Apple Pie

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Apple pie is the quintessential American dessert—warm, comforting, and filled with the perfect balance of sweet, tart apples and a flaky, buttery crust. This classic recipe brings together tender apples seasoned with cinnamon and sugar, all wrapped in a golden, crisp crust. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or simply because you’re craving something sweet, apple pie is always a crowd-pleaser. The aroma of apples and spices baking in the oven will fill your kitchen and make it feel like home. It’s the perfect balance of nostalgia and deliciousness.

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes

• 6-8 tablespoons ice water

For the filling:

• 6-8 medium apples (a mix of tart and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces

• 1 egg (for egg wash)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the crust:

   • In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.

   • Add the cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter pieces.

   • Slowly add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.

   • Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the filling:

   • Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin slices.

   • In a large bowl, toss the apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and salt. Set aside to let the flavors meld.

3. Assemble the pie:

   • Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

   • Roll out one disk of dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie pan.

   • Place the rolled-out dough into the pie pan and trim any excess dough.

   • Add the apple mixture into the crust, spreading the apples evenly.

   • Dot the filling with small pieces of butter.

   • Roll out the second disk of dough and place it over the apples, sealing the edges. Trim and crimp the edges of the dough to form a decorative crust.

   • Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.

   • Beat the egg and brush the top crust with the egg wash for a golden finish.

4. Bake:

   • Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

   • If the edges of the crust begin to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil or a pie shield.

   • Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before slicing to allow the filling to set.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8 slices

• Prep time: 40 minutes (plus chilling time for dough)

• Cook time: 45-50 minutes

• Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including cooling time)

Variations

• Caramel Apple Pie: Add 1/4 cup of caramel sauce to the filling for a richer, sweeter flavor.

• Spiced Apple Pie: Enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of ground cloves, ginger, or allspice to the filling.

• Crumble Topping: Instead of a top crust, sprinkle a crumbly streusel topping made from butter, flour, oats, and brown sugar.

• Dutch Apple Pie: Top the pie with a buttery crumble topping made with flour, sugar, butter, and oats for a different texture.

• Vegan Apple Pie: Replace the butter with vegan butter and use a dairy-free crust for a vegan version of this classic dessert.

Storage/Reheating

Apple pie can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, place the pie in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes to warm through. For an extra touch, you can serve it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pie crust for this recipe?

Yes, you can use store-bought pie crust if you want to save time. However, homemade crust tends to have a flakier texture and better flavor.

Can I freeze apple pie?

Yes, you can freeze unbaked apple pie. Assemble the pie, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from the freezer, adding extra time to the baking process.

What types of apples are best for apple pie?

A combination of tart apples, like Granny Smith, and sweet apples, like Honeycrisp or Fuji, works best for apple pie. The tart apples hold their shape while the sweet apples add flavor.

How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

To prevent a soggy crust, you can brush the bottom of the crust with an egg wash before adding the filling, or you can sprinkle a small amount of cornstarch on the bottom crust to absorb the juices.

Can I make this apple pie without a top crust?

Yes! You can make a delicious open-faced apple pie by skipping the top crust and adding a crumb topping instead.

How do I know when my apple pie is done?

The pie is done when the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the slits in the top crust. The apples should be tender when pierced with a fork.

Can I use frozen apples?

Frozen apples can be used, but they may release more moisture during baking. If using frozen apples, consider draining any excess liquid before adding them to the pie filling.

Can I make this recipe without sugar?

You can reduce or eliminate the sugar if you prefer a less sweet pie, but keep in mind that the sugar helps to balance the tartness of the apples and thickens the filling.

Can I make mini apple pies?

Yes! You can make mini apple pies using muffin tins or mini pie pans. Just adjust the baking time to about 25-30 minutes, depending on the size.

How can I make my apple pie more flavorful?

Add a splash of vanilla extract or a bit of bourbon or brandy to the filling for extra flavor depth. A touch of lemon zest can also enhance the apple flavor.

Conclusion

Apple pie is a dessert that never goes out of style. With its tender apples, warm spices, and buttery, flaky crust, it’s a dessert that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Whether you enjoy it warm with a scoop of ice cream or served cold the next day, this classic recipe is sure to be a favorite in your household. With endless variations and room for creativity, you can customize it to your taste, but the classic version will always hold a special place in the heart.