Easy Homemade Apple Pie Recipe: Warm & Wonderful Classic

Crafting a delectable homemade apple pie recipe brings pure joy to any kitchen adventure.

Sweet aromas will soon waft through your home, promising comfort and warmth.

Crisp autumn apples form the heart of this classic dessert, blending traditional flavors with personal flair.

Baking becomes an art when you carefully select ripe, juicy fruits and mix them with fragrant spices.

Buttery pastry promises a golden, flaky crust that melts in your mouth.

Each slice tells a story of love, care, and culinary passion.

The magic happens when simple ingredients transform into a masterpiece that invites everyone to gather and savor.

You’ll want to slice into this pie and create delicious memories right away.

What Makes a Perfect Apple Pie Filling

• All-Purpose Flour: The main structure for a flaky, tender pie crust that holds everything together.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness and helps with browning.
• Cold Butter: Creates those signature flaky layers in the pie crust, best when very cold.
• Ice Water: Helps bind the dough without overworking it, keeping the crust tender.

• Apples: The star of the pie, choose firm baking varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best results.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help create a rich, caramel-like filling.
• Lemon Juice: Prevents browning and adds a bright, fresh flavor to the apples.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that give the classic apple pie flavor.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the overall taste of the filling.
• Cornstarch (or Flour): Thickens the apple juices to create a perfect pie consistency.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a glossy, golden top.
• Egg, Milk (or Water): Creates a beautiful golden-brown crust with a nice sheen.

Steps to Craft a Flaky Crust and Juicy Middle

Step 1: Create Flaky Pie Dough

Grab your mixing bowl and toss in flour, a pinch of salt, and a sprinkle of sugar. Cut cold butter into tiny cubes and work it into the dry ingredients using your fingertips or a pastry blender until the mixture looks like rough sandy crumbs. Drizzle in ice-cold water, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Split the dough into two equal portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and park them in the refrigerator for a solid hour to chill and relax.

Step 2: Prepare Luscious Apple Filling

• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Fresh lemon juice
• Ground cinnamon
• Pinch of nutmeg
• Tiny dash of salt
• Cornstarch for thickening

Let the apple mixture hang out for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and juices to develop.

Step 3: Construct Beautiful Pie

Fire up the oven to 375°F. Roll out the first dough disk on a flour-dusted surface, creating a circle large enough to drape into a 9-inch pie pan. Trim the edges neatly. Pour the apple mixture into the crust, dotting with small butter nuggets. Unroll the second dough disk and cover the filling. Crimp the edges decoratively and slice a few steam vents on top.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Whisk an egg with milk to create a glossy wash. Brush this over the crust for a stunning golden sheen. Slide the pie into the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Watch for a rich golden crust and bubbling filling. If the edges start browning too quickly, shield them with aluminum foil.

Step 5: Cool and Indulge

Patience is key! Allow the pie to cool for at least two hours so the filling sets beautifully. Slice and serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Savor every delectable bite!

Tips for a Crisp Top and Tender Core

• Chill Dough Perfectly: Refrigerate pie crust for at least an hour to ensure a flaky, tender texture that prevents shrinking during baking.
• Select Apples Wisely: Combine tart Granny Smith with sweet Honeycrisp or Fuji for a balanced flavor profile and ideal pie consistency.
• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs or crushed graham crackers on the bottom crust to absorb excess apple juices and maintain crispness.
• Create Lattice Design: Cut remaining dough into strips and weave them across the pie for a beautiful, professional-looking presentation that allows steam to escape.
• Enhance Flavor Boost: Brush crust with egg wash mixed with a pinch of cinnamon or sprinkle raw sugar on top for extra crunch and golden-brown shine.

Preserving Apple Pie Flavor After Day One

• Preserve your delicious homemade apple pie by storing it properly.
• Cover the pie loosely with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerate the pie for extended freshness, which can last 4-5 days when sealed in an airtight container.
• Freeze the entire pie or individual slices by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, ensuring no air touches the surface.
• Frozen apple pie can maintain its quality for up to 3-4 months when stored correctly.
• Thaw refrigerated or frozen pie slices at room temperature for best texture and flavor restoration.

Great Partners for a Slice of Apple Pie

• Pair with Creamy Vanilla Delight: Serve warm apple pie with a scoop of rich vanilla ice cream, creating a classic combination that balances the warm, spiced pie with cool, smooth creaminess.
• Sip Cinnamon Spice Tea: Enjoy a hot cup of cinnamon or chai tea alongside the pie, enhancing the warm spices and complementing the apple's natural sweetness.
• Match with Caramel Bourbon Companion: Pour a small glass of bourbon or caramel-flavored liqueur to highlight the pie's deep, rich flavors and add a sophisticated adult twist.
• Complement with Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Add a slice of aged cheddar on the side or atop the pie slice, creating a delightful sweet-and-savory contrast that brings out the apple's complexity.

