The Best Apple Pie Recipe

Apple pie is a classic American dessert featuring a buttery, flaky crust and a warm, cinnamon-spiced apple filling. Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or any time you crave a comforting homemade treat, this pie is a timeless favorite that never goes out of style.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic and Timeless – A beloved dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
• Flaky Homemade Crust – Buttery and crisp, complementing the sweet apple filling.
• Warm and Spiced Filling – A perfect balance of cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar.
• Customizable Apple Choices – Use Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for a sweeter taste.
• Perfect for Make-Ahead Baking – Can be prepared in advance for stress-free entertaining.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Pie Crust:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 6-8 tbsp ice water

For the Apple Filling:

• 6 cups apples, peeled and sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp milk

Directions

Make the Crust:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or fork to cut it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together.
4. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Make the Filling:

5. In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and cornstarch.
6. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the juices to release.

Assemble the Pie:

7. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
8. Roll out one dough disc on a floured surface and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish.
9. Pour the apple filling into the crust and dot the top with small pieces of butter.
10. Roll out the second dough disc and place it over the filling. Trim excess dough, then seal and crimp the edges. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
11. Whisk together the egg and milk to make an egg wash, then brush it over the top crust.

Bake:

12. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
13. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil.

Cool and Serve:

14. Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before slicing to allow the filling to set.
15. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
• Servings: 8
• Calories: 350 kcal per serving

Variations

• Caramel Apple Pie – Drizzle caramel sauce over the filling before adding the top crust.
• Streusel-Topped Apple Pie – Skip the top crust and use a crumbly streusel topping instead.
• Mixed Fruit Pie – Combine apples with pears, cranberries, or raisins for extra flavor.
• Gluten-Free Apple Pie – Use a gluten-free pie crust for a wheat-free option.
• Maple Apple Pie – Replace some of the sugar with maple syrup for a rich, natural sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftover apple pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheating: Warm slices in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or microwave in short intervals until heated through.

FAQs

What are the best apples for apple pie?

Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices because they hold their shape and provide a balance of tartness and sweetness.

Can I make the pie dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

How do I prevent a soggy crust?

Blind-baking the bottom crust for a few minutes before adding the filling can help prevent sogginess. You can also sprinkle a thin layer of flour or breadcrumbs in the crust to absorb excess moisture.

Should I cook the apple filling before baking?

No, letting the apples sit with the sugar and spices allows them to release their juices naturally. Cooking them beforehand can make the filling too soft.

Can I use store-bought pie crust?

Yes, a pre-made crust works well if you need a quicker option.

How do I know when the pie is done?

The crust should be golden brown, and the filling should be bubbling. If needed, insert a knife into the center—if the apples are tender, the pie is done.

Why does my apple pie have too much liquid?

Too much liquid can result from using apples that release a lot of juice or skipping the resting step. Adding cornstarch helps thicken the filling.

Can I use a lattice crust instead of a full top crust?

Yes, a lattice crust adds a decorative touch and allows more steam to escape.

How long should I let the pie cool before slicing?

Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set properly.

Can I make mini apple pies instead?

Yes, divide the dough into smaller portions and use muffin tins to make individual pies. Adjust the baking time to 25-30 minutes.

Conclusion

Apple pie is a comforting and classic dessert that brings warmth and nostalgia to any gathering. With its buttery, flaky crust and spiced apple filling, this homemade pie is perfect for holidays, family dinners, or simply satisfying a sweet craving. Whether served on its own or with a scoop of ice cream, this apple pie is sure to impress!