Apple Pie

This Apple Pie is everything I love about a classic dessert—flaky, buttery crust filled with tender, spiced apples that bake into sweet perfection. Every slice feels like comfort food, with a balance of sweetness and warm spices that make it ideal for holidays or cozy evenings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s timeless and reliable. The crust turns out beautifully crisp and golden, while the filling brings out the natural flavor of the apples. It’s versatile, easy to customize, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

For the Flaky Pie Crust
▢2 1/2 cups (313 g) all-purpose flour
▢2 tbsp (25 g) granulated sugar
▢1/2 tsp salt
▢1 cup (224 g) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
▢1 egg, whisked, for the egg wash
▢1-2 tbsp turbinado sugar for sprinkling

For the Apple Filling
▢8 cups (1040 g) peeled, cored and diced apples (6-7 apples), Honeycrisp, Gala or Granny Smith work best
▢3/4 cup (150 g) granulated white sugar
▢2 tbsp (16 g) cornstarch
▢1 tbsp ground cinnamon
▢1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
▢1/4 tsp allspice
▢1/8 tsp ground cloves
▢1/8 tsp salt

Directions

1. I prepare the crust by mixing flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
2. I cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
3. I add a few tablespoons of ice water, one at a time, until the dough comes together.
4. I divide the dough into two discs, wrap them in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.
5. For the filling, I toss the apples with sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and salt until well coated.
6. I roll out one disc of dough and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish.
7. I pour the apple filling into the crust, then roll out the second disc to cover the pie, trimming and crimping the edges.
8. I brush the top with egg wash and sprinkle with turbinado sugar.
9. I cut small slits for steam to escape.
10. I bake the pie at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake another 35–40 minutes, until golden and bubbling.
11. I let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before slicing to allow the filling to set.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 8 servings. It takes me around 30 minutes to prepare the crust and filling, plus 55–60 minutes of baking, and 2 hours cooling time.

Variations

Sometimes I add a splash of lemon juice to the apple filling for brightness. I also like making a lattice crust for a decorative finish. For a twist, I swap half the apples with pears or add a handful of cranberries for tartness.

Storage/Reheating

I keep leftover pie covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days. To reheat, I warm slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to bring back the crispness. Apple pie also freezes well—either baked or unbaked—for up to 2 months.

FAQs

What apples work best for apple pie?

I like using a mix of Honeycrisp, Gala, and Granny Smith for both sweetness and tartness.

Can I make the pie crust ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare it a day in advance and keep it chilled until I’m ready to roll it out.

Do I have to peel the apples?

I prefer peeling for a smoother filling, but leaving the skins on adds extra texture and nutrients.

Can I use store-bought pie crust?

Yes, but I find homemade crust tastes flakier and more buttery.

How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?

I bake the pie on the lower rack and sometimes brush the bottom crust with egg white before filling.

Can I make this pie gluten-free?

Yes, I substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend.

How do I know when the pie is done?

I look for a golden crust and bubbling juices in the filling.

Can I freeze apple pie?

Yes, I freeze it either baked or unbaked and bake directly from frozen with extra time.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, I cut the sugar slightly, especially if my apples are naturally sweet.

What can I serve with apple pie?

I love it with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Conclusion

This Apple Pie is a classic dessert that never fails to impress. I love the buttery crust, the spiced apple filling, and the comforting aroma it brings to the kitchen. Whether it’s for a holiday or a simple family dessert, it always feels like home in every slice.

Print