If you’ve ever dreamed of a dessert that perfectly captures the essence of cozy afternoons and family gatherings, then this Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe is your new best friend. Bursting with tender, spiced apples wrapped in a buttery, flaky crust, this pie is the delicious heart of any kitchen where love and tradition meet. Every bite offers a delightful balance of sweet and tart, warmed by subtle notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice that make it irresistibly inviting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients can yield the most extraordinary results, and this Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe is proof. Each essential component plays a vital role in creating the perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and that golden hue we all crave in a homemade pie.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for your flaky pie crust and thickened filling.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances sweetness, crucial for both crust and filling.
- Sugar (granulated and brown): Adds sweetness and a subtle molasses depth that complements the apples.
- Unsalted butter: Chilled and cubed for the crust’s flaky texture; also dotted on filling for richness.
- Ice water: Helps bind the dough without melting the butter, ensuring flakiness in the crust.
- Tart apples (like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp): Provide the ideal balance of sweetness and tartness for a juicy, flavorful filling.
- Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice: Spice trio that warms and elevates the apple flavors.
- Lemon juice: Keeps the apples fresh and bright, adding a gentle zing.
- Large egg and milk: Combined for an egg wash that gives your crust a beautiful golden finish.
How to Make Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
Step 1: Make the Pie Crust
Start by whisking together the flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Then, cut in the chilled butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs—this is the magic step that ensures your crust turns out tender and flaky rather than tough. Gradually add ice water just until the dough holds together without being sticky. Divide this dough into two disks, wrap them in plastic wrap, and let them chill for at least an hour. The resting period helps relax the gluten and keeps the butter solid for perfect layers.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
While your crust chills, it’s time to create the heart of the pie. Toss your peeled, cored, and thinly sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, salt, and a splash of lemon juice. This combination not only sweetens the fruit but also thickens the juices as the pie bakes, while the spices infuse every slice with warmth and aroma.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C), then roll out one disk of your dough and fit it gently into a 9-inch pie plate. Spoon the apple mixture evenly over the crust, then dot the top with small cubes of butter for extra richness. Roll out the second dough disk and lay it over the filling. Crimp the edges together to seal in all those delicious flavors, and don’t forget to cut a few slits in the top crust so steam can escape, helping the filling bubble perfectly.
Step 4: Egg Wash and Bake
Whisk the egg and milk together to create your egg wash, then brush it over the pie’s top crust. This step gives your pie that irresistible golden gloss that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Bake at 425°F for 20 minutes to set the crust, then reduce the heat to 375°F (190°C) and bake another 40 to 50 minutes. Look for a bubbly filling and a crust that’s beautifully browned. Let the pie cool before serving so the filling can set and slice neatly.
How to Serve Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Serving your apple pie with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream is a timeless choice that adds a dreamy contrast of hot and cold, sweet and rich. A sprinkle of freshly chopped walnuts or a dusting of powdered sugar on top can also add texture and visual appeal, making every slice a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Side Dishes
While the pie is wonderful on its own, pairing it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce can take it to another level. For a cozy gathering, think about serving alongside warm mulled cider or a cup of strong coffee to complement the spices and sweetness in the pie perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress your guests? Serve this Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe in mini pie tins for individual portions or create a rustic lattice crust on top for a charming homemade look. You can also cut the pie into squares and present it on a tray with small forks, perfect for casual parties or potlucks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover apple pie keeps beautifully in the refrigerator, covered loosely with foil or plastic wrap. It will stay fresh for up to four days, with flavors deepening over time. This makes it perfect for enjoying a slice here and there without any waste.
Freezing
You can freeze the whole pie or individual slices by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Freeze for up to three months and enjoy pie any time. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
The best way to reheat apple pie is in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. This crisps the crust back up without drying out the filling. Microwave can work in a pinch but tends to make the crust soggy, so keep the oven your go-to method.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples in this recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are recommended for their tartness and texture, you can mix in sweeter apples like Fuji or Gala. Just be mindful that sweeter apples may alter the pie’s balance and sweetness level, so adjust sugar accordingly.
What if I don’t have time to make the crust from scratch?
Using store-bought pie dough is a viable shortcut and can still yield delicious results. Look for all-butter crusts for flavor closest to homemade. Just be sure to chill it well before using for the best texture.
How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?
Ensuring your pie crust is well-chilled before baking and rolling it out evenly helps. Additionally, tossing the apple slices with flour and sugars absorbs juices, and the initial high-temperature bake sets the crust quickly, creating a barrier against sogginess.
Can I make this pie vegan?
Yes! Replace butter with a plant-based margarine suitable for baking, and use a flax egg or vegan egg substitute for the egg wash. The flavors will still shine beautifully, though the crust texture may vary slightly.
How long does it take to bake this pie?
The total baking time is typically about 60 to 70 minutes: 20 minutes at 425°F to set the crust, then 40-50 minutes at 375°F. Keep an eye out for a golden crust and bubbling filling to know it’s done.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe truly brings a slice of warmth and comfort to any table. Whether it’s a holiday celebration, a weekend treat, or a way to simply show someone you care, this pie delivers on flavor and tradition every single time. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it part of your own delicious story.
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Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This classic homemade apple pie features a flaky, buttery crust filled with a spiced, sweet-tart apple filling. Made from scratch with fresh Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples, this dessert offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, ideal for any occasion or holiday gathering.
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water
For the Apple Filling
- 6 to 7 cups tart apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly 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
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
For the Egg Wash
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Make the Pie Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the chilled, cubed unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, starting with 6 tablespoons, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. If needed, add more water, one tablespoon at a time. Divide the dough into two disks, wrap each in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to rest and firm up.
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, toss the thinly sliced peeled and cored tart apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground allspice, salt, and lemon juice. Mix well to ensure the apples are evenly coated. Set the apple mixture aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Assemble the Pie: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out one disk of the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie plate. Carefully transfer the rolled dough to the pie plate, pressing it gently to fit and leaving the edges overhanging. Pour the prepared apple filling into the crust and evenly dot the filling with the cubed unsalted butter to add richness.
- Top the Pie: Roll out the second disk of dough to cover the apple filling. Carefully place it over the filling and trim any excess dough from the edges. Crimp or flute the edges to seal the top and bottom crusts together. Cut several small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Egg Wash and Bake: In a small bowl, whisk together the large egg and milk to create an egg wash. Brush the top crust generously with the egg wash, which will give the pie a beautiful golden color and a slight shine when baked. Place the pie on the middle rack of the preheated oven and bake at 425°F for 20 minutes. Afterward, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for an additional 40 to 50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely before slicing and serving to set the filling.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best balance of sweetness and acidity.
- Chilling the pie dough helps prevent shrinking and results in a flakier crust.
- Adjust the sugar amount based on the sweetness of your apples.
- Let the pie cool thoroughly to ensure the filling thickens properly before serving.
- For a decorative touch, consider using a lattice crust or adding a sprinkle of coarse sugar on top before baking.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
