There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma and taste of a classic, homemade apple pie recipe. This dessert truly captures the essence of warmth and tradition. Our recipe guides you through creating a flaky, buttery crust and a perfectly saucy, spiced apple filling. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will earn you rave reviews from family and friends.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Apple Pie Recipe
- This apple pie recipe features a truly flaky, buttery homemade crust that’s surprisingly simple to make.
- You’ll enjoy a perfectly saucy apple filling, bursting with sweet-tart flavor and warming spices.
- Despite its professional appearance, this pie is easy to prepare, perfect for beginners and busy parents.
- It consistently receives rave reviews, making it a reliable dessert for any occasion.
- This recipe is ideal for holiday gatherings, especially Thanksgiving, bringing warmth to your table.
Ingredients
To craft this delicious apple pie recipe, gather these essential components for both the crust and the filling. Using quality ingredients ensures the best flavor and texture every time.
For the Double Pie Crust:
- 1 recipe for double pie crust (your favorite homemade recipe or store-bought)
For the Apple Pie Filling:
- 2 1/4 lbs Granny Smith Apples, peeled, cored (approx. 6-7 apples or 7 cups thinly sliced)
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 8 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg, plus 1 Tbsp water, for egg wash
Notes & Substitutions
Granny Smith apples are the star for their tartness and firm texture, holding up beautifully during baking. For further insights on selecting the best varieties for your pie, Serious Eats offers a comprehensive guide to apples for apple pie. If you prefer, a mix of Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn apples can add more sweetness and complexity. Remember to adjust the sugar slightly if using sweeter apple varieties. While homemade crust is highly recommended for the best flavor, a good quality store-bought pie crust is a convenient alternative. For an extra layer of warmth, consider adding a pinch of ground nutmeg to your apple filling alongside the cinnamon.
Equipment
Having the right tools makes baking this classic dessert a breeze. You’ll need just a few standard kitchen items for this apple pie recipe.
- Rolling pin
- 9-inch pie plate
- Medium saucepan
- Large mixing bowl
- Pizza cutter (for lattice strips)
- Pastry brush
- Optional: Apple peeler/corer/slicer tool
Instructions
Follow these clear, step-by-step instructions to create your perfect homemade apple pie recipe. Each stage is designed to be beginner-friendly.
- Prep the Crust: First, prepare your pie crust recipe according to its instructions. Make sure to chill the dough properly while you get the filling ready. Preheat your oven to 425˚F.
- Make the Filling Base: In a medium saucepan, melt 8 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and continue to simmer for 1 minute, whisking constantly to create a roux.
- Cook Filling Sauce: Whisk in 1/4 cup of water and 1 cup of granulated sugar to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 3 minutes, whisking frequently until the sauce thickens. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and thinly slice about 7 cups of apples. Place these apple slices into a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle the top with 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon and toss gently to ensure the apples are evenly coated.
- Combine Apples & Sauce: Pour the prepared butter and sugar sauce over the cinnamon-tossed apple slices. Stir everything together well, making sure all the apple pieces are thoroughly coated with the delicious sauce.
- Roll Bottom Crust: Lightly flour your work surface. Roll out one half of your chilled pie dough into a 12-inch diameter circle. Carefully wrap the dough around your rolling pin to help transfer it smoothly into the 9-inch pie plate.
- Add Filling: Spoon the apple mixture into the pie crust. Mound the apples slightly in the center, creating a gentle dome. Be careful to avoid getting any filling on the edges of the crust, as this can make sealing difficult.
- Create Lattice Top: Roll out the second half of your pie crust into an 11-inch round. Use a pizza cutter to cut the dough into 10 strips of even thickness. Arrange these strips in a woven lattice pattern over the apple filling. If you need help, there are many video tutorials available for visual guidance.
- Seal and Egg Wash: Crimp the edges of your pie crust firmly to seal the top and bottom crusts together. In a small bowl, beat together 1 egg and 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush this mixture generously over the entire top crust, including the lattice strips and crimped edges.
- Bake Pie: Place the pie in the center of your preheated oven. Bake at 425˚F for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350˚F and continue baking for another 45 minutes.
- Check Doneness: The pie is ready when the apples are soft when pierced with a knife and the filling is visibly bubbling through the lattice vents for at least 5 minutes. This ensures the apples are cooked through and the sauce is perfectly set.
- Cool Before Serving: This is a crucial step! Allow your baked pie to rest at room temperature for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the filling to set properly, preventing it from being too runny.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- Prevent Over-Browning: If your crust edges start to brown too quickly, loosely cover them with a pie shield or aluminum foil. This protects the crust while the filling finishes baking.
- Avoid Overcooking Sauce: Watch the filling sauce carefully when simmering. Overcooking can cause it to separate or become too thick. Simmer just until it visibly thickens.
- Ensure Flaky Crust: Always make sure your pie dough is properly chilled before rolling and baking. Cold butter is key to a flaky, tender crust for this apple pie recipe.
