There’s something magical about the aroma of a freshly baked apple pie wafting through your kitchen. This timeless Apple Pie recipe combines tender, cinnamon-spiced apples nestled in a flaky, golden pastry crust that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving comfort food, this classic dessert delivers the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors with a satisfying texture that makes every bite memorable. Best of all, this recipe uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
Serves: 8 people
Preparation Time: 45 minutes
Baking Time: 50-60 minutes
Total Time: About 2 hours (including cooling)
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the pie crust:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 6-8 tablespoons ice-cold water
For the apple filling:
- 6-7 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
For finishing:
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar for sprinkling
Making the Perfect Pie Crust
Start by mixing the flour and salt in a large bowl. Add the cold butter cubes and use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces. This step is crucial for creating a flaky crust.
Sprinkle the ice water over the mixture, one tablespoon at a time, and gently mix with a fork until the dough just comes together. You want it to hold together when squeezed, but don’t overwork it. Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a flat disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Preparing the Apple Filling
While your dough chills, peel and core your apples, then slice them into thin, even pieces about ¼ inch thick. Place the sliced apples in a large bowl and sprinkle with lemon juice to prevent browning.
In a separate small bowl, mix together the sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Pour this mixture over the apples and toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated. The flour helps thicken the juices as the pie bakes, preventing a soggy bottom crust.
Assembling Your Apple Pie
Preheat your oven to 425°F. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish, letting the excess hang over the edges.
Fill the crust with your seasoned apple mixture, mounding it slightly in the center. Dot the apples with small pieces of butter, which will add richness and help create a glossy filling.
Roll out the second disk of dough and place it over the apples. Trim both crusts to leave about 1 inch of overhang, then fold the edges under and crimp them together to seal. This creates a beautiful border and prevents the filling from leaking out.
Adding the Finishing Touches
Cut 4-5 small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking. Brush the entire top with beaten egg, which gives the crust a beautiful golden color, then sprinkle with the remaining tablespoon of sugar for extra sparkle and sweetness.
Baking to Golden Perfection
Place your pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake for 15 minutes at 425°F. Then reduce the temperature to 350°F and continue baking for 35-45 minutes more, until the crust is golden brown and you can see the filling bubbling through the vents.
If the edges start browning too quickly, cover them with strips of aluminum foil. The pie is done when you can easily insert a knife through the vents and the apples feel tender.
Cooling and Serving
Let your apple pie cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing. This waiting period allows the filling to set properly, making it much easier to cut clean slices. The pie can be served warm or at room temperature.
Storage Tips
Your homemade apple pie will stay fresh covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the whole pie for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 30 seconds or place the whole pie in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes.
This classic apple pie recipe proves that some traditions never go out of style. With its buttery, flaky crust and perfectly spiced apple filling, it’s destined to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
