The Warmest Classic Apple Pie Recipe for Cozy Gatherings

Crisp autumn days call for a classic apple pie that whispers comfort and nostalgia.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen drift through my mind as golden pastry promises pure delight.

Ripe orchard apples mingle with warm cinnamon, creating a symphony of sweet and spicy notes.

Baking this pie feels like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket of tradition.

Each slice tells a story of seasonal abundance and cherished moments.

Homemade pastry and perfectly caramelized fruit will transport you to a world of pure culinary magic.

You won’t be able to resist cutting into this irresistible slice of happiness.

Why Classic Apple Pie Feels Like Home

• Capture Homemade Comfort: This classic apple pie delivers pure, nostalgic warmth with its traditional recipe that reminds you of grandma's kitchen and cozy family gatherings.
• Master Simple Baking Techniques: The recipe offers an approachable method for home bakers, requiring basic skills like mixing dough, cutting butter, and creating a beautiful lattice crust that looks professionally crafted.
• Celebrate Fresh, Seasonal Ingredients: Combining crisp apples with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg creates a delightful flavor profile that highlights autumn's best seasonal produce in every delectable bite.
• Versatile Dessert for Any Occasion: Whether served at holiday gatherings, weekend family dinners, or potluck parties, this apple pie works perfectly as a crowd-pleasing dessert that appeals to all ages and taste preferences.

Ingredients You Need For Classic Apple Pie

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the pie crust, providing structure and texture.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and controls gluten development in the dough.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to the crust.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates flaky layers and rich flavor; must be cold for best results.
• Ice Water: Helps bind the dough together without overworking it.

• Apples: The star of the pie; choose firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best results.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the filling and helps create a syrupy texture.
• Brown Sugar: Adds depth of flavor and moisture to the apple mixture.
• All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the filling and prevents excess liquid.
• Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that complement the apple flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Prevents browning and adds a bright, tangy note.

• Egg: Creates a golden, shiny crust when beaten and brushed on top.
• Vanilla Ice Cream or Whipped Cream: Optional serving suggestion for added richness.

How To Bake Classic Apple Pie

Step 1: Creating the Perfect Pie Crust

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend flour, salt, and sugar together. Using a pastry cutter or fingertips, work cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like rough pebbles. Slowly introduce ice water, stirring gently until the dough forms a cohesive ball. Separate the dough into two equal rounds, wrap each in plastic, and let them chill in the refrigerator for one hour.

Step 2: Preparing Delectable Apple Filling

• Sliced apples
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Flour
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Lemon juice

Toss all ingredients in a large bowl, ensuring every apple slice gets coated with the sweet and spicy mixture.

Step 3: Assembling the Pie

Fire up the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the first dough disc on a flour-dusted surface into a circular shape. Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie dish, trimming excess edges. Pour the apple mixture into the crust and dot with small butter pieces. Roll the second dough disc and drape it over the apples. Crimp the edges to seal and create decorative patterns. Cut a few strategic slits on top to release steam.

Step 4: Adding Golden Touches

Gently brush the top crust with beaten egg and sprinkle with granulated sugar for a beautiful, glossy finish.

Step 5: Baking to Perfection

Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any potential drips. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Look for a golden-brown crust and bubbling filling. If the edges start browning too quickly, shield them with aluminum foil.

Step 6: Serving the Masterpiece

Allow the pie to rest and set for at least two hours. This waiting period helps the filling stabilize and makes cutting easier. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fluffy dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Easy Tips For A Perfect Classic Apple Pie

• Choose Perfect Apples: Select firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and balanced sweetness in your classic apple pie.
• Chill Dough Thoroughly: Refrigerate pie crust for at least an hour to prevent shrinking and ensure a flaky, tender crust that bakes beautifully.
• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs or ground nuts on the bottom crust to absorb excess moisture and keep the base crisp.
• Control Browning Technique: Protect pie edges with aluminum foil if they start browning too quickly, ensuring an evenly golden crust without burning.
• Let Pie Rest Completely: Allow the pie to cool for 2-3 hours at room temperature, which helps the filling set and makes slicing cleaner and more precise.

Storing And Reheating Classic Apple Pie Made Simple

• Refrigerate: Store leftover apple pie covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep it on a flat surface to maintain the pie's structure.
• Freeze: Wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheat in Oven: Warm individual slices at 350F (175C) for 10-15 minutes. Place the slice on a baking sheet to restore the crispy crust and prevent sogginess.
• Microwave Option: Heat pie slices for 15-20 seconds for a quick warm-up. Note that microwaving might slightly soften the crust, so oven reheating is preferred for maintaining texture.