- Thick Pie Juices: Patience is a virtue here! Allowing the pie to cool completely, ideally for at least an hour, lets the filling juices thicken up perfectly. Don’t rush it.
- Efficient Apple Prep: For faster apple preparation, consider investing in an apple peeler, corer, and slicer tool. It can save a lot of time and effort.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This classic apple pie recipe is delightful on its own, but also incredibly versatile for serving and adapting.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your warm apple pie with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream. A dollop of fresh whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce also makes a decadent addition.
Storage at Room Temperature:
A freshly baked apple pie can be stored at room temperature, loosely covered with foil or plastic wrap, for up to 2 days. Keep it away from direct sunlight.
Refrigeration:
For longer storage, refrigerate leftover pie, tightly covered, for up to 4-5 days. This is especially recommended if your kitchen is warm.
Freezing Instructions:
You can freeze a fully baked apple pie! Once completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. It will last in the freezer for up to 3-4 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in a 350˚F oven until warmed through.
Flavor Variations:
Experiment with additional spices! A pinch of ground cloves or allspice can add extra warmth to your apple filling. A tablespoon of lemon juice brightens the flavors.
Crust Variations:
Beyond the classic lattice, try a full top crust with decorative cutouts or a crumb topping for a different texture.
Nutrition
Here is the estimated nutritional information per serving for this delicious apple pie recipe. Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 379.61 kcal |
| Carbs | 55.44 g |
| Protein | 2.75 g |
| Fat | 17.67 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9.14 g |
| Cholesterol | 50.56 mg |
| Sodium | 98.27 mg |
| Potassium | 164.71 mg |
| Fiber | 3.87 g |
| Sugar | 38.25 g |
| Vitamin A | 448.45 IU |
| Vitamin C | 5.87 mg |
| Calcium | 21.89 mg |
| Iron | 0.96 mg |
Disclaimer: Nutrition information is an estimate based on ingredients used and is provided for informational purposes only. Actual values may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the best apples for apple pie?
Granny Smith apples are highly recommended due to their tartness and firm texture, which prevents them from turning mushy. A mix with sweeter, firm varieties like Honeycrisp also works wonderfully.
How do I prevent my apple pie from having a watery filling?
Ensure you cook the butter, flour, sugar, and water mixture until it’s thick before adding it to the apples. Also, allowing the baked pie to cool for at least an hour helps the filling set properly.
Why is my pie crust burning too quickly?
If the edges are browning too fast, loosely cover them with aluminum foil or a pie shield. This protects the delicate crust while the center of the pie continues to bake thoroughly.
Can I use store-bought pie crust for this recipe?
Absolutely! While homemade crust is fantastic, a good quality store-bought crust is a convenient shortcut. It still yields a delicious result for this apple pie recipe.
How long does homemade apple pie last?
A baked apple pie lasts up to 2 days at room temperature, loosely covered. When refrigerated, it will stay fresh for 4-5 days, making it great for enjoying throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
This homemade apple pie recipe truly simplifies baking, making it accessible for everyone, including beginners and busy parents. With its flaky crust and perfectly spiced, saucy apple filling, you’re guaranteed a delicious dessert that tastes like a labor of love without the fuss. Whether for a holiday feast or a cozy family treat, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite. We encourage you to try it and share your delightful creations and ratings in the comments below!
The BEST Apple Pie Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the pie crust as directed and chill it while preheating your oven to 425˚F.
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan, whisk in flour and simmer for one minute. Then, whisk in water and sugar, bring to a boil, and simmer for 3 minutes before removing from heat.
- Peel, core, and thinly slice 7 cups of apples, then place them in a large bowl. Sprinkle with cinnamon and toss, then pour the prepared sauce over the apples and stir to coat.
- Flour your work surface and roll out the bottom pie crust to a 12-inch circle. Transfer it to a 9-inch pie plate, then add the apple mixture, mounding it slightly in the center and keeping edges clear.
- Roll out the second crust to an 11-inch round, cut it into 10 even strips with a pizza cutter, and arrange them in a woven lattice pattern. Beat one egg with one tablespoon of water to create an egg wash and brush it over the top.
- Bake at 425˚F for 15 minutes in the oven’s center. Reduce heat to 350˚F and bake for another 45 minutes, or until apples are soft and the filling bubbles through vents. Let rest at room temperature for 1 hour before serving.
Notes
High-Protein Nutrition Specialist and Wellness Advocate with over a decade of experience.
My human-first approach blends science-backed guidance with real-life empathy, shaped by my own journey through fatigue and muscle loss. Today, I help people reclaim strength, energy, and confidence through high-protein nutrition that’s both practical and empowering.
- Anne Newgenthttps://goldfoodie.com/author/anne-newgent/
- Anne Newgenthttps://goldfoodie.com/author/anne-newgent/
- Anne Newgenthttps://goldfoodie.com/author/anne-newgent/
- Anne Newgenthttps://goldfoodie.com/author/anne-newgent/
