Apple Pie Recipe

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.

Whole baked apple pie with a golden lattice top.
A whole apple pie with golden-brown crust dusted with sugar

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

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Prepare crust: Roll out bottom crust and fit into a 9-inch pie pan. Trim excess.
  3. Make filling: In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with sugars, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until coated.
  4. Assemble pie: Pour apple mixture into crust. Dot with butter cubes.
  5. Top crust: Roll out second crust, place over filling, seal and crimp edges. Cut small slits for steam.
  6. Egg wash: Brush top crust with egg wash. Sprinkle with sugar if desired.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
Slice of apple pie topped with caramel sauce on a white plate.
A slice of homemade apple pie drizzled with caramel.

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.

Classic apple pie with lattice crust, baked golden brown, with a slice removed.
Lucy

Apple Pie Recipe

This classic apple pie is warm, gooey, and packed with tender cinnamon-spiced apples beneath a golden, flaky crust. A comforting dessert perfect for holidays, potlucks, or a cozy family evening.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 370

Ingredients
  

  • 2 9-inch pie crusts (homemade or store-bought)
  • 6–7 medium apples, peeled and sliced (about 2 ½ lbs)
  • 0.75 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.25 cup brown sugar
  • 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1 egg + 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash)

Equipment

  • 9-inch pie pan
  • mixing bowl
  • Rolling Pin
  • pastry brush
  • knife (for slicing apples and slits)
  • oven

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Roll out bottom crust and fit into a 9-inch pie pan. Trim excess dough.
  3. In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until evenly coated.
  4. Pour apple mixture into prepared crust. Dot with cubed butter.
  5. Roll out top crust and place over filling. Seal and crimp edges. Cut slits in top crust for steam to escape.
  6. Brush top crust with egg wash (1 egg + 1 tbsp milk). Sprinkle with sugar if desired.
  7. 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.
  8. Let pie cool for at least 2 hours before slicing to allow filling to set.

Notes

Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for best flavor. Cool completely before slicing so the filling sets. Place pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Chill dough before rolling for a flakier crust.

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