Spin This Pie Into Something New

• Rustic Caramel Apple Pie: Drizzle homemade caramel sauce between apple layers for a rich, gooey texture. Sprinkle chopped pecans on top for added crunch and nutty flavor. Caramel creates a decadent transformation to the classic recipe.
• Spiced Maple Autumn Pie: Replace granulated sugar with pure maple syrup and add ground cardamom and ginger to the spice mix. The maple essence brings warmth and depth to the traditional apple pie profile.
• Cranberry Apple Harvest Pie: Mix fresh cranberries with sliced apples to introduce tartness and vibrant color. Swap some white sugar for brown sugar to enhance the seasonal feel. This version offers a beautiful balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
• Almond Crumble Apple Pie: Top the pie with a crunchy almond streusel instead of the traditional second crust. Mix ground almonds, flour, butter, and brown sugar to create a textural topping that adds nutty complexity to the classic dessert.

Answering Every Apple Pie Curiosity

• Why do I need to use cold butter for the pie crust?

Cold butter helps create flaky, tender layers in your pie crust. When cold butter hits the hot oven, it creates steam pockets that make the crust light and crispy instead of dense and tough.

• Can I use different types of apples for the pie?

Absolutely! A mix of tart and sweet apples works best. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Braeburn are excellent choices that provide great flavor and texture. Aim for a combination of 2-3 apple varieties for a more complex taste.

• How can I prevent my pie crust from getting soggy?

To avoid a soggy bottom, sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs or ground nuts on the bottom crust before adding the apple filling. This helps absorb excess moisture and keeps the crust crisp. Also, make sure to let the apple mixture sit and release its juices before filling the pie.

• What's the purpose of adding cornstarch to the apple filling?

Cornstarch helps thicken the pie filling and prevents it from becoming watery. It creates a smooth, glossy sauce that holds the apple slices together and gives the pie a perfect, not-too-runny consistency.

Why Homemade Apple Pie Is an All-American Favorite

• Craft a Comfort Classic: This homemade apple pie transforms simple ingredients into a heartwarming dessert that brings nostalgic memories of grandma's kitchen and cozy autumn afternoons.
• Master Baking with Ease: The recipe offers straightforward steps perfect for beginner bakers, requiring basic kitchen skills and minimal specialized equipment while delivering professional-looking results.
• Customize Your Culinary Creation: Flexible recipe allows personal touches like experimenting with different apple varieties, adjusting spice levels, or adding unique ingredients to make the pie truly your own.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert Delight: Versatile pie suits multiple occasions from family gatherings and holiday celebrations to casual weekend treats, guaranteed to impress guests and satisfy sweet cravings with its rich, golden crust and warm, spiced filling.

Homemade Apple Pie Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Savor the heartwarming essence of Grandma’s Classic Apple Pie, a golden-crusted masterpiece that whispers nostalgia with each delectable slice. Warm cinnamon-spiced apples nestled in a buttery, flaky crust will transport you to cherished family gatherings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 6 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Sweeteners and Spices:

• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Additional Ingredients:

• 6–8 tablespoons ice water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch or flour
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon milk or water

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Instructions

1. Craft the pastry foundation by whisking flour, salt, and sugar in a spacious mixing vessel. Incorporate chilled butter cubes, using a pastry blender to create a texture resembling coarse sand.
2. Gradually introduce ice-cold water, carefully blending until the dough coheres. Separate into two uniform disks, encase in plastic membrane, and chill for minimum 60 minutes to enhance structural integrity.
3. Transform crisp apples into delectable filling by combining with sugars, citrus essence, warming spices, and thickening agent. Allow mixture to macerate, enabling natural fruit juices to develop and intensify flavor profile.
4. Warm the culinary workspace to 375F, preparing for pie transformation. Gently roll one pastry disk onto floured surface, draping carefully into pie vessel and trimming excess edges with precision.
5. Distribute seasoned apple mixture into prepared crust, strategically placing butter fragments across the surface for enhanced richness.
6. Elegantly crown the filling with second pastry disk, meticulously sealing edges and creating decorative crimped border. Delicately slice venting channels to permit steam escape.
7. Whisk egg with dairy liquid, creating golden glaze to brush across pastry surface, ensuring beautiful caramelized appearance during baking.
8. Transfer pie to heated oven, monitoring for approximately 55 minutes until crust achieves rich amber tone and filling bubbles tantalizingly. Shield exposed edges with aluminum shield if browning occurs prematurely.
9. Allow pie to rest and stabilize for two hours, permitting filling to set and flavors to harmonize. Serve accompanied by creamy vanilla ice cream or billowy whipped cream for ultimate indulgence.

Notes

• Use cold butter straight from the refrigerator to achieve a flaky, tender pie crust that melts in your mouth.
• Avoid overworking the dough to prevent tough, dense pastry by mixing just until the ingredients come together.
• Rest the dough in the refrigerator to relax the gluten and prevent shrinking during baking.
• Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best balance of texture and flavor.
• Drain excess liquid from the apple filling to prevent a soggy bottom crust and ensure a perfectly crisp base.
• Create decorative lattice or cut-out designs on the top crust for a professional bakery-style presentation.
• Sprinkle a bit of raw sugar on the crust for extra crunch and a beautiful sparkly finish.
• Swap wheat flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version of this classic dessert.
• Reduce sugar for a less sweet pie or use alternative sweeteners like maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate the classic dessert experience.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 392
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 181 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 33 mg