Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Homemade Apple Pie is a timeless dessert featuring a buttery, flaky crust filled with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples. Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or cozy evenings, this classic treat delivers comfort and nostalgia in every slice. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s an approachable baking project even for beginners.

ingredients

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

apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)granulated sugarsaltground cinnamonground nutmeglemon juiceunsalted butterall-purpose flourpie crusts (store-bought or homemade)egg (for egg wash)

directions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin, even pieces.

In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice until evenly coated.

Roll out one pie crust and place it into a 9-inch pie dish, allowing the edges to hang over slightly.

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

Dot the top of the apples with small pieces of butter.

Roll out the second pie crust and place it over the apples. Trim any excess dough, then crimp the edges to seal.

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

Brush the top crust with a beaten egg for a golden finish.

Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly.

Allow to cool for at least 2 hours before slicing to let the filling set.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields one 9-inch pie, serving 8 slices.Preparation time: 25 minutesBaking time: 45-55 minutesCooling time: 2 hoursTotal time: about 3 hours 20 minutes

Variations

Use brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like flavor.

Add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries to the filling for extra sweetness.

Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for a nutty crunch.

Sprinkle a little coarse sugar over the crust before baking for a sparkling finish.

Try a lattice crust design for a more decorative appearance.

storage/reheating

Store leftover apple pie covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.To reheat, place a slice in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or microwave briefly until warm.Frozen baked apple pie can be stored for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

FAQs

What are the best apples for apple pie?

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix of tart and sweet apples work best for flavor and texture.

Can I use a pre-made pie crust?

Yes, store-bought crusts make this recipe even quicker and easier.

How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?

Blind-baking the bottom crust or using a metal pie dish can help ensure a crispy base.

Can I make apple pie ahead of time?

Absolutely, you can bake it a day in advance and reheat before serving.

Do I have to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for a softer filling, but you can leave the skins on for a more rustic texture.

How do I know when my pie is done?

The crust should be golden brown and the filling visibly bubbling through the slits.

Can I freeze apple pie before baking?

Yes, assemble the pie, freeze it unbaked, then bake straight from the freezer adding an extra 15-20 minutes.

Should I use salted or unsalted butter?

Unsalted butter is preferred to better control the pie’s saltiness.

What if my crust edges brown too quickly?

Cover them with aluminum foil or a pie shield partway through baking.

Is it necessary to cool the pie before slicing?

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

Conclusion

Easy Homemade Apple Pie is the ultimate comfort dessert that’s simple enough for everyday baking yet special enough for any celebration. With its flaky crust, tender spiced apples, and warm aroma, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings a taste of tradition to your table.