Nothing says “comfort dessert” like a classic apple pie. With its flaky, buttery crust and perfectly spiced apple filling, this dessert has been a favorite for generations. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, special occasion, or just because, this easy-to-follow recipe will guide you to pie perfection. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible treat!
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust (makes 2 crusts):
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 6–8 tablespoons ice water
For the Apple Filling:
- 6–7 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
Egg Wash:
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon milk
Preparation
Make the Pie Crust
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
- Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough holds together. Do not overmix.
- Divide the dough into two disks, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Prepare the Apple Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the apple slices with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and lemon juice. Let sit for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Roll Out the Crust
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough into a 12-inch circle. Fit it into a 9-inch pie dish, trimming any overhang. Chill while you prepare the top crust.
- Roll out the second disk of dough into another 12-inch circle for the top crust or cut into strips for a lattice design.
Assemble the Pie
- Fill the prepared pie crust with the apple filling, mounding it slightly in the center. Dot the filling with butter cubes.
- Cover with the top crust or arrange lattice strips. Seal the edges by crimping them with your fingers or a fork.
- Brush the crust with the egg wash for a golden finish. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape if not using a lattice.
Bake the Pie
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
- Bake for 20 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 35–40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set before slicing.
Variations
- Caramel Apple Pie: Add ½ cup of caramel sauce to the apple filling for a richer flavor.
- Dutch Apple Pie: Replace the top crust with a crumbly streusel topping made from flour, sugar, and butter.
- Gluten-Free Crust: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the pie crust.
Cooking Note
- Prevent a Soggy Bottom: Brush the bottom crust with egg white before adding the filling to create a barrier.
- Apple Slicing: Uniformly sliced apples cook evenly and ensure a well-textured filling.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic apple pie pairs beautifully with:
- A scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream.
- Freshly whipped cream.
- A drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Tips
- Chill Everything: Keep the butter and water cold for a flakier crust.
- Test for Doneness: The apples should be tender, and the crust should be golden brown.
- Store Leftovers: Keep leftover pie at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (per slice, based on 8 servings)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Sodium: 210mg
FAQs
Can I freeze apple pie?
A: Yes! Wrap the unbaked pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to the baking time.
What apples are best for apple pie?
A: Tart apples like Granny Smith and sweet varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji work best. A mix of both provides a balanced flavor.
How do I reheat apple pie?
A: Warm slices in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes to revive the crust’s crispiness.
Conclusion
This classic apple pie recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that combines a buttery, flaky crust with a sweet, spiced apple filling. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or a casual dessert, this pie delivers timeless flavor and nostalgic charm. Try this recipe and enjoy the ultimate homemade apple pie experience!