If you are longing for a cozy treat that fills your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma, then this Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe is exactly what you need. This timeless dessert combines tender, cinnamon-spiced apples with a flaky, buttery crust that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and spice in every slice, guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone’s face.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this pie lies in the simplicity and quality of its ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating a harmonious blend of flavor, texture, and color that makes this dessert truly unforgettable.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): The backbone for a tender, flaky crust that holds our filling beautifully.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances the flavors in both the crust and the filling, balancing sweetness perfectly.
- Sugar (1 teaspoon for crust, plus sugars for filling): Just enough to bring sweetness without overpowering the apple’s natural tartness.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup for crust, 2 tablespoons for filling): Chilled and cubed for that unmistakable richness and flakiness.
- Ice water (6 to 8 tablespoons): Helps bring the dough together without melting the butter, keeping the crust light.
- Tart apples (6 to 7 cups): Granny Smith or Honeycrisp offer the perfect balance of tangy and sweet, providing body and bite.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup) and brown sugar (1/4 cup): Brown sugar adds depth, granulated sugar enhances sweetness and texture.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons for filling): Thickens the juices released by the apples during baking.
- Cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice: Warm spices that create that classic apple pie flavor everyone adores.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the filling, preventing browning and balancing sweetness.
- Egg and milk (for egg wash): Gives the crust a gorgeous golden shine and adds a delicate crunch.
How to Make Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Dough
The secret to a perfect pie starts with the dough. Whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar, then cut in chilled butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. The tiniest butter bits create pockets that puff during baking. Adding ice water gradually helps the dough just come together without becoming tough. Dividing it into two disks and chilling for at least an hour not only makes the dough easier to roll but also ensures a flakier crust once baked.
Step 2: Mix the Apple Filling
While your dough chills, toss the thinly sliced tart apples in a blend of sugars, flour, and warm spices. This blend is the heart of the filling, giving it structure and that beautiful balance of sweet and spicy. A splash of lemon juice wakes up the apples and keeps their color vibrant throughout baking. Set this mixture aside to let the flavors mingle.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and roll out one dough disk into a perfect circle to line your pie plate. Spoon the luscious apple filling inside, then dot with cubes of butter – these little chunks melt down, adding richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Cover with the second rolled-out dough disk, crimp the edges artistically for a classic look, and cut slits in the top crust to vent steam as it bakes.
Step 4: Bake Your Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
Give the pie a beautiful glaze by brushing it with an egg and milk wash; this step ensures a shiny, golden crust that beckons you from the oven. Bake first at a high temperature to set the crust, then lower the heat to allow the filling to bubble and thicken. Once the crust is a gorgeous golden-brown and the juices are thick and bubbly, your pie is ready. Let it cool completely to let the filling set, making every slice clean and satisfying.
How to Serve Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate this beloved pie to something truly special. A scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over a warm slice or a dollop of freshly whipped cream adds luscious creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the spiced apples. For a cozy touch, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg on top just before serving.
Side Dishes
If you want to turn your apple pie into a full dessert experience, consider pairing it with a sharp cheddar cheese slice on the side – a classic combination that balances sweet and savory perfectly. A hot cup of spiced tea or freshly brewed coffee also complements the pie’s robust flavors wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not surprise your guests by serving individual mini apple pies or rustic galettes using this recipe’s filling? Another fun idea is to make ice cream sandwiches with pie slices on cookies or to incorporate apple pie filling into parfaits for an elegant layered treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your delicious pie, wrap any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or foil to keep them fresh. Stored in the refrigerator, your pie will stay delicious for up to four days, perfect for sneaking a slice midweek.
Freezing
You can freeze this pie either before baking or after it has cooled. Wrap it well to avoid freezer burn, and it will maintain its delicious qualities for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge to preserve texture before reheating.
Reheating
To warm up leftover pie, cover it with foil and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes. Reheating this way preserves the crispness of the crust while reviving the warm, gooey filling.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp provide the best tartness and texture, you can mix in Gala, Fuji, or Braeburn apples for a unique flavor profile. Just be sure they are firm to avoid a mushy filling.
How do I prevent the pie crust from getting soggy?
Using a flour or sugar coating on the bottom crust before adding the filling helps absorb excess moisture. Also, ensuring your apple filling isn’t overly wet by tossing the apples thoroughly with the thickening agents keeps the crust crisp.
Is it necessary to chill the dough?
Yes! Chilling the dough solidifies the butter and relaxes the gluten, ensuring a flakier crust and preventing shrinkage during baking.
Can I make this pie gluten-free?
With some tweaks, yes. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking, and be mindful that the texture and some structural elements might vary slightly.
What’s the best way to slice and serve the pie?
Use a sharp, thin-bladed knife for clean cuts. Wiping the knife with a warm, damp cloth between slices helps prevent sticking and preserves each slice’s shape beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There’s something warmly nostalgic about baking a Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe, and it’s a joy to share this culinary treasure with loved ones. Every step, from mixing the buttery crust to smelling the fragrant spices baking, is a moment to savor. I encourage you to try this recipe—it’s a true crowd-pleaser that brings comfort and smiles with every bite.
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Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Apple Pie recipe features a flaky, buttery crust filled with a spiced mix of tart apples. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, it’s a timeless dessert ideal for any occasion, offering a balance of sweet, tart, and warm spice flavors.
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
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
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Pie Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the chilled, cubed unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Avoid overworking. Divide the dough into two disks, wrap each with plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Make the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, toss the peeled, cored, and thinly sliced tart apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground allspice, salt, and lemon juice. Mix thoroughly to ensure that the apple slices are evenly coated. Set the filling aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Preheat the Oven and Assemble the Pie: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of the chilled dough to fit a 9-inch pie plate. Transfer the dough carefully into the pie plate, pressing gently to fit without stretching. Add the prepared apple filling into the crust and dot the surface with the cubed unsalted butter for added richness.
- Add the Top Crust: Roll out the second disk of dough to cover the pie. Lay it over the apple filling and trim any excess dough from the edges. Crimp the edges securely to seal the pie and cut several small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash and Bake: In a small bowl, whisk together the large egg and milk to create an egg wash. Brush this evenly over the top crust to promote a golden, glossy finish. Bake the pie for 20 minutes at 425°F (220°C), then 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.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least two hours before serving. This resting period helps the filling to set, ensuring clean slices and perfect texture.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best balance of sweetness and acidity.
- Chilling the dough before baking helps create a flakier crust.
- Make sure to cut slits in the top crust to prevent the pie from becoming soggy.
- The egg wash gives the pie a shiny, golden appearance but can be omitted for a more matte finish.
- Letting the pie cool completely before slicing ensures the filling is properly set.
