There is something truly magical about a classic, warm slice of pie fresh from the oven, and this Homemade Apple Pie Recipe captures that comforting feeling perfectly. With its tender, flaky crust hugging a luscious filling of sweet and tart apples spiced just right, it’s a slice of nostalgia that brings smiles to every gathering. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or a cozy night in, this recipe combines simple, wholesome ingredients into a mouthwatering dessert that feels like a big, delicious hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about this Homemade Apple Pie Recipe is how straightforward and accessible the ingredients are. Each one plays an essential role, from creating a crisp, buttery crust to blending rich, warmly spiced apple filling that bursts with flavor and color.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for a tender, flaky crust and the thickening agent for the apple filling.
- Salt: Enhances and balances the sweetness throughout the pie.
- Granulated sugar: Adds brightness and sweetness to both crust and filling.
- Unsalted butter: Cold and cubed to make a perfectly flaky crust packed with rich flavor.
- Ice water: Binds the crust dough without warming the butter, key for flakiness.
- Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): Crisp, tart, or sweet apples give the filling its perfect texture and natural tang.
- Light brown sugar: Adds a deeper caramel undertone to the filling.
- Cornstarch and flour: Work together to thicken the juicy apple mixture beautifully.
- Cinnamon and nutmeg: Classic warm spices that add depth and cozy aroma.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the fruit filling and balances sweetness.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle, fragrant note that elevates the pies flavor.
- Egg and milk (for egg wash): Gives the top crust a gorgeous golden shine and helps the coarse sugar stick.
- Coarse sugar: Sprinkled on top for beautiful sparkle and crunch.
How to Make Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Crust
Start by combining all-purpose flour, salt, and a bit of sugar in a large bowl. Incorporate the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture turns into coarse crumbs — this step is crucial for achieving that delightfully flaky texture. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing just enough for the dough to come together. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap them up, and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour to firm up the butter and relax the gluten.
Step 2: Making the Filling
While your dough chills, slice and peel around six cups of apples. In a large bowl, mix the apples with sugars, flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. This blend not only sweetens but also enhances the natural apple flavor and ensures a thick, luscious filling once baked. The lemon juice keeps the apples fresh and vibrant, preventing browning before baking.
Step 3: Assembling the Pie
Roll out one disc of chilled dough on a floured surface, then carefully fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Pour the apple filling inside, dotting with small pieces of butter to add richness and help create a golden crust. Roll out the second dough disc and lay it gently over the top. Trim excess dough, then crimp edges to seal the pie completely. Don’t forget to cut small slits in the top crust for steam to escape, which keeps the filling bubbling perfectly inside during baking.
Step 4: Baking Your Apple Pie
Brush the top crust with an egg wash made from beaten egg and milk to get that irresistible golden-brown sheen, then sprinkle with coarse sugar for an extra touch of crunch and sparkle. Bake the pie at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes, then reduce the heat to 375 degrees and continue baking for another 35 to 40 minutes until the crust turns beautifully golden and the filling bubbles enticingly. Once out of the oven, allow it to cool for at least two hours — this step is key for letting the filling set perfectly.
How to Serve Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Serving this Homemade Apple Pie Recipe with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream takes it to the next level of indulgence. For extra flair, sprinkle some cinnamon or a dusting of powdered sugar on top to tie all the warm flavors together.
Side Dishes
This apple pie pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, a rich chai latte, or even a glass of cold milk. For a holiday meal, serve it alongside roasted meats or a sharp cheddar cheese plate to create a delicious sweet-and-savory balance.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, serve the pie in individual ramekins baked with a lattice crust, or top slices with candied pecans or caramel drizzle. A rustic presentation on a wooden board accompanied by autumn leaves sets a cozy, inviting table that makes every bite feel like a celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Homemade Apple Pie Recipe, leftover slices can be stored at room temperature for up to two days, covered loosely with foil or plastic wrap. This keeps the crust crisp yet tender and the filling moist. Beyond two days, refrigeration is recommended to keep everything fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze the entire pie or individual slices before baking or after cooling. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn, then thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating. This is perfect for prepping ahead of holiday dinners or busy weekdays when time is short.
Reheating
To reheat, warm slices in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes, or until heated through and the crust crisps back up. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve that classic flaky, buttery texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples in this recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are excellent for a balance of tartness and sweetness, other varieties like Fuji or Braeburn work too. Mixing apples helps to achieve more complex flavor and texture.
Is it okay to make the pie without an egg wash?
Yes, you can skip the egg wash, but using it gives the crust its beautiful golden color and adds a slight sheen. If avoiding eggs, you might substitute with a milk or cream wash for a softer finish.
How long should I chill the dough before baking?
Chilling the dough for at least an hour is ideal. This makes it easier to roll out and helps produce a flakier crust by keeping the butter cold and allowing gluten to relax.
Can I prepare this pie in advance?
Definitely. You can assemble the pie a day ahead, keep it wrapped in the fridge, and bake it fresh the next day. This lets the flavors meld nicely and saves time on busy days.
What can I do if my crust starts to brown too quickly?
If the edges brown too fast during baking, cover them with aluminum foil or a pie shield. This protects them from burning while allowing the middle to cook thoroughly.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Apple Pie Recipe is a delightful way to bring warmth and happiness to any table with its simple ingredients and timeless flavors. Once you’ve tried baking this at home, it’s hard to go back to anything store-bought. So grab those apples, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the comforting magic that only a slice of homemade apple pie can bring.
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Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes plus chilling and cooling time
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Homemade Apple Pie combines a flaky, buttery crust with a luscious filling of tart and sweet apples spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. Perfect for fall or any occasion, this dessert offers a comforting and timeless flavor that will delight family and friends.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water
For the filling:
- 6 cups thinly sliced peeled apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
For assembly:
- 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon milk for egg wash
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add ice water one tablespoon at a time, mixing just until the dough comes together. Divide the dough in half, shape each half into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, combine thinly sliced peeled apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Toss thoroughly to coat all the apples evenly. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Roll out the bottom crust: On a floured surface, roll out one dough disc into a 12-inch circle. Fit this dough into a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it gently to conform to the shape without stretching the dough.
- Add the filling and butter: Pour the apple filling into the prepared crust, spreading evenly. Dot the filling with small pieces of unsalted butter to add richness during baking.
- Roll out the top crust and assemble: Roll out the second dough disc into a 12-inch circle and place it over the filling. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges, then crimp the edges to seal the pie. Cut small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Apply egg wash and sugar: Brush the top crust with the beaten egg and milk mixture to achieve a golden, glossy finish. Sprinkle coarse sugar on top for added texture and sweetness.
- Bake the pie: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake the pie for 20 minutes. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 35 to 40 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling bubbles visibly.
- Cool before serving: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 2 hours. Cooling allows the filling to set so the slices will hold their shape when cut.
Notes
- Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for the best flavor and texture.
- If the crust browns too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil during baking to prevent burning.
- The pie can be made a day ahead and stored at room temperature, covered loosely.
