Apple Pie

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Apple Pie is a timeless dessert that combines a flaky, buttery crust with a warm, spiced apple filling. Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or any day you crave something sweet and comforting, this classic pie fills your kitchen with a delightful aroma and your plate with cozy flavor.

ingredients

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

all-purpose flourunsalted buttersugarbrown sugarapples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)lemon juiceground cinnamonground nutmegground allspicecornstarchsaltwateregg (for egg wash)

directions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place a rack in the lower third of the oven.

Prepare the pie crust by mixing flour and salt, cutting in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, then adding cold water a tablespoon at a time until a dough forms.

Divide the dough in half, shape into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Peel, core, and slice the apples. Toss them in a bowl with lemon juice, sugars, spices, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt.

Roll out one dough disc and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan.

Fill with the apple mixture, mounding slightly in the center.

Roll out the second disc and place over the filling. Trim and crimp the edges. Cut slits in the top to allow steam to escape.

Brush the top crust with beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar if desired.

Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake for 45-55 minutes, until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.

Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 8 slices.Preparation time: 30 minutesChilling time: 30 minutesBaking time: 45-55 minutesCooling time: 2 hoursTotal time: 3 hours 45 minutes

Variations

Add caramel sauce to the filling for a richer flavor.

Mix in cranberries or raisins for a fruity twist.

Use a crumb topping instead of a second crust for a Dutch-style pie.

Add a splash of bourbon or vanilla extract for depth.

Try different apple varieties for a mix of tart and sweet notes.

storage/reheating

Store leftover apple pie covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.To reheat, warm slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave for 20-30 seconds.

FAQs

What are the best apples for pie?

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, and Fuji are excellent choices due to their firmness and flavor.

Can I use store-bought pie crust?

Yes, for convenience, store-bought crusts work well, though homemade provides a better texture and taste.

How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?

Blind-baking the crust or using a metal pie pan can help keep the bottom crisp.

Can I freeze apple pie?

Yes, freeze the unbaked or baked pie wrapped tightly. Bake or reheat directly from frozen, adjusting the time.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for a smooth texture, but you can leave the skins on for a rustic feel.

What if my filling is too watery?

Be sure to use enough thickener like cornstarch and bake until the filling is bubbly.

Should I cool the pie before slicing?

Yes, cooling allows the filling to set and makes for cleaner slices.

Can I make the dough ahead?

Absolutely. Pie dough can be made and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

How do I get a golden crust?

Use an egg wash (beaten egg with a splash of water or milk) brushed over the top crust before baking.

Can I make this pie gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour and ensure other ingredients are gluten-free.

Conclusion

Apple Pie is the ultimate comfort dessert—rich with tradition and bursting with warm, spiced apples in every bite. Whether served alone or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it’s a beloved treat that brings joy to any table. Make it once, and it’s bound to become a staple in your dessert lineup.

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