If you’ve ever dreamed of filling your home with the comforting aroma of warm cinnamon and baked apples, this Homemade Apple Pie Recipe is your new go-to delight. Classic yet utterly irresistible, it boasts a flaky, buttery crust that perfectly cradles a spiced, tender apple filling. Every bite bursts with rich textures and cozy flavors that feel like a hug from the inside. Whether it’s for a festive occasion or a simple weekend treat, mastering this recipe will quickly turn you into the family’s favorite baker, creating moments worth savoring around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but each plays a vital role in building the pie’s irresistible flavor and texture. From the flaky crust to the fragrant apple filling, every element is chosen with care to elevate your Homemade Apple Pie Recipe to pure perfection.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of your crust, providing structure and tenderness.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Essential for that flaky, buttery crust everyone raves about.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Adds a subtle hint of sweetness to the dough.
- 6-8 tablespoons ice water: Keeps the dough cool and cohesive without melting the butter.
- 6 cups thinly sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended): Crisp, flavorful apples that hold their shape and offer the perfect tart-sweet contrast.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the apples while also helping to create a luscious syrup.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Adds depth and a gentle molasses note to the filling.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the filling so it’s perfectly luscious without being runny.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Classic spice that pairs beautifully with baked apples.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Warms the filling with its subtle aromatic hint.
- 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice: A little extra spice complexity to make your pie stand out.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the filling and prevents apples from browning.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed: Dotting on top adds richness and a golden finish.
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash): Creates a glossy, beautiful crust.
- 1 tablespoon sugar (for sprinkling): Adds a sparkling sweet crunch on the crust.
How to Make Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Perfect Crust
Start by combining your flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Cutting in the cold butter is the secret to that flaky texture, so take your time until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, stirring gently until your dough just comes together. Don’t overwork it! Divide the dough into two disks, wrap them tightly in plastic, and pop them in the fridge to chill for at least an hour. This step is key for a crust that holds its shape while staying tender.
Step 2: Make the Delectable Apple Filling
While the dough chills, toss your thin apple slices with the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and lemon juice. The sugars balance the natural acidity of the apples, while spices make every bite cozy and warm—think autumn in every forkful! Let this mixture sit for 15 minutes so the flavors meld and the apples release some of their natural juices, creating a perfect filling base.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie Like a Pro
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), then roll out one of the chilled dough disks to fit comfortably into your 9-inch pie pan. Don’t forget to trim excess edges to prevent burning. Spoon in your luscious apple filling, making sure to dot it with cubed butter—this adds pockets of rich flavor as it melts. Roll out the second dough disk and place it over the filling, carefully trimming and crimping the edges to seal all the goodness inside. Remember to cut slits in the top crust so steam can escape and your pie can bake evenly.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Give the top crust a beautiful shine by brushing it with the beaten egg, then sprinkle with a tablespoon of sugar for an irresistible glittering finish. Bake the pie for 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the crust is gorgeously golden and you see the filling bubbling invitingly through the vents. Let it cool two hours before slicing to let the filling set — patience here rewards you with the perfect slice.
How to Serve Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream—both add a creamy, cooling balance to the warm spices. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of toasted nuts can also add texture and visual appeal, making each serving feel like a special treat.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a sharp cheddar cheese slice for a classic combo, or a cup of strong black coffee or chai tea to complement the spices. For a festive meal, consider pairing it with roast pork or glazed ham, which pair perfectly with the pie’s sweet and tart flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your pie beyond the plate by serving individual mini apple pies in ramekins or as hand pies perfect for picnics. For a rustic touch, present it with a warm cinnamon syrup drizzle or caramel sauce that guests can pour themselves—this Homemade Apple Pie Recipe can suit any occasion and impress every tastebud.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Freshly baked pie stores well covered at room temperature for up to two days, keeping the crust crisp and filling delicious. For longer storage, refrigerate wrapped tightly to maintain freshness, though the crust may soften slightly.
Freezing
To preserve your homemade masterpiece, freeze the unbaked pie after assembly by wrapping it securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready, bake it straight from the freezer, adding extra baking time as needed. You can also freeze baked slices for quick future treats.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through, which helps revive that flaky crust and melty filling like it was just baked.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples in this Homemade Apple Pie Recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are preferred for their balance of tartness and firmness, you can experiment with varieties like Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady for different flavor twists. Just aim for apples that hold their shape when baked.
Is it okay to make the pie crust from scratch?
Yes! Making your own pie crust adds that extra layer of flavor and flakiness that pre-made crusts often lack. The cold butter and proper handling of dough are key to a perfect crust that’s tender yet sturdy.
How do I know when the pie is fully baked?
Look for a golden-brown crust and bubbling filling peeking through the vents. These signs indicate the apples have softened and the sugars have thickened into a syrupy consistency.
Can I prepare this pie in advance?
Definitely! You can assemble the pie and keep it refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. This actually helps deepen the flavors and saves time on the day you want to serve it.
What should I do if my crust edges brown too quickly?
Cover the edges with aluminum foil or a pie shield halfway through baking to prevent burning while allowing the rest of the pie to cook perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Making this Homemade Apple Pie Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket on a chilly day — wonderfully comforting and genuinely rewarding. Once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why it’s a timeless favorite worth sharing with your loved ones. So grab those apples, roll up your sleeves, and create something deliciously unforgettable that will have everyone asking for seconds!
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Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This homemade apple pie recipe features a flaky, buttery crust filled with a deliciously spiced apple filling made from fresh Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. Infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and a touch of lemon juice, this classic dessert bakes to golden perfection and is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 6–8 tablespoons ice water
For the Apple Filling
- 6 cups thinly sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
For Assembly
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Cut in the butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces.
- Add ice water: Gradually add ice water one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough comes together and forms a ball. Avoid overworking the dough to keep it tender.
- Chill the dough: Divide the dough into two equal disks. Wrap each disk tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, toss the thinly sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and lemon juice until the apples are evenly coated.
- Let sit: Allow the apple mixture to sit for 15 minutes to macerate and meld the flavors.
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to fully preheat while you assemble the pie.
- Roll out bottom crust: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the chilled dough disks into a circle large enough to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Transfer the dough to the pie pan and trim any excess edges.
- Add filling: Pour the apple mixture into the crust-lined pan and dot the top with the cubed unsalted butter to add richness.
- Roll out top crust: Roll out the second dough disk to cover the pie filling. Place it over the apples, trim excess dough, and crimp the edges to seal. Cut several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape while baking.
- Apply egg wash: Brush the beaten egg over the top crust for a glossy golden finish, then sprinkle with sugar for added sweetness and texture.
- Bake the pie: Place the pie on the center rack of the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the slits.
- Cool: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. This helps the filling to set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For best results, use tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet-tart Honeycrisp to balance the flavors.
- Be sure to keep the butter and water cold to achieve a flaky crust.
- Letting the pie cool completely before slicing helps prevent the filling from being too runny.
- You can add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger to the filling for extra warmth if desired.
- The pie can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
