If you’ve ever craved the cozy, homey taste of a classic dessert that feels like a warm hug, this Homemade Apple Pie Recipe is exactly what you need. With its flaky, buttery crust and perfectly spiced apple filling, it captures the essence of comfort in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a family gathering, or just because, this recipe will become your go-to for sharing something truly special and utterly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet absolutely essential, combining to create the perfect blend of texture, flavor, and that inviting golden color that makes apple pie so irresistible.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy base for your flaky crust.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Chilling the butter ensures a tender, flaky crust that melts in your mouth.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Adds just a hint of sweetness to the crust.
- 6-8 tablespoons ice water: Keeps the dough cold and helps it come together without toughness.
- 6 cups thinly sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): The heart of the pie, offering a perfect balance between tartness and sweetness.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling while maintaining a lovely texture.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Adds deep molasses notes for richness and depth.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the juicy apple filling, so it sets beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Classic spice that brings warmth and aroma.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds subtle, nutty undertones for complexity.
- 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice: Offers a hint of exotic flavor that elevates the filling.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the flavors and prevents the apples from browning.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed: Dotting the filling with butter gives a luscious richness as it bakes.
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash): Creates a shiny, golden crust that looks as good as it tastes.
- 1 tablespoon sugar (for sprinkling): Adds a delightful crunch and sparkle to the top crust.
How to Make Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by combining flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl – these dry ingredients are the backbone of your crust. Then, cut in the cold butter until the mix resembles coarse crumbs, which is key for that flaky texture everyone loves. Slowly add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough just comes together. Dividing and chilling the dough into two disks for at least an hour not only makes it easier to handle but ensures a tender, flaky crust that holds your filling beautifully.
Step 2: Make the Filling
While your dough chills, toss the thinly sliced apples with granulated and brown sugars, flour, and the aromatic spices including cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. The splash of lemon juice brightens everything up and keeps the apples from turning brown. Letting this mixture rest for about 15 minutes allows the flavors to mingle and juices to release, making a luscious, well-spiced filling.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get ready for the magic. Roll out one disk of dough and carefully place it in a 9-inch pie pan, trimming the edges for a neat finish. Pour in the apple filling and dot with the cubed butter, which melts into buttery pockets of flavor. Roll out the second disk and cover the pie, trimming and crimping the edges to seal. Don’t forget to cut a few slits for steam to escape during baking – this step keeps your crust crisp.
Step 4: Bake the Pie
Brush the top crust with your beaten egg, then sprinkle with sugar for an irresistible shimmer and crunch. Bake your pie for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown and the filling bubbles enticingly through the slits. Once out of the oven, give your pie about two hours to cool and set up so all those layers of flavor come together perfectly before slicing.
How to Serve Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
Garnishes
One of the best things about this Homemade Apple Pie Recipe is how well it pairs with simple garnishes. A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds creaminess that contrasts perfectly with the warm spices, while a dollop of fresh whipped cream brings lightness and airiness. For a touch of elegance, sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg on top before serving.
Side Dishes
Apple pie is fantastic on its own but can also shine next to cozy side dishes like a sharp cheddar cheese, which provides a savory balance, or a hot cup of chai tea to complement the cinnamon and spices. Fresh fruit salad can add a refreshing contrast, making your dessert experience even more memorable.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by serving individual slices in charming ramekins topped with streusel or caramel drizzle. You can even turn your pie into a rustic galette shape for a casual yet sophisticated look. Using decorative crust cutters or lattice work on top adds a personalized touch that will impress your guests and spark compliments.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pie should be tightly covered and refrigerated; it keeps delicious for up to four days. Refrigeration prevents the crust from becoming soggy and keeps the filling fresh and flavorful, so you can enjoy every bite just as much the next day.
Freezing
If you want to make this Homemade Apple Pie Recipe ahead of time or save leftovers for longer, freezing is your friend. Wrap the cooled, unbaked assembled pie tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months. When ready to bake, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and proceed with baking as usual.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes to restore that fresh-baked crispness without sacrificing the tender, juicy filling. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep your crust delightfully flaky and not soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this Homemade Apple Pie Recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are excellent for their balance of tartness and sweetness, you can mix in varieties like Fuji or Gala. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples may require less sugar in the filling.
Why is it important to keep the butter cold when making the crust?
Cold butter melts slowly during baking, creating layers in the dough that result in a flaky, tender crust. Warm butter blends too much with the flour and can lead to a dense, tough crust.
Can I make this pie gluten-free?
Yes, swapping regular all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking is a good option. Just be sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to help the crust hold together.
What’s the best way to prevent the crust edges from burning?
You can cover the edges with a foil ring or use a pie crust shield during baking. This protects the edges while allowing the center to brown perfectly.
Can I prepare the pie completely in advance and bake later?
Definitely! Assemble the pie, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake the next day, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed. This makes entertaining much easier and stress-free.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about mastering this Homemade Apple Pie Recipe. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create unforgettable memories. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves and dive into the comforting, delicious world of homemade apple pie — your kitchen, your family, and your taste buds will thank you!
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Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This classic Homemade Apple Pie features a flaky, buttery crust filled with a tender, warmly spiced apple filling. Perfectly balanced with a mix of tart and sweet apples, the pie is baked to golden perfection and makes an ideal 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
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
Topping
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the cold unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Form the dough: Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Divide the dough into two disks, wrap them in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Make the filling: Toss the thinly sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and lemon juice. Let this mixture sit for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the apples to release some juice.
- Preheat oven and prepare pie pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out one dough disk on a floured surface and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan, trimming any excess dough along the edges.
- Assemble pie: Add the apple filling evenly into the crust and dot the filling with cubed unsalted butter. Roll out the second dough disk and carefully place it over the filling. Trim, crimp the edges to seal, and cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Apply egg wash and sugar: Brush the top crust with the beaten egg to achieve a shiny, golden finish and sprinkle the surface with sugar for added sweetness and crunch.
- Bake the pie: Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the vents.
- Cool before serving: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set properly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet varieties like Honeycrisp for a balanced flavor.
- Chilling the dough is essential for a flaky crust.
- To prevent a soggy bottom crust, place the pie pan on a preheated baking sheet or pizza stone.
- Letting the pie cool completely helps the filling thicken and slice neatly.
- Egg wash enhances crust color and texture but can be skipped or substituted with milk for a lighter finish.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
