There is something truly magical about settling in with a warm slice of pie that tastes like it came straight from Grandma’s kitchen. This Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe captures everything you love about a perfect apple pie: tender, flaky crust with a buttery richness, and a luscious filling bursting with tender apples, just the right touch of sweetness, and cozy spices. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just to brighten up an ordinary day, this recipe is sure to become a beloved go-to in your collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe plays a crucial role in creating that perfect harmony of flavors and textures. These simple pantry staples come together to build the sturdy yet buttery crust and the juicy, warmly spiced apple filling that makes this pie unforgettable.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of a flaky, tender crust that holds all the delicious filling.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to both the crust and filling, balancing the tartness of the apples.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors in the crust for that perfectly seasoned bite.
- Unsalted butter: Chilled and cubed for a rich, flaky crust that melts in your mouth.
- Ice water: Keeps the dough cool, helping the butter stay firm to create flaky layers.
- Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): Crisp and tart or sweet and juicy, these apples are the star of the show.
- Brown sugar: Adds depth and a hint of caramel flavor to the filling.
- Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: Cozy spices that bring warmth and aroma to every bite.
- Lemon juice: Keeps the apples bright and prevents them from browning.
- Milk: For brushing the crust to achieve that beautiful golden finish.
- Coarse sugar (optional): Adds a bit of sparkle and crunch on top of the crust.
How to Make Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Start by combining the flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. The key to a flaky crust is cold butter, so add the chilled, cubed butter and gently cut it into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until you see coarse, pea-sized crumbs. This ensures that when baked, you’ll get beautifully layered flakiness.
Step 2: Bring the Dough Together
Gradually add ice water one tablespoon at a time while mixing gently so the dough just comes together. Be careful not to add too much water; the dough should hold but not be sticky. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap each in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This chilling step is vital for relaxed dough that’s easy to roll and helps keep the butter cold.
Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling
While the dough chills, toss your sliced apples with both sugars, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. The sugar and flour combo sweetens and thickens the filling, while the spices add that unmistakable warmth. Lemon juice brightens the flavors and helps prevent browning so your filling stays vibrant.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one dough disc to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Carefully transfer it to your dish and trim any excess dough hanging over the edges. Then pour in your apple filling, spreading evenly and dotting with small pieces of butter to enrich the filling during baking.
Step 5: Add the Top Crust
Roll out the second dough disc and gently lay it over the apples. Trim excess dough and crimp the edges to seal the pie—you want to lock in all that juicy goodness. Cut several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape while baking, preventing sogginess in the filling and keeping the crust crisp.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Brush the top crust with milk for that irresistible golden hue and sprinkle coarse sugar if using for extra sparkle and crunch. Bake the pie at 425°F for 45 to 50 minutes, keeping an eye on the crust. If edges brown too fast, tent them with foil or a pie shield. Once golden and bubbling, remove the pie and let it cool for at least two hours—the filling needs this resting time to set up perfectly before slicing.
How to Serve Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A warm slice of this Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe is delightful on its own, but a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream can elevate it to pure comfort food heaven. For a touch of sophistication, sprinkle some cinnamon or drizzle caramel sauce over the top.
Side Dishes
Pairing your apple pie with a hot cup of coffee or spiced tea is a classic way to enjoy it. If you’re serving it as a dessert after a hearty meal, light, fresh salads with citrusy vinaigrettes make a wonderful balance to the pie’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings and festive occasions, consider serving mini versions of the pie in ramekins or as hand pies wrapped in delicate crust pockets. You can also create a lattice crust on top for a stunning visual and textural contrast that shows off the filling enticingly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers—which is always a happy problem—wrap the pie tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to three days, and the flavors tend to deepen as it sits.
Freezing
To enjoy this Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe any time, you can freeze it either before baking (wrap tightly and freeze up to two months) or bake first and freeze leftovers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or serving cold—both ways work well and keep the pie tasting fresh.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a warm oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes to bring back the flaky crust and warm filling. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy. A butter knife alongside a hot cup of tea makes for a perfectly cozy moment.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this pie?
Absolutely! Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are popular for their tartness and texture, but feel free to mix in sweeter varieties like Fuji or Gala for a more balanced flavor and a slightly different sweetness.
How do I prevent the bottom crust from getting soggy?
Make sure to use a thickening agent like flour in your filling, and pre-chill the crust before baking to keep it firm. Also, baking at a high initial temperature helps set the crust quickly, reducing sogginess.
Can I make the pie crust ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be made up to two days in advance. Keep it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and chilled until you’re ready to roll it out. This helps with ease and develops better flavor.
What’s the best way to cut the pie to keep it neat?
Use a sharp serrated knife and cut with a gentle sawing motion to preserve the crust’s flakiness. Letting the pie cool thoroughly before cutting helps the filling to set and prevents it from oozing out.
Can I use a store-bought pie crust instead?
Of course! While the homemade crust elevates the experience, a good quality store-bought crust works well if you’re short on time. Just keep an eye on baking times as they may vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
Baking this Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe is like giving yourself and your loved ones a warm hug from the inside. The comforting aromas, the flaky crust, and the spiced apple filling combine into a timeless dessert that’s perfect for sharing. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and make some beautiful memories along the way with every delicious bite.
Print
Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Apple Pie recipe features a flaky, buttery crust filled with tender, spiced apples. Perfectly balanced with cinnamon and nutmeg, the pie offers a delightful combination of sweet and tart flavors, ideal for any occasion. The pie is baked to golden perfection, creating a warm and comforting dessert.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 6–8 tablespoons ice water
Apple Filling
- 6–7 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Topping
- 1 tablespoon milk (for brushing the crust)
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (for topping, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pie Crust: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cubed cold butter and mix with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Ice Water: Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough just comes together.
- Chill Dough: Divide the dough in half, form each into a disc, and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss to coat evenly and set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Roll Out Bottom Crust: Roll out one of the dough discs on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Transfer the dough to the pie dish and trim any excess dough around the edges.
- Fill Pie: Pour the apple mixture into the crust and evenly distribute the apples. Dot with small pieces of butter.
- Roll Out Top Crust: Roll out the second disc of dough and place it over the apples. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Brush and Sprinkle: Brush the top crust with milk and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
- Bake the Pie: Bake the pie at 425°F (220°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Protect Crust Edges if Needed: If the crust begins to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil or a pie shield.
- Cool Before Serving: Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before slicing to allow the filling to set.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture.
- Chilling the dough discs helps to create a flakier crust.
- Cutting slits in the top crust allows steam to escape, preventing sogginess.
- Cover the pie edges with foil halfway through baking if they brown too quickly.
- Allowing the pie to cool fully ensures the filling sets and slices cleanly.
- Coarse sugar on top adds a nice crunch and visual appeal but is optional.
