Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Homemade Apple Pie is the ultimate comfort dessert, featuring a flaky, buttery crust filled with tender apples coated in warm cinnamon and sugar. This classic American favorite is perfect for holidays, gatherings, or simply savoring a cozy slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s nostalgic, crowd-pleasing, and easier to make than you might think.

ingredients

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

all-purpose flour
unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
salt
ice water
granulated sugar
brown sugar
ground cinnamon
ground nutmeg
cornstarch or flour (for thickening)
lemon juice
vanilla extract
apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)
egg (for egg wash)

directions

Prepare the pie dough by mixing flour and salt in a large bowl. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing just until the dough comes together.

Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. In a large bowl, toss them with lemon juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, and vanilla extract until evenly coated.

Roll out one dough disc on a floured surface and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish.

Pour the apple filling into the crust, mounding slightly in the center.

Roll out the second dough disc and place over the apples. Trim and crimp the edges to seal. Cut small slits on top to allow steam to escape or create a lattice crust if desired.

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

Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20 minutes. Reduce temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly.

Cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the filling to set.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields one 9-inch pie (8 slices).
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Chilling time: 1 hour
Baking time: 50-55 minutes
Cooling time: 2 hours
Total time: about 3 hours 30 minutes

Variations

Add raisins or dried cranberries for extra texture.
Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch.
Use a crumble topping instead of a top crust for a Dutch-style apple pie.
Include a dash of allspice or cardamom for a unique spice twist.

storage/reheating

Store leftover pie covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
To freeze, wrap the fully baked and cooled pie tightly and store for up to 3 months.
Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave individual slices for about 30 seconds.

FAQs

What apples are best for apple pie?

A mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp gives the best flavor and texture.

Can I use store-bought crust?

Yes, but homemade crust adds an unbeatable flaky texture and flavor.

How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?

Blind-bake the bottom crust for 5-7 minutes before filling or brush with a beaten egg before adding apples.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pie and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours or freeze it before baking.

Do I have to peel the apples?

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

How do I know when the pie is done?

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

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, but keep enough to balance the tartness of the apples.

Why is my filling runny?

Make sure to use a thickener like cornstarch and let the pie cool fully before slicing.

Should I cover the pie while baking?

If the crust browns too quickly, cover the edges with foil or a pie shield halfway through baking.

Can I use pre-sliced apples?

Yes, as long as they’re fresh and not overly wet.

Conclusion

Homemade Apple Pie is a timeless dessert that brings warmth and tradition to any table. With its flaky crust and spiced apple filling, it’s a true classic that never goes out of style. Whether served at a holiday dinner or as a simple treat, this pie delivers all the cozy, homemade goodness you could ask for.