Apple Pie Recipe
If you’re looking to capture the pure comfort of homemade baking, nothing beats a golden, bubbling Apple Pie. This classic dessert is all about juicy apples nestled in a tender, flaky crust, kissed with cinnamon and just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting a family gathering, or simply craving a cozy treat, this Apple Pie recipe is your ticket to a slice of nostalgia. Each bite brings together tart apples, warm spices, and buttery pastry—the perfect harmony of flavors that everyone loves.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in creating that iconic Apple Pie experience. From the tart snap of apples to the fragrant hint of cinnamon, these elements work together for the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
- Apples (6 cups, peeled and sliced): Granny Smith or Honeycrisp varieties hold their shape and lend a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Adds sweetness and helps draw out the apples’ juices for a luscious filling.
- Light brown sugar (1/4 cup): Brings a hint of caramel flavor and deepens the sweetness.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Thickens the filling, so it’s perfectly gooey and not runny.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Delivers warm, cozy spice that’s essential for Apple Pie.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle depth and classic autumn aroma.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the flavors and prevents the apples from browning.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness and adds a lovely background note.
- Unsalted butter (1 tablespoon, cut into pieces): Enriches the filling with a touch of richness.
- Refrigerated pie crusts (14 oz package): Convenient and flaky, or use your favorite homemade crust for extra pride.
- Egg (1, beaten): The egg wash gives the crust a beautiful golden sheen.
- Coarse sugar (1 tablespoon, optional): For added sparkle and crunch on top.
How to Make Apple Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pie Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. This high heat helps set the crust quickly, ensuring it turns out beautifully crisp and golden. While the oven heats, roll out one of your pie crusts and gently fit it into a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it snugly along the bottom and sides. Pro tip: Let the crust hang slightly over the edge—it makes sealing the pie a breeze later on!
Step 2: Make the Apple Pie Filling
In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated and the mixture takes on a glossy, spiced look. This is where the magic happens: as the pie bakes, these ingredients meld into a filling that’s sweet, tart, and perfectly thickened.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Pour the apple mixture into your prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly. Dot the top with small pieces of unsalted butter—these melt during baking, lending richness to every bite. Next, top with the second pie crust. You can keep it whole and cut a few slits for steam to escape, or get creative with a lattice pattern for that bakery-style look. Trim any excess dough, then crimp the edges together to seal in all that delicious filling.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches
Brush the top crust with the beaten egg to give your Apple Pie a stunning golden finish. If you like a little sparkle and crunch, sprinkle coarse sugar over the top. This tiny step makes your pie look as good as it tastes.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Place the pie on the middle oven rack and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until the crust is a deep golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If you notice the edges browning too quickly, cover them gently with foil to protect from burning. Once baked, let your Apple Pie cool for at least 2 hours—this helps the filling set and makes for perfect slices.
How to Serve Apple Pie
Garnishes
A fresh-baked Apple Pie can stand on its own, but a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of whipped cream takes it right over the top. For a dash of color and a pop of flavor, try a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce just before serving.
Side Dishes
Pair your Apple Pie with a cup of strong coffee, spiced chai, or even a glass of cold milk for a nostalgic treat. If you’re serving at a holiday table, consider offering it alongside a cheese platter—sharp cheddar cheese and Apple Pie are a surprisingly delightful match!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual slices in cute ramekins or mason jars for a rustic vibe. You can also cut the pie into small squares for a dessert buffet, or top slices with candied pecans or toasted coconut for a festive touch. Apple Pie is endlessly versatile, so don’t be afraid to make it your own!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Apple Pie keeps beautifully. Simply cover the pie loosely with foil or plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’d like it to last a bit longer, pop it in the fridge where it will stay fresh for up to 5 days. The flavors deepen over time, making each slice even more delicious.
Freezing
Apple Pie freezes surprisingly well! Wrap the baked and cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place slices in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked magic, reheat slices of Apple Pie in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. This keeps the crust crisp and the filling luscious. If you’re in a hurry, a few seconds in the microwave will do the trick, but the oven method is worth the extra minute!
FAQs
What are the best apples for Apple Pie?
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are both fantastic choices for Apple Pie. They hold their shape during baking and offer just the right balance of tartness and sweetness. Feel free to mix varieties for even more depth of flavor!
Can I use a homemade pie crust instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade crust can elevate your Apple Pie to new heights. If you have a favorite recipe, go for it—just be sure to chill your dough well to keep it flaky.
How can I prevent a soggy bottom crust?
To avoid a soggy crust, you can blind bake the bottom crust for a few minutes before adding the filling, or sprinkle a thin layer of flour or ground nuts over the base. Also, letting the pie cool completely before slicing helps the filling thicken up properly.
Is it okay to make Apple Pie ahead of time?
Yes! Apple Pie can be made a day ahead and stored at room temperature or in the fridge. In fact, the flavors often meld and improve overnight, making it ideal for holiday prep or busy weekends.
Can I add other spices or ingredients to the filling?
Definitely! A dash of ground ginger or a splash of apple cider adds extra warmth and depth. Some bakers like to stir in raisins, cranberries, or even a handful of chopped pecans for a unique twist on the classic Apple Pie.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about pulling a homemade Apple Pie from the oven and sharing it with people you love. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen. Give it a try and enjoy every buttery, cinnamon-scented bite!
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Apple Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic homemade apple pie features a flaky, buttery crust filled with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples. Perfectly balanced with a hint of nutmeg and lemon juice, this easy-to-make dessert is a timeless favorite for fall and holiday gatherings. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Filling
- 6 cups peeled and sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)
Crust
- 1 package (14 oz) refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F to ensure it’s hot enough for baking the pie crust to a golden brown.
- Prepare Pie Crust: Roll out one pie crust and carefully fit it into a 9-inch pie dish, pressing gently to eliminate air pockets.
- Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir until the apples are evenly coated.
- Fill Pie: Pour the spiced apple mixture into the prepared crust, spreading it out evenly. Dot the top of the filling with small pieces of unsalted butter for richness.
- Top Crust: Place the second pie crust over the filling. You can either leave it whole and cut slits to vent or create a lattice pattern. Trim excess dough and crimp the edges to seal completely.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the top crust with the beaten egg to achieve a shiny, golden finish when baked. Sprinkle with coarse sugar if using, for added texture and sparkle.
- Bake Pie: Bake for 45–50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. To prevent the edges from over-browning, cover them with foil midway if necessary.
- Cool: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, add a dash of ground ginger or a splash of apple cider to the filling mixture.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to enhance its richness.
- Store leftover pie covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 29 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
