Apple Pie

There’s something so nostalgic and comforting about a warm, homemade Apple Pie. The sweet aroma of apples, cinnamon, and butter filling your kitchen is like a hug from the inside. This is the type of dessert that brings people together, whether it’s a family gathering, holiday feast, or just because you’ve got a craving for something sweet and comforting. The flaky golden crust, paired with the tender, cinnamon-spiced apples, is the kind of dessert that never goes out of style.

The best part? Making an apple pie is actually easier than you might think! With just a handful of ingredients and a little love, you’ll have a homemade treat that’s sure to impress. Trust me, this apple pie is a total game-changer. Once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why it’s a classic.

Why You’ll Love Apple Pie

Comfort in Every Bite:

Nothing says comfort like a homemade apple pie. The combination of the sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples and the flaky, buttery crust creates the perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s like a warm blanket on a chilly day.

Simple and Timeless:

This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. It’s easy enough to make on a whim, but it still feels like a special treat every time.

Customizable:

While this recipe is delicious as is, you can customize it with your favorite add-ins. Want to add a little extra flair? Try throwing in some nutmeg or a handful of raisins. You can even swap out the apples for pears if you’re in the mood for a twist!

Impressive Yet Easy:

Even though it looks like something that took hours of effort, this pie comes together in a relatively short time. It’s the perfect dessert to make when you want to impress guests or family without spending all day in the kitchen.

Ingredients in Apple Pie

Here’s what you’ll need to make this classic dessert:

For the Crust:

• All-purpose flour: The base for the crust, giving it that perfect flaky texture.
• Unsalted butter: Cold and cubed, this is what makes the crust buttery and tender.
• Sugar: Just a little to sweeten the dough.
• Salt: A pinch to balance out the flavors.
• Ice water: To bring the dough together without making it too soft.

For the Filling:

• Apples: The star of the pie! I recommend a mix of tart and sweet apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, for the best flavor and texture.
• Sugar: For sweetness to balance the tartness of the apples.
• Brown sugar: Adds richness and a hint of molasses flavor.
• Cinnamon: The classic spice that gives apple pie its warm, comforting aroma.
• Nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg adds warmth and depth to the filling.
• Lemon juice: Helps to balance the sweetness and adds a touch of brightness.
• Cornstarch: Helps to thicken the filling so it doesn’t turn runny when baked.

(Note: Full measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust:

Start by making the pie crust. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just begins to come together. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) so it’s nice and hot when your pie goes in.

3. Make the Filling:

Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges. In a large bowl, toss the apples with sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch until evenly coated. Set aside to let the flavors meld.

4. Roll Out the Dough:

Take one of the dough discs out of the fridge and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides.

5. Add the Filling:

Pour the apple mixture into the pie crust, spreading it out evenly. Dot the filling with small pieces of butter for added richness.

6. Top the Pie:

Roll out the second dough disc and place it over the apples. You can either cover the pie entirely or cut it into strips to create a lattice top. If you go with the full crust, be sure to cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape. Crimp the edges to seal the pie and brush the top with a little bit of milk or an egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water) for a golden finish.

7. Bake the Pie:

Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. You might want to cover the edges of the crust with foil if they brown too quickly.

8. Cool and Serve:

Let the pie cool for at least an hour to allow the filling to set. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 380
Total Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 200mg
Total Carbohydrates: 48g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 30g
Protein: 2g
Vitamin A: 10%
Vitamin C: 10%
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 6%
Potassium: 190mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

How to Serve Apple Pie

With Ice Cream:

A warm slice of apple pie is even better when paired with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream melts into the warm pie, creating a sweet, dreamy bite every time.

With Whipped Cream:

For a lighter topping, fresh whipped cream is the perfect complement. Its airy texture balances the richness of the pie without overwhelming the flavors.

With Caramel Sauce:

Want to add a little more decadence? Drizzle some homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the top for a sweet, buttery finish.

As a Breakfast:

Apple pie for breakfast? Yes, please! It’s delicious with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it the perfect morning treat after a cozy night of dessert.

Additional Tips

Use a Mix of Apples:

For the best flavor and texture, use a combination of tart and sweet apples. Granny Smith apples give a nice tart contrast to the sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala.

Prevent a Soggy Bottom:

To prevent a soggy bottom crust, you can bake the pie on a preheated baking sheet. You can also brush the bottom crust with a little bit of egg white before adding the filling to create a barrier.

Make It Ahead:

Apple pie is a great make-ahead dessert. You can prepare it the day before and refrigerate it, then bake it the next day. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if baking from chilled.

Storage:

Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. You can also freeze slices for up to 3 months, but be sure to let it cool completely before freezing.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use store-bought pie crust?
A1: Yes! If you’re short on time, store-bought pie crust works great. Just make sure to follow the directions on the package for best results.

Q2: Can I make this pie without cinnamon?
A2: You can! You could replace the cinnamon with other spices like ginger or allspice, or even just skip the spices for a more straightforward apple flavor.

Q3: How do I know when the pie is done baking?
A3: The pie is done when the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling up through the slits in the top. If you’re unsure, a thermometer should read around 200°F in the center of the filling.

Q4: Can I make this pie ahead of time?
A4: Yes! You can prep and assemble the pie, then refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Cover the pie with plastic wrap or foil to keep it fresh.

Q6: Can I freeze apple pie?
A6: Yes, you can freeze unbaked apple pie for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, don’t thaw the pie; just add about 15 minutes to the baking time.

Q7: What kind of apples should I use for apple pie?
A7: A mix of tart apples like Granny Smith and sweet apples like Honeycrisp works best. The tart apples provide balance to the sweetness of the filling.

Q8: Can I add raisins or nuts to the filling?
A8: Absolutely! You can add a handful of raisins, chopped nuts, or even cranberries for extra flavor and texture.

Q9: Can I use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the filling?
A9: Yes, cornstarch works great to thicken the filling. Use about half the amount of cornstarch as you would flour (1 tablespoon of cornstarch for every 2 tablespoons of flour).

Q10: How do I reheat leftover pie?
A10: Reheat leftover pie in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual slices for about 30 seconds.

Conclusion

Apple pie is one of those timeless treats that always feels like home. Whether it’s your first time making

it or you’ve perfected the art of pie baking, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite. With a buttery, flaky crust, a spiced, sweet apple filling, and all the nostalgia that comes with it, this apple pie is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Grab your apples and get baking—you’re in for a treat!

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