If you have ever dreamed of a perfectly golden, flaky crust hugging a luscious, spiced apple filling, this Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe is your dream come true. It’s a heartwarming and timeless dessert that elevates simple ingredients into a masterpiece of flavor and texture. Whenever I bake this pie, the aroma alone fills my kitchen with joy and invites everyone to gather around for a slice of pure comfort. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of tart and sweet apples, complemented by warm spices and a buttery crust that’s tender yet crisp.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe is straightforward but essential. Each one adds something special, whether it’s the crispness of the apples, the warm spice blend, or the flaky crust that holds everything together beautifully.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy yet tender base for the pie crust, giving the perfect structure.
- Salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness in both crust and filling.
- Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to the dough for richness and slight caramelization.
- Unsalted butter: Chilled and cubed for flaky, melt-in-your-mouth crust layers.
- Ice water: Helps bind the dough without activating too much gluten, keeping crust tender.
- Tart apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp): Provides the essential tartness and texture contrast in the filling.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the tart apples evenly, balancing flavors.
- Brown sugar: Adds a deep, molasses-like richness to the filling.
- Ground cinnamon: The classic spice that pairs beautifully with apples.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds a cozy warmth to the spice mix without overpowering.
- Ground allspice: Brings subtle complexity that enhances the apple flavor.
- Lemon juice: Keeps apple slices bright and prevents browning.
- Egg: Whisked with milk to brush the crust, giving it a golden, glossy finish.
- Milk: Used in the egg wash to help the crust brown beautifully as it bakes.
How to Make Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
Step 1: Make the Pie Crust
Start by whisking flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl for the crust. Cut in the chilled butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs—this is what creates those amazing flakey layers. Gradually add ice water just until the dough starts to hold together. Be careful not to add too much to keep the dough tender. Divide the dough into two disks, wrap each in plastic, and chill for at least an hour. This resting step chills the butter again and relaxes the gluten so your crust bakes up perfectly.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
While the dough chills, peel, core, and slice your apples thinly to ensure every bite is packed with flavor. Toss the apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, salt, and lemon juice. The flour helps thicken the filling juices as the pie bakes, while the spices bring out the apple’s natural sweetness. Let the mixture sit while your oven heats up—this helps the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Roll out one dough disk on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie plate and carefully transfer it in. Fill the crust with the spiced apple mixture and dot the top with small cubes of butter—this adds richness and a hint of silkiness in every bite. Roll out the second dough disk to cover the pie, trim and crimp the edges for that classic look, and cut slits on top to let steam escape.
Step 4: Egg Wash and Bake
Whisk together the egg and milk to create a beautiful egg wash. Brush it evenly over the top crust to get a shiny, golden finish as it bakes. Bake the pie first at 425°F for 20 minutes to set the crust, then reduce the temperature to 375°F and bake for another 40 to 50 minutes until the crust is golden and the filling bubbles invitingly. Let the pie cool before slicing to allow the filling to set, this step is key to perfect clean slices every time.
How to Serve Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
Garnishes
This pie is stunning on its own but adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream makes it truly irresistible. A sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a few thin apple slices on top can add extra charm if you’re serving guests.
Side Dishes
Classic apples pie pairs wonderfully with a cup of strong coffee or a warm cup of chai tea for afternoon indulgence. For a cozy dessert after dinner, a sharp cheddar cheese slice alongside a warm piece of pie is a traditional favorite that surprisingly works beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the pie in individual ramekins for personal-sized delights. Another fun idea is to slice the pie and layer it with caramel sauce and toasted pecans on a plate for a warm, rustic presentation. You can also dust the top crust with powdered sugar just before serving for a touch of elegance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe is cooled completely, cover it loosely with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to four days, making it perfect for enjoying slices throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to make the pie ahead for a future gathering, you can freeze it after assembly but before baking. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months. When ready, bake from frozen, just adjust baking time as needed. You can also freeze fully baked slices individually for quick dessert fixes.
Reheating
Reheat leftover pie slices in a warm oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes to refresh the crust’s flakiness and warm the filling under the crust’s golden top. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy. A hot slice of pie fresh from the oven smells just as wonderful the second time around.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great for their tartness and texture, feel free to experiment with other firm apples like Braeburn or Jonagold. Just remember to keep a balance between sweet and tart apples for the best flavor.
How can I make sure my pie crust is flaky?
Use cold butter and ice water, handle the dough as little as possible to avoid warming the butter, and chill the dough before rolling it out. These steps help create steam pockets as the pie bakes, resulting in that flaky texture everyone loves.
Is there a way to prevent my pie crust from getting soggy?
Yes! You can brush the crust with a thin layer of egg white before adding the filling to act as a moisture barrier. Also, be sure to cook your pie on a lower oven rack to help the bottom crust crisp up.
Can I make the pie vegan or dairy-free?
You can! Substitute butter with cold coconut oil or vegan butter in the crust and use a plant-based milk for the egg wash or simply omit the egg wash and brush with maple syrup for a golden top. For the filling, all other ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly.
How long does it take to make this Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe from start to finish?
From chilling the dough to cooling the baked pie, you’re looking at roughly 2 hours and 45 minutes. Most of that time is hands-off chilling and baking, giving you moments to prep other dishes or relax.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe is truly a treasure in any kitchen, offering a slice of warmth, tradition, and sheer happiness in every bite. Whether it’s for a holiday, a weekend treat, or simply to fill your home with cozy aromas, this pie is a surefire way to impress and create lasting memories. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find your new favorite family recipe!
Print
Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A classic homemade apple pie featuring a flaky buttery crust and a spiced apple filling, baked to golden perfection. This comforting dessert balances tart and sweet flavors with warm cinnamon and nutmeg, making it a timeless favorite for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 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
Apple 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
- Make the Pie Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the chilled, cubed unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Ice Water: Gradually add 6 to 8 tablespoons of ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just comes together without being sticky. Avoid overworking the dough to keep it tender.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal disks, wrap each tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour. This resting period helps the gluten relax and the butter firm up for a flaky crust.
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced tart apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, salt, and lemon juice. Toss gently to coat all the apple slices evenly, then set aside to macerate and meld flavors.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the pie.
- Roll Out the Bottom Crust: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of chilled dough into a circle large enough to fit a 9-inch pie plate. Carefully transfer the dough to the pie plate and gently press it into place.
- Add Filling and Butter: Spoon the prepared apple filling evenly into the crust, then dot the filling with the cubed unsalted butter to add richness and encourage browning.
- Roll Out and Add Top Crust: Roll out the second dough disk and place it over the apple filling. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal the pie. Cut several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the large egg and milk. Brush this egg wash over the top crust to give the pie a beautiful golden color and glossy finish after baking.
- Bake the Pie: Bake in the preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20 minutes. Then reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 40 to 50 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool Before Serving: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least two hours to allow the filling to set properly, making it easier to slice and serving at ideal temperature.
Notes
- Use tart apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best balance of flavor and texture.
- Keep all ingredients, especially butter and water, cold to achieve a flaky crust.
- Adjust sugar quantity based on the sweetness of your apples and personal preference.
- Cut slits in the top crust to prevent the pie from becoming soggy and to allow steam to escape.
- For a decorative touch, use pie crust cutters or lattice patterns on the top crust.
- Letting the pie cool completely helps the filling thicken and makes slicing easier.
