Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Apple Pie recipe features a perfect balance of tender, spiced apples encased in a crisp, golden crust. The apples soften beautifully while maintaining their shape, and the combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar enhances their natural sweetness and tartness. The pie is incredibly versatile, so you can use your favorite apples or even add a bit of lemon juice for extra brightness. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special occasion, or just because, this apple pie is sure to impress!

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
6-8 tablespoons ice water

For the Filling:

6-8 medium apples (a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp is ideal)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Pinch of salt

For the Topping:

1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1 tablespoon milk or heavy cream (for brushing)
1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)

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

Directions

For the Pie Crust:

Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter.
Add ice water: Slowly add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
Chill the dough: Split the dough into two discs, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight if you have time).

For the Filling:

Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges. Place them in a large bowl.
Mix the filling: Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, and salt to the apples. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated.

Assembling the Pie:

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the dough discs into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer the dough into a 9-inch pie dish and trim any excess dough hanging over the edges.
Add the filling: Pour the prepared apple filling into the crust, spreading it evenly. Dot the filling with small pieces of butter.
Top the pie: Roll out the second dough disc and place it over the apples. Trim the excess dough, then pinch the edges together to seal. Use a sharp knife to make several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Alternatively, you can create a lattice crust if you prefer.
Brush and sprinkle: Brush the top crust with milk or cream, then sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
Bake the pie: Bake the pie at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for another 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling. If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with foil.

For the Finish:

Cool the pie: Allow the pie to cool for at least 1-2 hours before slicing, as this will help the filling set.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8 servings
Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

Vegan Version: Substitute the butter in the crust with a vegan butter substitute and use plant-based milk for brushing the crust.
Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the crust to make it gluten-free. Be sure to use certified gluten-free oats if you add a topping.
Caramel Apple Pie: Add 1/2 cup of caramel sauce to the filling for a rich, sweet flavor that pairs wonderfully with the apples.
Nutty Apple Pie: Add 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for added crunch and flavor.
Spicy Apple Pie: For a twist, add 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger or a pinch of allspice to the filling along with the cinnamon and nutmeg.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover apple pie in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It can be eaten cold or reheated.
Freezing: This apple pie can be frozen before baking. Assemble the pie, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time.
Reheating: To reheat, place the pie in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can use a store-bought gluten-free or regular pie crust to save time. Just make sure to bake the pie according to the instructions on the crust package.

2. Can I make the pie crust ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the pie crust up to 2 days in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it until you’re ready to use it.

3. Can I freeze the pie before baking?

Yes, you can assemble the pie and freeze it unbaked for up to 2 months. Just make sure to bake it directly from the freezer, adding extra time to the baking process.

4. Can I use frozen apples for this pie?

Yes, frozen apples can be used, but they may release more moisture than fresh apples. To counter this, you may need to add a little extra cornstarch to the filling.

5. How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?

To prevent a soggy bottom crust, you can brush the crust with a little egg wash or melted butter before adding the filling, which helps to create a barrier between the filling and the crust.

6. How do I know when the pie is done?

The pie is done when the crust is golden brown, and the filling is bubbling through the vents in the top crust. If you’re unsure, you can check the filling by inserting a knife or toothpick to see if the apples are tender.

7. Can I add other fruits to the pie?

Yes, you can add other fruits like pears or berries to complement the apples. Just make sure to adjust the sugar levels if needed.

8. Can I use a lattice crust instead of a full top crust?

Yes, a lattice crust is a beautiful and traditional option for apple pie. Simply weave strips of dough over the pie filling and bake as directed.

9. Can I add caramel sauce to the pie?

Yes, drizzle some caramel sauce over the pie before serving for an extra sweet and decadent touch.

10. Can I make a smaller apple pie?

Yes, you can use a smaller pie dish and reduce the ingredients accordingly. A 7-inch pie dish is perfect for a smaller serving.

Conclusion

Apple pie is a classic dessert that brings comfort and joy with every bite. The combination of tender apples, warm spices, and a buttery, flaky crust makes this dessert a favorite for any occasion. Whether enjoyed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or simply on its own, this Apple Pie recipe is sure to become a staple in your baking collection. With easy-to-follow steps and the option to make it your own with different variations, this apple pie is the ultimate sweet treat for any time of year!

Apple Pie

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients