There is something undeniably heartwarming about a pie fresh from the oven, especially when you follow a Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe that delivers that perfect harmony of sweet, tart, and warm spices enveloped in a flaky, buttery crust. This pie captures the essence of homemade comfort food. Each bite brings a satisfying crunch of the crust combined with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples that feel like a nostalgic hug from grandma’s kitchen. Whether for special occasions or cozy weekends, mastering this Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe is a joyful culinary adventure you will come back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, high-quality ingredients is the key to creating this flawless pie. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture, from the tender apples to the flaky pastry that holds everything together.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): Essential for the crust’s structure, making it delightfully tender yet sturdy enough to hold the filling.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances every flavor in the crust and filling, balancing sweetness perfectly.
- Sugar (1 teaspoon): Added to the dough for a hint of sweetness and to aid browning of the crust.
- Unsalted butter, chilled and cubed (1 cup / 2 sticks): The star ingredient for that buttery, flaky crust you’ll swoon over.
- Ice water (6 to 8 tablespoons): Keeps the dough cold, helping maintain the butter’s texture while bringing the dough together.
- Tart apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (6 to 7 cups): A mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp balances tartness with natural sweetness.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens and caramelizes during baking, enveloping the apples with gentle warmth.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup, packed): Adds a deep, molasses-like richness to the fruit filling.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Helps to thicken the fruit juices as the pie bakes, keeping it luscious but not runny.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Brings that classic cozy spice that defines apple pie.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a hint of warm, earthy spice that’s perfectly balanced.
- Ground allspice (1/4 teaspoon): Complements the cinnamon and nutmeg for a complex flavor profile.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Brings out the flavors in the apple filling, balancing the sweetness.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Provides brightness to cut the richness and prevent the apples from browning.
- Unsalted butter, cubed (2 tablespoons): Added atop the filling before baking for extra moistness and richness.
- Large egg (1): Used for the egg wash to give your crust that golden, glossy finish.
- Milk (1 tablespoon): Mixed with the egg to thin the wash for even coverage of the crust.
How to Make Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Dough
Start by whisking together the flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Cutting in the chilled butter so that the mixture resembles coarse crumbs is key to getting those flaky layers baked into your crust. Slowly add ice water, just enough for the dough to come together when pressed. Handle it gently and avoid overworking to keep the crust tender. After dividing the dough into two disks, wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least an hour to relax the gluten and keep the butter cold.
Step 2: Mix the Apple Filling
While the dough chills, toss your thinly sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, salt, and a splash of lemon juice. This blend is the heart of your filling, packing in sweetness, spice, and a little acidity to balance everything out. Set it aside to let the flavors marry.
Step 3: Roll Out and Layer Your Pie
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out one dough disk on a floured surface and carefully fit it into a 9-inch pie plate. Pour in your apple filling, spreading it evenly, then dot the top with the cubed butter for added richness as it bakes. Roll out the second dough disk and place it over the filling, sealing the edges with a classic crimp. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape and to create that beautiful, inviting look.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake the pie at 425°F for 15 minutes to jump-start browning, then lower the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 45 minutes or until the crust is golden and juices are bubbling. This two-temperature approach ensures a crust that is crisp without burning.
How to Serve Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe by garnishing with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A sprinkle of cinnamon powder or a drizzle of caramel sauce can add an extra layer of indulgence and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs beautifully with a sharp cheddar cheese slice for a surprising sweet-and-savory combo. Warm spiced cider or a cup of strong coffee also complement the pie wonderfully, making a cozy, complete dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual mini pies in ramekins or shape the top crust into decorative leaves or lattice patterns. Adding a festive touch with edible flowers or a dusting of powdered sugar right before serving makes this classic even more special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover slices of Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe keep beautifully when covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil and stored in the fridge. This preserves the freshness and flavors for up to 4 days without losing that perfect crust flakiness.
Freezing
You can freeze the pie whole before baking by wrapping it securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freezing for up to 2 months. Alternatively, freeze baked slices individually wrapped to enjoy later; just be sure to thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring leftover pie back to life, warm slices in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to crisp the crust and revive the filling’s warmth. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples in this Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are recommended for their balance of tartness and sweetness, you can experiment with varieties like Fuji or Braeburn. Just keep in mind that softer apples might release more juice, potentially affecting the filling’s consistency.
How can I prevent the bottom crust from getting soggy?
Blind baking the bottom crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling or brushing a thin layer of beaten egg on the raw crust can help create a barrier that keeps it crispier through baking.
Is there a way to make the crust gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum, you can adapt this recipe. Just be mindful that the texture might differ slightly but remain delicious.
What is the best way to keep the apple slices from browning?
Tossing the apple slices in lemon juice ensures they maintain their fresh look and bright flavor without browning before baking.
Can I make the pie vegan?
For a vegan version, swap the butter for a plant-based margarine and replace the egg wash with a mixture of plant milk and maple syrup to achieve a golden crust.
Final Thoughts
There is something pure and joyful about making a Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe from scratch. It’s a labor of love that rewards you with the kind of comfort only a homemade dessert can provide. Whether you’re baking it for a family gathering or just to treat yourself, this recipe invites warmth, nostalgia, and a slice of happiness in every bite. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the magic of making and sharing this timeless dessert.
Print
Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings (8 slices)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A classic homemade apple pie featuring a flaky, buttery crust and a spiced apple filling made with Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples. This comforting dessert balances tart and sweet flavors, enhanced by warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Pie Dough
- 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
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 Topping
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Make the Pie Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the chilled, cubed butter using a pastry blender or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, stirring until the dough just comes together. Divide the dough into two equal disks, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, toss the peeled, cored, and thinly sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, salt, and lemon juice until evenly coated. Set aside to marinate and release some juices.
- Preheat Oven and Assemble Pie: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of chilled dough into a circle large enough to fit a 9-inch pie plate. Transfer the dough to the pie plate and gently press it into place. Add the apple filling evenly into the crust and dot the top with cubed unsalted butter.
- Cover Pie and Prepare Top Crust: Roll out the second dough disk into a circle and place it over the apples. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges, then crimp the edges to seal. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking. Whisk together the egg and milk, then brush this mixture lightly over the top crust to give it a golden, glossy finish.
- Bake the Pie: Place the pie on the middle rack of the preheated oven. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 45 minutes more, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil to prevent burning.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing. This allows the filling to set properly for clean slices and better flavor.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a balance of sweetness and acidity.
- Keep the butter and water cold to ensure a flaky crust.
- Letting the pie cool completely before slicing prevents the filling from oozing out.
- If you prefer a sweeter pie, adjust the amount of sugar to taste.
- The lemon juice in the filling helps prevent the apples from browning and adds brightness.
- Cover the pie edges with foil partway through baking to avoid over-browning.
