Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
Apple pie is more than just a dessert; it’s a symbol of American tradition, celebrated at gatherings from Thanksgiving to summer picnics. Its warm, spiced filling combined with a buttery, flaky crust creates a comforting flavor that’s hard to beat.
Crafting an apple pie from scratch lets you experience each layer of taste and texture, from the tartness of the apples to hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. This homemade recipe brings nostalgic flavors right to your kitchen, providing a delicious treat perfect for sharing.
Making apple pie might feel like a big task, but with simple steps and quality ingredients, anyone can master this classic dessert. It starts with choosing the right apples for a balanced filling, followed by creating a golden crust to hold everything together.
Whether it’s for a holiday feast or a cozy weekend treat, this apple pie will quickly become a favorite. Follow this guide to bake a pie that’s bound to be the star of any gathering!
Why This Recipe
This recipe is a go-to for anyone wanting an authentic, homemade apple pie that’s full of flavor and easy to follow. With step-by-step instructions and tips, even first-time bakers can confidently create a pie that tastes as good as it looks.
Plus, the combination of tart and sweet apples creates a well-balanced filling, while the buttery crust adds richness to each bite. It’s a simple yet crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or a weekend treat.
About This Recipe
This classic apple pie recipe uses common pantry ingredients and simple techniques to create a delicious dessert that’s a staple in American homes. From the choice of apples to the subtle blend of spices, this recipe covers all the essentials for a perfect pie.
The recipe allows for some flexibility—whether you use a store-bought crust or make one from scratch—and guides you through the process to ensure the filling isn’t too sweet or too runny. This apple pie is baked to golden perfection with a delightful filling that brings warmth and comfort to any meal.
Ingredients
- 6-8 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a tart and sweet balance)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1-2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to balance sweetness and prevent browning)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening the filling)
- Pie Crust (homemade or store-bought, for a top and bottom layer)
- 1 tablespoon butter (to dot on top of the filling before adding the crust)
Instructions
Bake the Pie
Place in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until crust is golden and filling is bubbling. Cover edges with foil if browning too quickly.
Prepare the Crust
Combine flour, butter, salt, and a bit of ice water to form a dough. Divide into two discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for a flaky, buttery crust.
Make the Filling
Peel, core, and slice apples thinly. In a large bowl, mix apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and flour. Toss until apples are evenly coated.
Assemble the Pie
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll one disc of dough into a 9-inch pie dish, pour in the apple filling, and dot with butter. Cover with the second disc, crimp edges, and cut small slits on top for steam to escape.
FAQs
Q: What are the best apples to use for apple pie?
A: Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are great choices; Granny Smith adds tartness, while Honeycrisp adds sweetness and texture.
Q: Can I make apple pie in advance?
A: Yes, apple pie can be made a day ahead. Store it at room temperature, covered, and reheat before serving for best results.
Q: How can I prevent a soggy crust?
A: Bake the pie on a lower oven rack, use a thickening agent, and ensure the oven is preheated to create a crisp bottom crust.
Q: Should I peel the apples for pie?
A: Peeling provides a smoother texture, but leaving the peels on adds a rustic feel and extra fiber.
Q: How long does apple pie last?
A: Apple pie lasts up to 2 days at room temperature, covered. It can also be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 6-8 medium apples Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a tart and sweet balance
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1-2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice to balance sweetness and prevent browning
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour for thickening the filling
- Pie Crust homemade or store-bought, for a top and bottom layer
- 1 tablespoon butter to dot on top of the filling before adding the crust
Instructions
- Bake the Pie
- Place in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until crust is golden and filling is bubbling. Cover edges with foil if browning too quickly.
- Prepare the Crust
- Combine flour, butter, salt, and a bit of ice water to form a dough. Divide into two discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for a flaky, buttery crust.
- Make the Filling
- Peel, core, and slice apples thinly. In a large bowl, mix apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and flour. Toss until apples are evenly coated.
- Assemble the Pie
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll one disc of dough into a 9-inch pie dish, pour in the apple filling, and dot with butter. Cover with the second disc, crimp edges, and cut small slits on top for steam to escape.
