If there’s one dessert that never goes out of style, it’s Apple Pie. From its flaky golden crust to the cozy cinnamon-spiced apple filling, every bite brings a touch of nostalgia and warmth straight from the oven. This classic dish isn’t just perfect for fall or holidays—it’s truly a year-round favorite that instantly fills your kitchen with delicious aromas and hearts with comfort. Whether you serve it solo, a la mode, or with a dollop of cream, Apple Pie transforms simple ingredients into pure magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Apple Pie shines because of its simple, honest ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays a key role, from the buttery crust to the juicy, tender apple filling—so a little attention to quality goes a long way!
- All-purpose flour: Essential for building a tender, sturdy crust that holds up to the gooey apple filling.
- Salt: Just a touch enhances every single flavor in the crust and filling.
- Granulated sugar: Adds balanced sweetness to both the dough and the filling.
- Unsalted butter: Cold, cubed butter gives you that signature flaky crust we all crave.
- Ice water: Keeps your dough perfectly cold so the crust bakes up beautifully.
- Apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): Their tartness and firmness guarantee flavorful slices that won’t turn to mush.
- Brown sugar: Adds depth of flavor and a bit of caramel-like richness to the apples.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses the filling with classic warm spice.
- Ground nutmeg: Offers a gentle, cozy kick that pairs perfectly with apples.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the filling and keeps apples from browning.
- Butter (for the filling): Melts into the apples for extra silkiness and flavor richness.
How to Make Apple Pie
Step 1: Mix the Dough
Start by combining flour, salt, and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Add cubes of icy-cold butter, cutting them in with a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture looks like coarse, crumbly sand. The secret to a flaky crust is keeping everything as cold as possible during this step!
Step 2: Add Ice Water and Chill
Gradually add ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing gently just until the dough begins to come together. Don’t overwork it! Split the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic, and let them chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to rest and hydrate—this patience pays off later.
Step 3: Prepare the Apple Pie Filling
In a large bowl, toss your sliced apples with both sugars, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. This mix ensures each bite is sweet, tangy, and warmly spiced. Let the mixture sit while you prep the crust; it helps marry all the flavors together.
Step 4: Roll Out the Bottom Crust
Lightly flour your countertop, then roll out one dough disc into a 12-inch circle. Carefully lay it into a 9-inch pie dish, letting the extra dough hang over the edge for easy sealing later. Trim if needed, but leave at least a 1-inch overhang.
Step 5: Fill and Dot with Butter
Spoon the apple filling evenly into your prepared crust. Don’t forget to scatter the little butter pieces over the apples—this melts down as the pie bakes, creating luscious, saucy apples beneath that golden top.
Step 6: Add the Top Crust and Seal
Roll out the second dough disc and place it gently over the apple filling. Trim the excess, fold the edges under, then crimp or flute them to seal. Use a sharp knife to cut a few steam vents in the top—these little slits let steam escape and prevent sogginess.
Step 7: Bake Your Apple Pie
Bake the pie at 425°F (220°C) for 45 to 50 minutes, until the crust is gorgeously golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the edges brown too quickly, simply cover them with foil or a pie shield for the rest of the baking time. Allow your masterpiece to cool for at least an hour; this helps the filling set for perfect slices.
How to Serve Apple Pie
Garnishes
Sometimes, a warm slice of Apple Pie needs nothing but itself. But try dusting the top with powdered sugar, adding a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, or swirling on a big spoonful of homemade whipped cream—each adds its own decadent flair!
Side Dishes
The classic pairing is, of course, vanilla ice cream, which melts dreamily into every forkful. For something less traditional, try a slice with a mug of spicy chai tea or freshly brewed coffee. The contrast of warm pie and cold, creamy sides is positively irresistible.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your Apple Pie by offering individual mini pies at your next gathering, or cut slices into smaller wedges for finger-food dessert platters. You can even serve slightly warmed slices drizzled with salted caramel, or build a pie sundae with ice cream, nuts, and caramel sauce—watch the smiles light up!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Apple Pie has cooled, loosely cover leftovers with plastic wrap or foil and pop them in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for two to three days—perfect for sneaky midnight snacks or breakfast treats.
Freezing
To save Apple Pie for later, let it cool fully, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and a layer of foil. Freeze whole or in individual slices for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying or rewarming.
Reheating
For that just-baked experience, reheat slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until warmed through and crisp. Microwave works in a pinch but won’t revive the flaky crust quite as nicely as the oven.
FAQs
What kind of apples are best for Apple Pie?
For the ideal balance of tart and sweet, I recommend Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. Both hold their shape and maintain flavor after baking, but mixing in a few Galas or Fujis adds even more dimension.
How do I keep my bottom crust from getting soggy?
Make sure to bake the Apple Pie long enough so the bottom crust cooks through, and always cut steam vents in the top. If you like, you can even preheat your baking sheet to give the pie an extra boost of bottom heat.
Can I make the pie crust ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be prepared up to three days in advance—just keep it wrapped in the refrigerator until you’re ready to roll and assemble.
How do I know when my Apple Pie is done?
The crust should be evenly golden brown and the apple juices bubbling vigorously through the steam vents. If you see bubbling, you know those apples are perfectly cooked inside!
Can I use store-bought crust for this recipe?
If you’re short on time, a good-quality store-bought crust can absolutely stand in. The filling will still shine, and you’ll have Apple Pie on the table in less time.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of sharing a homemade Apple Pie, its golden crust teasing with the promise of a cinnamon-scented center. If you’ve never made one from scratch, this recipe is a wonderful place to start. Give it a whirl and savor the beautiful, buttery results—I promise, your kitchen will smell like pure happiness!
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Apple Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of a classic American apple pie with a flaky, buttery crust and a spiced apple filling. This homemade dessert is perfect for fall gatherings or any time you crave a sweet treat.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 6–8 tablespoons ice water
For the filling:
- 6 cups peeled and sliced apples (about 6 medium apples, preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough begins to come together.
- Split the dough in half, shape each half into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- For the filling: In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until evenly coated.
- Roll out one disc of dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch circle. Place it into a 9-inch pie dish, trimming any excess dough hanging over the edges.
- Pour the apple filling into the prepared crust, spreading it evenly. Dot the filling with small pieces of butter.
- Roll out the second disc of dough and place it over the apples. Trim, fold, and crimp the edges of the dough together to seal the pie. Cut small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil or a pie shield.
- Let the pie cool for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving.
For the crust: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the cold butter and cut it into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Notes
- For a sweeter filling, increase the sugar or use a mix of apples like Gala and Fuji.
- Serve the pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- You can prepare the pie crust ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
