Apple Pie Recipe is the heart of cozy gatherings and holiday traditions. There’s nothing more comforting than pulling a golden, bubbling pie out of the oven. This classic dessert brings the flavors of fall and the warmth of family right to your kitchen table.
This homemade apple pie recipe is simple, classic, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re baking for Christmas, Sunday supper, or just because, this pie is sure to be a family favorite for years to come.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic flavor with warm cinnamon and tender apples
- Golden, flaky crust that pairs perfectly with the gooey filling
- Simple steps, even for beginner bakers
- Works with homemade or ready-made crust
- Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or everyday treats
Ingredients
- Pie crusts (2, 9-inch) – homemade or store-bought, one for bottom, one for top
- Apples (6–7 medium, about 2 ½ lbs / 1.1 kg) – Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for balance of tart and sweet
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup / 150 g) – adjusts sweetness
- Brown sugar (¼ cup / 50 g) – adds caramel flavor
- All-purpose flour (¼ cup / 30 g) – thickens the filling
- Cinnamon (1 ½ tsp) – for warm spice
- Nutmeg (¼ tsp) – optional, deepens flavor
- Lemon juice (1 tbsp) – prevents apples from browning
- Unsalted butter (2 tbsp, cubed) – dotted over filling for richness
- Egg wash (1 egg + 1 tbsp milk) – for glossy golden crust
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare crust: Roll out bottom crust and fit into a 9-inch pie pan. Trim excess.
- Make filling: In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with sugars, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until coated.
- Assemble pie: Pour apple mixture into crust. Dot with butter cubes.
- Top crust: Roll out second crust, place over filling, seal and crimp edges. Cut small slits for steam.
- Egg wash: Brush top crust with egg wash. Sprinkle with sugar if desired.
- Bake: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes, then reduce to 350°F (175°C) and bake 35–40 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Cool: Let pie cool at least 2 hours before slicing.
You Must Know
- Cool the pie fully so the filling sets.
- Use a baking sheet under the pie to catch drips.
- A mix of tart and sweet apples gives the best flavor.
Storage Tips
- Store at room temperature, covered, for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate up to 5 days.
- Freeze baked pie for up to 3 months (wrap tightly).
Ingredient Substitutions
- Apples: Try half Granny Smith, half Honeycrisp for balance.
- Sugar: Substitute coconut sugar or reduce for less sweetness.
- Crust: Ready-made crust works well if you’re short on time.
- Spices: Add apple pie spice blend instead of cinnamon + nutmeg.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
- Top with whipped cream for a lighter touch.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Cultural Context
Apple pie has long been a symbol of comfort and tradition in American kitchens. From Southern gatherings to holiday tables, it’s more than dessert—it’s a celebration of family and home. This recipe follows a classic Southern apple pie style, simple yet rich in flavor.
Pro Tips
- Slice apples evenly for even cooking.
- Use a glass pie dish for best browning.
- If crust browns too quickly, cover edges with foil.
- Chill dough before rolling for flakier crust.

FAQs
What are the best apples for apple pie?
Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp or Fuji for sweetness.
Can I make apple pie ahead of time?
Yes, bake and refrigerate up to 2 days in advance.
How do I prevent a soggy crust?
Bake at high heat first (425°F) and place pie on the lower oven rack.
Can I freeze apple pie?
Yes, freeze baked or unbaked. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil.
Do I have to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended for best texture, but you can leave skins for rustic style.
How do I reheat apple pie?
Warm slices in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10 minutes.

Apple Pie Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Roll out bottom crust and fit into a 9-inch pie pan. Trim excess dough.
- In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until evenly coated.
- Pour apple mixture into prepared crust. Dot with cubed butter.
- Roll out top crust and place over filling. Seal and crimp edges. Cut slits in top crust for steam to escape.
- Brush top crust with egg wash (1 egg + 1 tbsp milk). Sprinkle with sugar if desired.
- Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes. Then reduce heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 35–40 more minutes, until golden and bubbly.
- Let pie cool for at least 2 hours before slicing to allow filling to set.