If you’ve ever dreamed of capturing that warm, nostalgic feeling of fall in a single bite, this Homemade Apple Pie Recipe is your golden ticket. Comforting, fragrant, and perfectly balanced between sweet and tart apples wrapped in a buttery, flaky crust, it’s the kind of dessert that brings smiles and memories all around the table. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or just a cozy weekend treat, this recipe promises an unbeatable flavor experience that feels like a hug from the inside out.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Homemade Apple Pie Recipe lies in its simplicity and quality ingredients. Each component plays a key role in creating the perfect harmony of texture, flavor, and aroma, ensuring a classic pie that’s anything but ordinary.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the flaky, tender crust that’s the perfect base for the filling.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Cold butter creates layers in your crust, giving it that amazing flakiness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Adds a subtle touch of sweetness to the crust.
- 6-8 tablespoons ice water: Keeps the dough cool to prevent toughness while binding it together.
- 6 cups thinly sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended): The heart of the filling; tart Granny Smiths brighten while Honeycrisp adds a natural sweetness.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the apples and aids in caramelization during baking.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Brings a rich, molasses-like depth to the filling.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the apple juices as they bake, preventing a soggy crust.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The classic spice that complements apples perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds warmth and complexity to the spice mix.
- 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice: A subtle hint of clove-like flavor that rounds out the spice profile.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the filling and prevents the apples from turning brown.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed: Dotting the filling with butter enhances richness and mouthfeel.
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash): Creates a beautiful, glossy finish on the crust.
- 1 tablespoon sugar (for sprinkling): Adds a touch of sparkle and crunch on top.
How to Make Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Begin by combining the flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. The next step is to cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the texture resembles coarse crumbs—this is key to achieving the flaky layers we all love. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, stirring until the dough just comes together. Avoid overworking to keep your crust tender. Divide the dough into two disks, wrap them in plastic wrap, and chill for at least one hour. This rest period helps the gluten relax and keeps the butter firm, ensuring your crust bakes up perfectly crisp.
Step 2: Make the Filling
While the dough chills, toss your thinly sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and lemon juice in a large bowl. This blend of spices and sugars marries beautifully with the apples, enhancing their natural flavor while the lemon juice adds a fresh zing and prevents browning. Let this mixture sit for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sugars to begin drawing out the apple juices.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out one of the chilled dough disks on a lightly floured surface and carefully transfer it to your 9-inch pie pan. Trim any excess edges neatly. Spoon the apple filling into the crust, then dot with cubed butter for a luscious finish. Roll out the second dough disk and gently place it over the filling. Trim and crimp the edges to seal your pie, and remember to cut a few slits in the top crust—these allow steam to escape for a beautiful, evenly baked pie.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Brush the top crust with the beaten egg to ensure a golden, shiny surface and sprinkle the tablespoon of sugar evenly over the top for a delightful crunch. Pop the pie into the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, watching as it transforms into a golden masterpiece with bubbling filling peeking through the slits. Once baked, allow your pie to cool for at least 2 hours to let the filling set properly, making slicing neat and servings perfect.
How to Serve Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top of each slice adds a charming touch. For extra indulgence, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream—the cold creaminess beautifully balances the warm, spiced apples.
Side Dishes
Consider pairing your apple pie with light, fresh accompaniments like a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette if serving as a dessert after a hearty meal. A simple cup of spiced chai or black coffee also complements the sweetness and spices perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
To wow your guests, serve slices of this Homemade Apple Pie Recipe warm in rustic, individual ramekins topped with a cinnamon stick garnish. Another idea is to cut the pie into mini tarts using a cookie cutter after baking, making it perfect for a party platter or afternoon tea spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, you can store leftover pie covered loosely with foil or plastic wrap at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to four days to maintain freshness and texture.
Freezing
This Homemade Apple Pie Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the unbaked pie tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, then freeze for up to three months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and proceed with baking instructions.
Reheating
Reheat slices in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes to revive the crispness of the crust and warm the filling. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make the crust soggy and tough.
FAQs
Can I use any type of apples for this pie?
Absolutely, but for the best balance of tartness and sweetness, we recommend Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. Combining the two can create a lovely flavor contrast and texture.
What’s the secret to a flaky pie crust?
Using cold butter and minimal handling of the dough are the keys. The small chunks of cold butter create steam as they melt during baking, forming flaky layers that are tender yet crisp.
How do I prevent the apple filling from becoming watery?
Adding a bit of flour to the filling helps thicken the juices released by the apples as they bake. Also, letting the filling rest before baking helps absorb excess liquid.
Can I make this pie vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use a flax egg or commercial egg replacer for the egg wash. The pie will still be deliciously satisfying.
How long does the homemade apple pie keep fresh once baked?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, it stays fresh and tasty for up to four days. Always cover it to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other fridge odors.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about crafting your own pie from scratch, especially with a recipe as delightful as this Homemade Apple Pie Recipe. Every step, from preparing the crust to savoring that first warm slice, is an invitation to slow down and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. I can’t wait for you to make this pie your own and share it with the people you love. Happy baking!
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Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This classic Homemade Apple Pie recipe features a flaky, buttery crust filled with a spiced mixture of tender Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. Perfectly balanced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, this pie is baked to golden perfection, making it a comforting and timeless dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
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
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
Topping
- 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 thoroughly to ensure even seasoning. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, which creates a flaky texture.
- Form the dough: Gradually add ice water one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork or your hands just until the dough starts to come together. Avoid overworking the dough to keep it tender. Divide the dough into two equal disks, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and chill 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. This mixture balances sweetness and tartness while thickening the filling. Let it sit for 15 minutes to meld the flavors and draw out some apple juices.
- Preheat and roll out crust: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of chilled dough into a circle large enough to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Carefully transfer the dough to the pie pan and trim any excess hanging over the edge.
- Assemble the pie: Pour the prepared apple filling into the crust, spreading evenly. Dot the filling with small cubes of the 2 tablespoons unsalted butter for added richness. Roll out the second dough disk and place it over the filling. Trim the edges to match the bottom crust, crimp to seal, and cut a few small slits on the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Apply egg wash and sugar: Brush the top crust generously with the beaten egg to promote a golden, shiny finish. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sugar evenly over the top for a subtle sweetness and crunchy texture.
- Bake the pie: Place the pie on the middle rack of the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Bake until the crust is a deep golden color and the filling is bubbling through the slits, indicating the fruit is cooked and the juices are thickened.
- Cool before serving: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely for at least 2 hours. This cooling period helps the filling to set, resulting in cleaner slices and a perfect texture for serving.
Notes
- Choose tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet-tart Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture.
- Keep butter and water cold to ensure a flaky crust.
- Do not overwork the dough to avoid a tough crust.
- Letting the filling sit after mixing allows flavors to meld and juices to release.
- Cooling the pie fully before slicing improves filling consistency.
- For a decorative crust, use pie dough scraps to create patterns or shapes on top.
- You can double wrap the pie with foil in the last 15 minutes of baking if the crust edges brown too quickly.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
