There is something irresistibly comforting about a classic homemade dessert that brings warmth and nostalgia with every bite. This Homemade Apple Pie Recipe is the perfect take on that timeless favorite, featuring a flaky, buttery crust cradling tender, cinnamon-kissed apples. With a harmonious blend of sweet and tart flavors, it’s the kind of pie that effortlessly fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and makes any day a special occasion. Whether you’re new to pie baking or a seasoned dessert lover, this recipe will guide you to apple pie perfection in a way that feels both achievable and rewarding.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this delightful Homemade Apple Pie Recipe, you’ll rely on simple, classic ingredients that each play a vital role in making the pie sing. From the crisp apples that provide texture and tang, to the rich butter that gives the crust its luscious flakiness, every element contributes to the overall magic of this dessert.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): The foundation for your tender yet sturdy crust.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances flavor while balancing sweetness.
- Sugar (1 tablespoon + 3/4 cup): Adds sweetness to the crust and filling for a perfectly balanced taste.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, chilled and diced): Essential for creating that flaky, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Ice water (1/4 to 1/2 cup): Helps bring the dough together without warming the butter.
- Sliced peeled apples (6 to 7 cups): Choose Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the ideal mix of tartness and sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds warm spice and depth to the filling.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Provides subtle aromatic notes that elevate the apple flavor.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Keeps apples fresh and brightens the overall taste.
- Butter (1 tablespoon): Dotted over the apples to create rich pockets of flavor.
- Egg yolk (1): Combined with milk to brush the crust, giving it that gorgeous golden sheen.
- Milk (1 tablespoon): Helps the egg wash spread smoothly and browns the crust beautifully.
How to Make Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to a toasty 425°F (220°C). This high initial heat gives the crust a crispy texture right from the start. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar to make sure everything is evenly distributed for your crust’s perfect base.
Step 2: Cut in the Butter and Form the Dough
Next comes the magic of combining cold butter with the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial because those bits of butter create tiny air pockets that make the crust flaky. Slowly add ice water a tablespoon at a time until the mixture just holds together into a dough ball.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Divide your dough into two equal halves and shape each into a disc. Wrap these discs tightly in plastic wrap and pop them into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Chilling firms up the butter and relaxes the dough, making it easier to roll out later.
Step 4: Toss the Apple Filling
In another bowl, take those fresh apples and mix them up with sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. This blend lets the apples release their juices during baking while thickening the filling to prevent soggy crust. Each spice provides a cozy warmth that’s quintessential to the experience of this homemade treat.
Step 5: Roll Out the Dough and Assemble
Roll one chilled dough disc out into a circle that fits your pie pan perfectly. Lay it gently into the pan, then fill it generously with the spiced apple mixture. Dot the filling with butter to add an extra layer of richness. Roll out the second dough disc and lay it on top, trimming the excess pastry and crimping the edges firmly to seal the pie like a pro.
Step 6: Prepare for Baking
Don’t forget to cut small slits on the top crust so steam can escape while baking — this keeps the filling from bubbling over and helps your pie cook evenly. For that picture-perfect golden color, whisk the egg yolk with milk and brush this glaze over the crust to create a stunning finish.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the pie at 425°F for 15 minutes to jump-start that flaky crust, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 35 to 45 minutes until the apples soften beautifully and the crust is golden brown. Let it cool slightly before cutting so the filling sets perfectly, making every slice clean and delightful.
How to Serve Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A warm slice of this Homemade Apple Pie Recipe is elevated by simple garnishes. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream adds creamy coolness that contrasts wonderfully against the warm, cinnamon-spiced apples. Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or finely chopped nuts for a lovely texture boost and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
If you want to turn your apple pie into a fuller dessert experience, consider serving it alongside a rich caramel sauce or a drizzle of maple syrup. A helpful tip is pairing it with sharp cheddar cheese slices — the salty richness cuts through the sweetness and creates something truly special on your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Presenting your homemade pie with a rustic charm adds to the cozy experience. Serve it on a wooden board or an antique pie stand surrounded by fresh apples, cinnamon sticks, and autumn leaves to bring the season’s essence to your table. For gatherings, individual ramekin pies using this recipe’s filling offer charming, personalized servings that wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover slices of this Homemade Apple Pie Recipe keep beautifully when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making each bite even more delightful the next day.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead or save extra pies for later, freeze unbaked pies wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to two months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and follow the baking instructions as usual to enjoy fresh-baked goodness anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, warm slices gently in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes until heated through and the crust regains some of its original crispness. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve that flaky crust texture, but it’s fine in a pinch if you’re eager for a quick bite.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of apple?
Absolutely! Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are preferred for their balance of tartness and sweetness, but you can experiment with Fuji, Braeburn, or Gala apples to suit your taste preferences.
Is it necessary to chill the dough?
Chilling is highly recommended as it solidifies the butter, preventing it from melting too quickly and ensures a flaky, tender crust. It also relaxes the gluten, making the dough easier to handle.
How can I prevent a soggy bottom crust?
Using a thickening agent like flour in your filling helps absorb excess juices. Also, ensuring proper venting of the top crust and preheating your oven properly supports a crisp bottom.
Can I make this pie gluten-free?
With some tweaks, yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Keep in mind that texture might vary slightly, but the flavor will still shine.
What’s the best way to cut the pie for serving?
Use a sharp knife or a pie server, cutting clean, straight slices from the center outward. Letting the pie cool enough beforehand will help the slices hold together beautifully without messy spills.
Final Thoughts
Baking this Homemade Apple Pie Recipe is more than just making dessert; it’s creating cherished moments and filling your home with love and warmth. I truly encourage you to try it yourself—you’ll find that the simple ingredients combine to create something extraordinary. From the tender crust to the fragrant apple filling, each bite is a comforting hug that’s perfect any day of the year.
Print
Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 30m
- Cook Time: 1h 0m
- Total Time: 1h 30m
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic homemade apple pie features a buttery, flaky crust and a spiced apple filling using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. Perfectly balanced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice, this recipe delivers a comforting dessert that is ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water
For the Filling
- 6 to 7 cups thinly sliced peeled apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter
For the Egg Wash
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the pie.
- Make Dry Mixture: In a large bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon sugar to create the base for the pie crust.
- Incorporate Butter: Cut in 1 cup diced unsalted butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs, ensuring a flaky crust.
- Add Ice Water: Gradually stir in ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until a dough ball forms. Divide the dough into two portions.
- Chill Dough: Roll each dough half into circles, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Prepare Filling: In another bowl, mix sliced apples with 3/4 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice for a flavorful filling.
- Roll Bottom Crust: Roll out one dough circle to fit your pie pan, then place it gently into the pan ensuring an even layer.
- Add Filling: Fill the pastry-lined pan with the apple mixture, then dot with 1 tablespoon butter to enhance richness.
- Roll Top Crust: Roll out the second dough circle and lay it over the filling. Trim excess dough and pinch edges to seal thoroughly.
- Create Steam Vents: Cut small slits in the top crust to let steam escape during baking, preventing sogginess.
- Apply Egg Wash: Mix egg yolk with 1 tablespoon milk and brush over the crust to achieve a golden, shiny finish.
- Initial Bake: Bake in the preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes to set the crust.
- Lower Temperature and Continue Baking: Reduce oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 35 to 45 minutes more, until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow pie to cool slightly on a rack before slicing and serving to set the filling and improve flavor.
Notes
- Chilling the dough ensures a flaky and tender crust.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweetness and tartness.
- Make sure to cut slits on the top crust to avoid a soggy pie.
- Adjust sugar in the filling according to the sweetness of your apples.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