What To Eat With Classic Apple Pie

• Pair with Vanilla Bourbon: Complement the warm, spicy notes of apple pie with a smooth vanilla bourbon that echoes the pie's cinnamon and nutmeg flavors, creating a harmonious taste experience.
• Scoop Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Top the pie with a generous scoop of rich vanilla ice cream, letting the cold, smooth texture contrast beautifully with the warm, flaky crust and tender apple filling.
• Brew Cinnamon-Spiced Coffee: Serve alongside a steaming mug of cinnamon-spiced coffee, which will enhance the pie's aromatic spices and provide a comforting, warming accompaniment.
• Drizzle Caramel Sauce: Add a decadent touch by drizzling warm caramel sauce over the pie, intensifying the dessert's sweetness and creating a luxurious flavor profile that complements the tender apples.

Creative Takes On Classic Apple Pie

• Rustic Caramel Apple Pie: Drizzle homemade caramel sauce between apple layers for a rich, gooey texture. Replace granulated sugar with dark brown sugar to enhance deep caramel notes. Sprinkle sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-salty combination.
• Spiced Chai Apple Pie: Infuse the filling with ground cardamom, ginger, and cloves to mimic chai tea flavors. Replace cinnamon with a chai spice blend for a warm, aromatic profile. Add chopped pecans to the filling for extra crunch and nutty depth.
• Maple Bourbon Apple Pie: Substitute some sugar with pure maple syrup and add a splash of bourbon to the filling. Use a lattice crust design for a sophisticated look. Brush the top with maple glaze during the last 10 minutes of baking for a glossy finish.
• Cranberry Apple Pie: Mix dried cranberries into the apple filling for a tart contrast. Use orange zest to brighten the flavor profile. Create a crumble topping with oats and chopped walnuts instead of a traditional top crust for added texture.

Classic Apple Pie Questions Answered

• Why do I need to refrigerate the pie dough for an hour?

Chilling the dough helps the butter firm up, which creates flakier, more tender crust layers. Cold butter prevents the dough from becoming tough and makes rolling out easier.

• How do I know if my apple pie filling is the right consistency?

The filling should coat the apple slices evenly and look slightly wet but not watery. When you toss the apples, they should have a glossy appearance from the sugar and spices.

• Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Absolutely! Mix tart apples like Granny Smith with sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji. This combination gives your pie a balanced flavor and perfect texture. Some bakers recommend using 2-3 apple varieties for more complex taste.

• Why should I cut slits in the top crust?

Slits allow steam to escape during baking, preventing the pie from becoming soggy. They also help create a beautiful, golden-brown crust and ensure even cooking of the filling.

Classic Apple Pie Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Grandma’s classic apple pie recipe brings warmth from her cherished kitchen to your table. Buttery flaky crust embraces sweet cinnamon-spiced apples, creating a nostalgic slice of comfort perfect for sharing with loved ones.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruit:

• 6–7 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced thinly

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups (312.5 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (50 grams) light brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Wet and Fat Ingredients:

• 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 6–8 tablespoons ice water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling)

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Instructions

1. Craft the pie dough by whisking flour, salt, and sugar in a spacious mixing bowl. Incorporate cold butter until the mixture resembles sandy texture. Introduce ice water gradually, kneading minimally until the dough coheres. Separate into two equal portions, encase in plastic, and refrigerate for one hour to firm up.
2. Prepare apple mixture by combining sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Gently toss to ensure even coating and flavor distribution.
3. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C). Roll out first dough disc on a flour-dusted surface into a circular shape. Carefully transfer to a pie dish, trimming excess edges with precision.
4. Arrange the seasoned apple mixture into the prepared crust, strategically placing small butter pieces across the surface for enhanced richness.
5. Roll out the second dough disc and delicately drape over the filled pie. Trim overhanging edges and crimp to create a decorative seal. Create several steam-releasing slits across the top crust.
6. Brush the pie’s surface with beaten egg and sprinkle with additional granulated sugar for a glossy, caramelized finish.
7. Position the pie on a rimmed baking sheet to catch potential drips. Bake for 50-60 minutes, monitoring the crust’s golden transformation and filling’s bubbling consistency.
8. Shield the pie’s edges with aluminum foil if browning occurs too rapidly during baking.
9. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely for approximately two hours, enabling the filling to set and stabilize.
10. Slice and serve at room temperature, optionally accompanied by vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent presentation.

Notes

• Choose tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best balance of sweetness and texture in your pie filling.
• Keep all ingredients cold when making the pie crust to ensure a flaky, tender result that melts in your mouth.
• If you’re watching gluten, swap regular flour with a gluten-free blend or almond flour for a similar tender crust.
• Prevent a soggy bottom by pre-baking the bottom crust for 10 minutes before adding the apple filling, which helps create a crisp base.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes (+1 hour chilling)
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg