If you have a soft spot for warm, cozy desserts that fill your kitchen with the scent of cinnamon and fresh apples, then this Delicious Homemade Apple Pie Recipe is about to become your new favorite. It’s a perfect all-American classic with a buttery, flaky crust enveloping a tender, spiced apple filling that’s just bursting with flavor. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just treating yourself, this pie hits all the right notes — sweet, tart, and satisfyingly comforting all at once.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this pie lies in its simple, thoughtful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—from the all-purpose flour that creates a perfectly flaky crust to the cinnamon and nutmeg that add warm spice to the filling. These staples come together effortlessly, guaranteeing a slice of pie that’s truly irresistible.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for a tender, flaky crust that holds the filling beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to the dough to balance the apples.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, especially in the crust.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed: The secret to that perfectly flaky pie crust texture.
- 6-8 tablespoons ice water: Keeps the dough cool, helping it come together without toughening.
- 6-7 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced: The heart of the pie, combining tartness and sweetness.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the apple filling to perfection without overpowering.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds depth and a caramel-like richness to the filling.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Provides that classic warm spice aroma we all love in apple pie.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle hint of nutty sweetness to compliment the cinnamon.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Balances sweetness and prevents the apples from browning.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the filling so it’s perfect and not runny.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness in the filling for a well-rounded flavor.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces: Dotted on top of the apples to add richness as the pie bakes.
How to Make Delicious Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
Step 1: Make the Pie Crust Base
Begin by whisking together the flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. This dry mixture creates the structure for your crust, and getting it right lays the foundation for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 2: Incorporate Butter
Next, add the cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend it into the flour until the texture resembles coarse crumbs. The cold butter is what forms those flaky layers that make every slice so special.
Step 3: Add Ice Water
Gradually pour in the ice water a tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just begins to come together. Keeping it chilled prevents the butter from melting prematurely, which keeps the crust light and crispy.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Divide the dough into two disks, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and pop them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This resting time firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and roll out.
Step 5: Prepare the Apple Filling
While the dough chills, toss your peeled and sliced apples with both sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, cornstarch, and salt in a large bowl. This mix of spices and sugars enhances the apples’ natural flavors and ensures the filling thickens beautifully while baking.
Step 6: Assemble the Pie
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out the first dough disk and gently line a 9-inch pie dish with it, letting the edges hang over. Pour in the apple filling, then dot the surface with small pieces of butter for that rich, buttery finish. Roll out the second disk and cover the pie. Seal the edges by pinching the dough together, then cut slits on top to let steam escape during baking.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Brush the top crust with water or egg wash for a golden, glossy finish. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the crust is beautifully browned and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on the edges and tent with foil if they start to brown too fast.
Step 8: Cool Before Serving
Let your pie cool for at least two hours. This waiting period is crucial as it allows the filling to set so your slices hold together perfectly. Plus, the aromas really develop as the pie rests!
How to Serve Delicious Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream adds the perfect creamy contrast to this warm apple pie. For an extra touch, sprinkle a little cinnamon or drizzle caramel sauce on top.
Side Dishes
Keep it simple with coffee or a hot cup of spiced chai. If you want to add a savory balance, a slice of sharp cheddar cheese melts beautifully over a warm wedge. It’s a comforting and slightly unexpected pairing that works wonders.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving this pie a la mode in mini ramekins for an elegant touch at dinner parties. Or, turn leftover pie into apple pie cheesecake bars by layering diced pie pieces with cheesecake filling—a fun twist that will delight your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover pie covered at room temperature for up to two days. After that, refrigerate it loosely wrapped to keep the crust from getting soggy, and enjoy within 4 days for the best flavor.
Freezing
This Delicious Homemade Apple Pie Recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to enjoy as fresh as possible.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes until warm and crisp. This method preserves the flaky crust and revives the filling’s luscious texture without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this pie?
Absolutely! Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are ideal for their balance of tartness and sweetness, but you can mix in other varieties like Fuji or Gala for a unique flavor profile.
How do I prevent the crust edges from burning?
If the crust edges brown too quickly in the oven, cover them with aluminum foil or a pie shield partway through baking to keep them from burning while the filling finishes cooking.
Is it necessary to use cold butter and ice water?
Yes, keeping the butter and water cold is key to achieving that flaky, tender crust. Warm ingredients melt the butter prematurely, making the crust tough instead of flaky.
Can I make this pie gluten-free?
Definitely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum or another binder, and proceed as usual. The texture might vary slightly, but the flavor will still be wonderful.
What’s the best way to slice and serve the pie?
Use a sharp, serrated knife for clean slices and wipe the blade between cuts to keep slices neat. Serve lukewarm or at room temperature for the best taste and texture.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Delicious Homemade Apple Pie Recipe. It’s one of those classic treats that not only tastes amazing but also creates those happy memories around the baking process. Whether you’re making it for family, friends, or just yourself, enjoy every step and every delicious bite!
Print
Delicious Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic homemade apple pie features a flaky, buttery crust filled with tender, spiced apple slices. Perfectly balanced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of lemon, this dessert is baked to golden perfection and makes a comforting treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 6–8 tablespoons ice water
For the Apple Filling
- 6–7 medium apples (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions
- Make the Pie Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, and salt until well combined.
- Incorporate Butter: Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Cut the butter into the flour using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces.
- Add Ice Water: Gradually pour in the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just comes together without being wet or sticky.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough evenly into two disks. Wrap each disk in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, lemon juice, cornstarch, and salt until the apples are evenly coated with the mixture.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking.
- Roll Out Bottom Crust: On a floured surface, roll out one of the chilled dough disks to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Carefully transfer and press it into the pie dish to form the base crust.
- Add Filling and Dot with Butter: Pour the apple filling evenly into the bottom crust. Distribute small pieces of the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over the top of the apples.
- Roll Out Top Crust: Roll out the second disk of dough and place it over the apple filling. Trim excess dough, seal the edges by crimping well, and cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Brush and Bake: Lightly brush the top crust with water or an egg wash to promote browning. Place the pie in the preheated oven.
- Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes 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 oven and allow it to cool at least 2 hours. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweet-tart flavor that holds shape well during baking.
- Chilling the dough is crucial for a flaky crust and to make rolling easier.
- If the edges brown too fast, use a pie crust shield or foil to prevent burning.
- Letting the pie cool fully helps the filling to set and makes slicing cleaner.
- You can prepare the pie crust a day ahead and keep it refrigerated.
