There is something truly magical about a warm slice of apple pie fresh from the oven, and this Homemade Apple Pie Recipe captures that magic perfectly. With a flaky, buttery crust enveloping tender, cinnamon-spiced apples, this pie is a comforting classic you’ll want to make all year round. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a sweet treat, this recipe brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels both nostalgic and utterly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Homemade Apple Pie Recipe plays a crucial role in building those layers of flavor and texture that make this pie unforgettable. From the crisp tartness of apples to the buttery flakiness of the crust, every component works in harmony.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your crust, providing the perfect structure for flakiness.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the apples and crust.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances sweetness throughout.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Key to that tender, flaky texture in the crust.
- 6-8 tablespoons ice water: Helps bring the dough together without melting the butter.
- 6-7 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): Perfectly tart and sweet apples add freshness and texture.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the apple filling to perfection.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds depth and a slight caramel flavor to the filling.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The quintessential spice that warms every bite.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A subtle hint of spice enhancing the apple’s natural flavor.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the filling and keeps apples from browning.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the filling so it doesn’t run when sliced.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and spices in the filling.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces: Dotting the filling with butter adds richness while baking.
How to Make Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
Step 1: Create the Perfect Pie Crust
Start by whisking together the flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Then, add your cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend it into the flour until you see pea-sized crumbs. This step is essential for that flaky texture everyone loves. Slowly drizzle in ice water and mix until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overwork it! Divide the dough into two disks, wrap each in plastic wrap, and chill for about 30 minutes to let the gluten rest.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
While your dough rests, peel, core, and slice your apples. Toss them with granulated sugar, packed brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, cornstarch, and salt in a large bowl. This mix of spices and sugars makes the filling wonderfully aromatic and perfectly balanced between sweet and tart. The cornstarch will help keep the filling from getting watery during baking.
Step 3: Assemble Your Pie
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one dough disk to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Gently transfer it to the dish and fill with your spiced apple mixture. Dot the filling with the small pieces of butter; these little pockets of richness elevate every bite. Roll out the second dough disk and carefully cover the pie, sealing the edges by pinching or fluting. Cut a few slits across the top crust to let steam escape and avoid sogginess.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Brush the top crust lightly with water or an egg wash if you want a shiny finish. Bake your pie at 425°F for about 45-50 minutes until the crust turns a gorgeous golden brown and the filling bubbles through the vents. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil to prevent burning.
Step 5: Cool and Revel
Once your pie comes out of the oven, let it cool for at least two hours. This waiting time allows the filling to set so every slice holds together beautifully. This pie is a treat worth the patience!
How to Serve Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
Garnishes
For that extra touch of homemade magic, serve your apple pie with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce can make it even more special.
Side Dishes
This pie shines brilliantly on its own, but pairing it with a simple cup of hot coffee or spiced tea makes for a comforting and complete dessert experience. If you want to get festive, add a side of sharp cheddar cheese to create a delightful sweet-savory contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual mini apple pies using this recipe or turn leftovers into apple pie milkshakes or crumbled over warm oatmeal for a stunning breakfast. The versatility of this Homemade Apple Pie Recipe is as exciting as its taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying a slice, store leftover pie tightly covered at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, refrigerate it up to four days. The flavors deepen beautifully with a bit of rest.
Freezing
If you want to keep your pie longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to two months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To warm slices without sacrificing flavor or texture, heat your apple pie in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes or until gently heated through. This brings back that bakery-fresh feeling every time.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this pie?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great for their balance of tartness and sweetness, you can mix varieties to create your own unique flavor profile. Just be mindful that some apples cook faster and might become too soft.
How do I prevent the bottom crust from getting soggy?
Using cornstarch in the filling helps thicken the juices. Also, rolling the dough relatively thin and letting the pie cool completely before cutting helps maintain a crisp bottom crust.
Is it necessary to use cold butter in the crust?
Yes, cold butter ensures the crust becomes flaky. When butter melts before baking, it creates those wonderful layers that everyone loves in a good pie crust.
Can I make this pie gluten-free?
Definitely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend suitable for baking and keep the rest of the recipe the same. Texture may vary slightly, but the flavor will still be scrumptious.
How long should the pie cool before serving?
Cooling for at least two hours is ideal to let the filling set properly. If you serve it too soon, the slices might be too runny and not hold their shape well.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Apple Pie Recipe is so much more than just dessert; it’s comfort baked into every bite, a slice of nostalgia, and a celebration of simple ingredients done right. I genuinely hope you enjoy making it as much as you’ll enjoy sharing it with family and friends. Once you try this pie, I promise it will become a cherished staple in your baking repertoire.
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Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This homemade apple pie features a flaky, buttery crust filled with a perfectly spiced apple mixture. Baked to a golden brown with a tender filling bursting with cinnamon and nutmeg, this classic dessert is perfect for any occasion and best served with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Ingredients
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
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 flour, sugar, and salt to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
- Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture, cutting it in with a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter.
- Add Ice Water: Gradually add 6-8 tablespoons of ice water, mixing gently just until the dough begins to come together without overworking it.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal disks, wrap each tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, cornstarch, and salt, tossing gently to coat all pieces evenly.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the pie.
- Roll Out Bottom Crust: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one dough disk into a 12-inch circle and carefully fit it into a 9-inch pie dish, letting the dough hang slightly over the edges.
- Add Filling and Butter: Transfer the apple filling into the crust, dot the top evenly with small pieces of butter to add richness and prevent drying out.
- Top Crust and Seal: Roll out the second dough disk and place it over the filling. Trim the excess dough and pinch the edges to seal. Cut slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
- Apply Wash and Bake: Brush the top crust lightly with water or an egg wash for shine and crispness. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Protect Edges if Needed: If the crust edges brown too fast, cover them with aluminum foil to prevent burning and continue baking.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 2 hours to set the filling. Serve warm or at room temperature with ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Use tart apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a balanced sweet-tart flavor and good texture.
- Ensure the butter is very cold to achieve a flaky crust.
- Do not overwork the dough to keep it tender.
- Chilling the dough helps prevent shrinking during baking.
- Letting the pie cool fully allows the filling to set and makes slicing easier.
- Cover edges with foil halfway through baking to avoid overly browned crust edges.
- For a glossy top, use an egg wash made from one beaten egg mixed with a tablespoon of water.
