sugars and Sweet Components:

• ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (50 grams) brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Spices and Thickeners:

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon butter (cut into small pieces)
• 1 tablespoon milk

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Instructions

1. Prepare a generous workspace for assembling this classic dessert, ensuring all ingredients and tools are within reach.
2. Craft the bottom pastry layer by gently unrolling and pressing the dough into a 9-inch pie dish, creating a smooth foundation for the filling.
3. Transform sliced apples into a decadent mixture by combining them with sweet and aromatic seasonings, tossing until each slice is thoroughly coated with the fragrant blend.
4. Transfer the spiced apple medley into the prepared crust, distributing butter pieces strategically across the surface to enhance richness and flavor.
5. Delicately drape the remaining pastry over the apple landscape, trimming excess edges and creating an artful seal by crimping the borders with gentle pinches.
6. Craft a lustrous golden finish by whisking an egg wash and tenderly brushing it across the pie’s crown, ensuring even coverage.
7. Position the pie on a rimmed baking sheet to catch potential drips, then slide into a preheated oven set to a high temperature.
8. Monitor the pie’s transformation, rotating the baking sheet if necessary and shielding the crust’s edges with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
9. Allow the pie to rest and settle after emerging from the oven, giving the filling time to stabilize and develop a perfect, sliceable consistency.

Notes

• Choose crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor balance and structural integrity during baking.
• Create decorative lattice or intricate top crusts for a professional bakery-style presentation that elevates the visual appeal.
• Prevent soggy bottom crusts by preheating a baking sheet and placing the pie directly on the hot surface to ensure even heat distribution.
• Reduce sugar content for a healthier version by substituting part of the sugar with stevia or using less refined sweeteners like coconut sugar.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg