Name: Apple Pie à la Mode
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: PT-487032H39M43S
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well) 1 tablespoon lemon juice 3/4 cup granulated sugar 1/4 cup packed brown sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon cornstarch 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small cubes 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 pie crusts (store-bought or homemade) 1-2 scoops of vanilla ice cream (per serving)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Apple Pie à la Mode is the ultimate comfort food dessert. The combination of a warm, aromatic apple pie and cold, creamy vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast that will satisfy your sweet tooth. The crispy, golden crust and the tender, spiced apple filling are enhanced by the smooth, rich ice cream, making each bite an indulgent experience. It’s easy to make and a guaranteed hit for any gathering, whether it’s a holiday or a casual meal.

Ingredients

For the Apple Pie:

6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 pie crusts (store-bought or homemade)

For the Topping:

1-2 scoops of vanilla ice cream (per serving)

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

Directions

Prepare the apple filling: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Peel, core, and slice the apples. In a large bowl, toss the apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and cornstarch. Stir until the apples are evenly coated.
Assemble the pie: Roll out one of the pie crusts and line a 9-inch pie dish with it. Add the apple filling to the pie crust, mounding it slightly in the center. Dot the top with small cubes of butter and drizzle with vanilla extract.
Top the pie: Roll out the second pie crust and place it over the apples. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal the pie. Cut small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
Bake the pie: Place the pie in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the crust begins to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil.
Serve: Allow the pie to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. Cut into slices and top each serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes

Variations

Add nuts: Sprinkle some chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds over the apple filling for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
Spiced up version: Enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of cloves or ginger to the apple filling for more warmth.
Crisp topping: Instead of a second pie crust, add a crumble topping made from butter, oats, flour, and sugar for a more rustic take on the traditional apple pie.
Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free pie crust to make this recipe gluten-free while still enjoying the classic apple pie flavor.
Different ice cream flavors: While vanilla is the classic pairing, you can also try pairing your apple pie with cinnamon, caramel, or even butter pecan ice cream for a twist.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover apple pie in an airtight container or cover it with plastic wrap. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Apple pie can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Make sure it is tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
Reheating: To reheat, place the pie in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can microwave individual slices, but the crust may lose some of its crispiness.

FAQs

Can I use pre-made pie crusts for this recipe?

Yes, you can use store-bought pie crusts to save time. However, making your own pie crust from scratch adds a homemade touch and extra flavor.

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, you can use any type of apple, though tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet apples like Honeycrisp are ideal. A mix of sweet and tart apples is often preferred for a balanced flavor.

Can I make this Apple Pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the apple pie the day before and store it in the fridge. Just bake it right before serving for the best fresh-out-of-the-oven flavor.

Can I freeze Apple Pie à la Mode?

Yes, you can freeze the entire pie (without the ice cream) for up to 2-3 months. When ready to serve, bake the pie at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes from frozen, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.

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. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil to prevent burning.

Can I make a smaller apple pie for fewer servings?

Yes, you can make a smaller apple pie using a 6-inch pie dish. Just halve the apple filling and dough ingredients accordingly, and bake for about 35-40 minutes.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Yes, peeling the apples is important to ensure the filling has a smooth texture. However, if you prefer a more rustic pie, you can leave the skins on.

How do I serve the pie à la mode?

For a perfect serving, slice the pie into wedges and top each piece with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream just before serving.

Can I use a store-bought caramel sauce on top?

Absolutely! A drizzle of caramel sauce over the ice cream or pie is a great way to add extra sweetness and flavor.

How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?

To avoid a soggy crust, make sure the apples are well-drained before adding them to the crust. Additionally, baking the pie at a high temperature helps to cook the crust thoroughly before the apples release too much moisture.

Conclusion

Apple Pie à la Mode is a classic dessert that combines the best of both worlds—the warm, spiced apple filling and buttery crust of an apple pie, paired with the cool, creamy indulgence of vanilla ice cream. It’s a simple yet elegant treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it at a family dinner, holiday gathering, or just as a special dessert after a meal, this delicious treat will never fail to satisfy.