If you have a soft spot for warm, flaky crusts and tender, spiced apple filling, then you are going to absolutely adore this Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe. This timeless dessert brings comfort, nostalgia, and all the cozy vibes right to your kitchen table. With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh apples, you can create a pie that’s bursting with vibrant fall flavors and just the right balance of sweetness and spice. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering or simply craving a heartfelt treat, this pie will quickly become a cherished favorite in your home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe comes together with straightforward ingredients that each play an important role. From the buttery crust to the fragrant spices, each component is essential for building layers of flavor and texture that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): The foundation for your tender, flaky pie crust and to thicken the filling slightly.
- Granulated sugar (1 tablespoon plus 3/4 cup): Adds sweetness to both the crust and the apple filling for balance.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances flavors and stabilizes the pie dough.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup chilled cubed plus 1 tablespoon for dotting): Creates a flaky, rich crust and adds richness inside the pie.
- Ice water (6-8 tablespoons): Helps bring the dough together while keeping it cold to ensure the perfect flaky texture.
- Medium apples (6-7, peeled and sliced): Choose tart, firm varieties like Granny Smith or the sweet-crisp Honeycrisp for a perfect filling.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup packed): Adds a lovely caramel note to complement the tart apples.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Brings warmth and that unmistakable apple pie spice aroma.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): A subtle spice that adds depth without overpowering.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the filling and helps prevent the apples from browning.
- Milk (1 tablespoon): For brushing the crust to achieve that golden, glossy finish.
- Coarse sugar (1 tablespoon, optional): Sprinkled on top to add a delightful crunch and sparkle.
How to Make Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Start by combining your dry ingredients all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt for that delicate balance of flavor. Then, using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work in the chilled cubed butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. The cold butter is key here, as it creates pockets in the dough that bake into a flaky, tender crust that practically melts in your mouth.
Step 2: Bring the Dough Together
Slowly drizzle in ice water one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough only just comes together. Be careful not to add too much water; you want your dough firm yet moist enough to hold without being sticky. Quickly shape the dough into two discs and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, chilling in the fridge for at least an hour. This resting period relaxes the gluten and keeps that buttery crust cold for the best texture.
Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling
While the dough chills, you can get ahead by mixing the apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and bright lemon juice in a large bowl. Toss everything gently to coat the apple slices evenly. This mixture will soften and marry the flavors beautifully as you prepare your crust.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and roll out one dough disc to perfectly fit your 9-inch pie dish. Transfer the dough with care, trimming any excess to keep the edges neat. Pour in your fragrant apple filling and dot with small butter pieces to enrich every bite. Next, roll out the second dough disc to cover the apples, crimping the edges together to seal in those delicious juices. Don’t forget to cut slits on top so steam can escape and your pie doesn’t bubble over.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Before popping it in the oven, brush the top crust with milk for a golden sheen and sprinkle coarse sugar over for a little sparkle and crunch. Bake your pie for 45 to 50 minutes until the crust is beautifully golden and the filling is bubbling with fruity goodness. If the edges brown too fast, a shield or foil patch will keep them looking picture-perfect. Let the pie cool for at least two hours to allow the filling to set so that every slice holds beautifully before you dive in.
How to Serve Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Serving your Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe fresh out of the oven is wonderful on its own, but a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream can elevate the experience immensely. A sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce adds a cozy touch that warms the heart with every bite.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs beautifully with warm drinks like spiced apple cider, fragrant coffee, or a soothing cup of chai tea. For a more indulgent dessert spread, consider offering alongside sharp cheddar cheese or a light salad of bitter greens dressed with vinaigrette to balance sweetness with a little freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful by serving individual mini pies or hand pies as delightful single servings. Or, arrange thin slices of pie on a dessert platter with an assortment of nuts and seasonal fruits for a stunning fall dessert centerpiece that will wow your guests visually and in flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra slices of this Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe, simply cover them tightly with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, the pie stays moist and delicious for up to four days, making it easy to enjoy a taste of homemade comfort over the following days.
Freezing
You can freeze an unbaked pie or leftovers wrapped well in plastic and aluminum foil. An unbaked pie can be frozen for up to 2 months and baked fresh from frozen, while baked slices freeze best for about 1 to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Warm your leftover pie slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes to refresh that flaky crust and soften the filling. Avoid microwaving when possible to preserve the delightful texture of the crust.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for this Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are favorites for their tartness and texture, feel free to experiment with sweet or mixed varieties like Fuji or Braeburn. Just aim for apples that hold their shape well when baked.
Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?
Yes, chilling the dough is crucial. It keeps the butter cold which results in a flakier crust. Plus, it helps the gluten relax, making the dough easier to roll out and preventing shrinkage during baking.
What can I do if the crust edges brown too quickly?
If you notice the edges baking faster than the rest of the pie, cover them with strips of aluminum foil or a pie crust shield halfway through baking. This keeps the edges from burning while the filling finishes cooking.
Can I make the pie crust using a food processor?
Yes! You can speed up the crust-making by pulsing flour, sugar, salt, and cold butter in a food processor just until it resembles coarse crumbs. Then add ice water gradually until it comes together.
How long should the pie cool before serving?
It’s best to let the Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe cool for at least two hours. This cooling time allows the filling to thicken and set so you get beautiful slices that aren’t runny.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of simplicity and tradition baked into each golden slice. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or indulging in a quiet moment yourself, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. Once you experience the magic of homemade pie crust paired with spiced apple filling, you might just find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again. Happy baking!
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Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A classic homemade apple pie recipe featuring a buttery, flaky crust and a luscious spiced apple filling. Perfectly baked to a golden brown, this pie combines tart and sweet apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of lemon juice for a timeless dessert that serves 8 to 10 people.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 6–8 tablespoons ice water
Apple Filling
- 6–7 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and 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 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Finishing
- 1 tablespoon milk (for brushing the crust)
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (for topping, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pie Crust: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cubed cold butter and mix with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Ice Water: Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together, ensuring it isn’t too wet or dry.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal parts, form each into a disc, wrap with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour to firm up.
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until evenly coated. Let the mixture sit for flavors to meld.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) in preparation for baking the pie.
- Roll Out Bottom Crust: On a floured surface, roll out one dough disc to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Transfer it carefully and trim excess dough around the edges.
- Add Filling and Butter: Fill the pie crust with the apple mixture, spreading evenly. Dot the apples with small pieces of unsalted butter for richness.
- Roll Out Top Crust: Roll the second dough disc to cover the pie. Place it over the apples, trim excess, and crimp the edges to seal the pie tightly. Cut slits in the top to vent steam.
- Brush and Sprinkle: Brush the top crust with milk for a golden finish and sprinkle optional coarse sugar for added texture and sweetness.
- Bake the Pie: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 45-50 minutes until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling hot.
- Protect Crust Edges: If edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil or a pie shield to prevent burning.
- Cool Before Serving: Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours so the filling sets properly, making it easier to slice and enjoy.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced flavor that holds shape well during baking.
- Chilling the dough discs is crucial for a flaky crust; do not skip or shorten this step.
- Adjust sugar quantities based on the sweetness of your apples if desired.
- Slits in the top crust are essential for steam to escape and prevent filling spillover.
- Letting the pie cool completely before cutting ensures clean slices and prevents the filling from oozing.
