Name: Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 6–8 tablespoons ice water; 6–7 cups peeled and sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp); 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup light brown sugar; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces; 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash); 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for topping)

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If there’s one dessert that always draws a crowd and sparks the fondest memories, it’s Homemade Apple Pie. This timeless classic features tender, cinnamon-kissed apples tucked inside a crisp, buttery crust that shatters ever so slightly with each forkful. From the irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes to the golden, bubbling filling that emerges from the oven, every bite promises cozy comfort, nostalgia, and pure delight.

Homemade Apple Pie Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Homemade Apple Pie so special? It’s all about starting with simple, honest ingredients that bring out the very best in this comforting dessert. Each one plays a vital part, whether lending flakiness, tartness, or aromatic spice to the final masterpiece.

All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): This forms the structure for your flaky, tender pie crust—don’t substitute here for best results.
Salt (1 teaspoon + 1/4 teaspoon): Enhances the flavor in both the crust and the filling, balancing the sweetness.
Unsalted butter, cold and cubed (1 cup or 2 sticks): Absolutely essential for a crust that’s both crisp and melt-in-your-mouth.
Ice water (6–8 tablespoons): Keeps the dough cold as you bring it together, ensuring maximum flakiness.
Apples, peeled and sliced (6–7 cups): Granny Smith or Honeycrisp provide the best blend of tartness and firmness—use both for even more depth.
Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the filling and creates that gorgeous caramelized syrup.
Light brown sugar (1/4 cup): Adds subtle molasses notes and extra body to the filling.
All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Thickens the juices as the pie bakes, creating that luscious, not-runny filling.
Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the apples and helps prevent browning.
Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Warm spice is a must in any good apple pie.
Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle aromatic lift so the flavors sing.
Butter, cut into small pieces (1 tablespoon): Dotting the filling with butter gives it glossy silkiness.
Egg, beaten (1): Brushed on top for sheen and beautiful browning.
Coarse sugar (1 tablespoon, optional): For a sparkling, crunchy finish on the golden crust.

How to Make Homemade Apple Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Dough

Start with the crust—it’s the backbone of any Homemade Apple Pie. In a large bowl, whisk together your flour and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or a fork, working quickly until the mixture looks like coarse, sandy crumbs with some larger lumps of butter remaining. Drizzle in the ice water one tablespoon at a time, gently tossing with a fork until the dough just comes together (don’t overwork!). Divide the dough in half, form each into a disc, and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to chill for at least an hour. This rest time is crucial for a tender, flaky crust.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

While the dough chills, it’s time to focus on the heart of your pie—the apples. In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. The mixture will look luscious and glossy, and the apples will start to give off their delicious juices, promising a sweet-tart and perfectly spiced filling.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

Lightly flour your work surface and roll out one dough disc into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. Carefully lift it into a 9-inch pie dish, letting the excess hang over the edges. Spoon in the apple filling, mounding it slightly in the center, and dot the top with pieces of butter. This step infuses the pie with rich flavor and helps the filling become glossy as it bakes.

Step 4: Top and Seal the Pie

Roll out the second dough disc and gently lay it over the apples. Trim the edges, then crimp them together for a rustic, homemade look. Don’t forget to cut a few slits in the top crust for steam to escape (or go fancy with a lattice design!). Brush the crust with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar if you want an extra sparkling finish.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Set the pie on a lower oven rack in a preheated 425°F (220°C) oven. Bake for 45–55 minutes, until the crust is deeply golden and the filling bubbles through the vents. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil. The most challenging part: let the pie cool for at least 2 hours! This lets the juices thicken and ensures picture-perfect slices.

How to Serve Homemade Apple Pie

Garnishes

There’s nothing more inviting than a warm slice of Homemade Apple Pie topped with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, softly melting into all those nooks and crannies. A dollop of softly whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce is also pure magic. For a little extra flair, add a pinch of cinnamon sugar or a few toasted nuts as a crunchy finishing touch.

Side Dishes

If you’re serving apple pie as part of a bigger spread, pair it with a sharp aged cheddar cheese for a classic sweet-salty combination. Coffee, spiced chai, or hot apple cider also make wonderfully cozy sipping companions, especially as the weather cools down. For a light dessert duet, a bowl of fresh berries or a simple fruit salad keeps things bright and refreshing.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn dessert time into a showstopper by baking individual mini pies in ramekins or muffin tins—everyone gets their own! Or try a crumble topping on half of the pie for a “half-and-half” experience. For a rustic effect, bake your filling galette-style on a baking sheet. However you serve it, Homemade Apple Pie always brings smiles and makes an impression.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover any leftover pie loosely with foil or plastic wrap. It keeps well at room temperature for a day, and up to four days in the fridge—if it lasts that long! The crust will stay beautifully crisp and the flavors meld even deeper on day two.

Freezing

Both baked and unbaked pies can be frozen. If you want to freeze a baked Homemade Apple Pie, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic and foil. Unbaked pies freeze best before you brush on the egg wash; just assemble, wrap, and freeze. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes as needed, and enjoy a fresh-from-the-oven treat any time.

Reheating

To reheat, warm leftover slices in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10–15 minutes, or microwave individual pieces for 30 seconds (the oven method keeps the crust the crispiest). For a whole pie, tent with foil and reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 15–20 minutes. You’re just a few moments away from fresh, warm Homemade Apple Pie bliss all over again!

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pie crust instead?

Absolutely—while homemade crust truly makes a difference in taste and texture, a good-quality store-bought crust is a great time saver and will still give you delicious results! Just follow the same assembly and baking instructions for your Homemade Apple Pie.

What are the best apples to use?

Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples strike that perfect balance between tart, sweet, and sturdy. Feel free to use a combination for more complexity, or add a sweeter variety like Fuji or Golden Delicious to tailor the pie to your liking.

Why does my apple pie filling turn out runny?

This happens if there’s not enough thickener or the pie is sliced before cooling. Be sure to add the full amount of flour, let your pie cool at least 2 hours, and use apples that are firm and not overly juicy for the best Homemade Apple Pie filling texture.

Can I make Homemade Apple Pie ahead of time?

Yes! You can fully bake the pie a day ahead; just let it cool and cover loosely. Alternatively, you can prep the crust and filling up to a day ahead and assemble just before baking for fresh-baked perfection with minimal rush.

How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?

To keep the bottom crust crisp, bake the pie on the lowest oven rack and use a glass or metal pie dish if possible. If you want to go the extra mile, brush the bottom crust with a bit of beaten egg white before filling to create a barrier.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried baking a Homemade Apple Pie from scratch, this is your sign to dive in! With a golden, flaky crust and warm spiced apples, it’s a project that rewards every bit of effort. No matter the season or occasion, this classic never goes out of style and is sure to bring joy to your table. Give it a try—you’ll create delicious memories one slice at a time.

Homemade Apple Pie Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 3 hours (including chilling and cooling)
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the comforting flavors of a classic Homemade Apple Pie with a flaky, buttery crust and a sweet, spiced apple filling. This recipe will guide you through creating a delicious dessert perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Pie Crust:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
6–8 tablespoons ice water

Apple Filling:

6–7 cups peeled and sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup light brown sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces

For Assembly:

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for topping)

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Instructions

Pie Crust: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until dough comes together. Divide, shape into discs, wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Preheat & Prepare Filling: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss sliced apples with sugars, flour, lemon juice, spices, and salt.
Assemble & Bake: Roll out one dough disc and fit into a pie dish. Fill with apple mixture, dot with butter. Top with second dough disc, trim edges, vent, brush with egg wash, sprinkle with sugar. Bake 45–55 minutes until golden. Cool before serving.