Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
If there’s one all-American dessert that deserves a spot on every table, it’s the glorious Homemade Apple Pie. Bursting with tender, cinnamon-spiced Granny Smith apples and nestled between flaky, golden crusts, this pie has the power to transform any gathering into an instant celebration. Whether you’re baking for a special holiday or simply want to fill your kitchen with unbeatable cozy aromas, this timeless classic never fails to deliver both comfort and delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this pie is in its simplicity—just a handful of honest ingredients come together to create magic. Each element in this Homemade Apple Pie plays a role in flavor, texture, and that irresistible, nostalgic aroma wafting from the oven.
- Granny Smith apples: Their tartness keeps the filling perfectly balanced and prevents the pie from becoming overly sweet.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps draw out the juices from the apples for a luscious filling.
- Packed brown sugar: Brings depth and a subtle molasses note to the apples, making each bite more complex.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the fruit juices so your pie filling isn’t runny, giving you gorgeous slices every time.
- Ground cinnamon: The heart of apple pie spice, it infuses the filling with warmth and familiar comfort.
- Ground nutmeg: Just a hint amplifies the spice profile, adding a touch of earthiness and depth.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances out the sweetness.
- Lemon juice: Keeps the apples from browning and adds a lively burst of brightness to the filling.
- Unsalted butter: Dotting the filling gives the pie rich flavor and a glossy finish.
- Refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade): Timesaving and reliable, store-bought crusts ensure flaky layers without the fuss, but feel free to get creative with homemade, too.
- Egg (with water): An egg wash on the crust gives that bakery-worthy golden shine.
How to Make Homemade Apple Pie
Step 1: Prep the Apples
Begin by peeling, coring, and slicing your Granny Smith apples. Aim for uniform slices about 1/4-inch thick so they cook evenly and create a tender, juicy filling. Sprinkle the slices with lemon juice as you work to keep them from browning and brighten up their flavor.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the apple slices with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice. Give everything a gentle toss so every apple is coated. This mixture should look shiny and just start to release a little juice—perfect for a moist but not watery pie.
Step 3: Prepare the Pie Dish
Unroll one of your pie crusts (or roll out your homemade dough) and carefully lay it over a 9-inch pie dish. Make sure to gently press the dough into the corners and up the sides for a seamless base that will cradle your apple filling.
Step 4: Add the Apple Filling
Pour the prepared apple mixture into the crust-lined dish, spreading it out evenly. Dot the apples with small pieces of unsalted butter; they’ll melt into the filling, adding a rich, glossy finish and extra flavor.
Step 5: Top With Crust and Seal
Roll out the second crust and drape it over the filling. Trim any excess, then fold the edges under and crimp them to seal the pie. Don’t forget to cut a few slits on top—this helps steam escape and keeps your crust crisp, not soggy.
Step 6: Apply Egg Wash
For that golden, bakery look, beat one egg with a tablespoon of water and brush it generously over the top crust. This step makes the finished Homemade Apple Pie truly eye-catching as it bakes.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake your pie in a preheated 425°F (220°C) oven for 45–50 minutes, or until the crust is beautifully bronzed and the filling is bubbling through the slits. If the edges brown too fast, cover them loosely with foil. Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before slicing—this allows the filling to set for the perfect slice every time.
How to Serve Homemade Apple Pie
Garnishes
Add a final flourish to your Homemade Apple Pie by dusting it lightly with powdered sugar or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon right before serving. A generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream never goes amiss and plays off the warmth of the pie beautifully.
Side Dishes
For a classic pairing, serve your pie with a mug of hot apple cider or a caramel latte. Tart fruits like raspberries or blackberries also make refreshing sidekicks, especially if you want to balance out the sweetness of the pie.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking individual mini pies for a fun twist—perfect for gatherings or lunchbox treats. Another favorite is serving warm slices topped with sharp cheddar cheese, a nostalgic nod to New England that adventurous guests will adore. Or, make the Homemade Apple Pie the star of a cozy dessert board, surrounded by nuts and dried fruit.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any extra Homemade Apple Pie covered loosely at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, move it to the fridge, where it will stay fresh and delicious for about 4 days—just be sure to cover it to keep it from drying out.
Freezing
This pie is a make-ahead dream! Once cooled completely, wrap your Homemade Apple Pie tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When a pie craving hits, just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating—no need to miss out on homemade comfort, even last minute.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked magic, reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes, or until warmed through. Individual slices can also be microwaved for 20–30 seconds, but the oven is best for keeping the crust crisp.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are famous for their tartness and hold their shape well, you can mix them with a few sweet varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Golden Delicious to create a more complex flavor profile in your Homemade Apple Pie.
Do I have to use a store-bought pie crust?
Not at all! If you love making your own pie dough, go for it—you’ll add even more homemade goodness to your Homemade Apple Pie. The recipe works beautifully with either option.
How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?
To avoid a soggy base, make sure your apple filling isn’t too wet and be sure to bake the pie long enough for the bottom crust to fully cook. Placing the pie dish on a preheated baking sheet can give it an extra boost for crispiness.
Can I make this pie gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pie crust and use a gluten-free all-purpose flour for thickening the filling—your Homemade Apple Pie will be just as comforting and delicious.
Should I peel the apples?
Peeling the apples is recommended for the silkiest, most classic texture in your Homemade Apple Pie, but if you love extra fiber and a rustic look, feel free to leave the peels on.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Apple Pie is pure baking joy—simple to prepare, spectacular to serve, and always met with smiles. Give it a try and watch friends and family gather around, eager for a taste. There’s nothing quite like the aroma and satisfaction of a freshly baked classic to warm your heart and home!
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Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (plus cooling time)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Homemade Apple Pie recipe is a must-try for any baking enthusiast. With a flaky, golden crust and a sweet, spiced apple filling, it’s a perfect dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Filling:
- 2½ pounds (about 6 cups) peeled, cored, and sliced Granny Smith apples
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Crust:
- 1 package (14 ounces) refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade, 2 crusts)
- 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice until evenly coated.
- Assemble the pie: Unroll one pie crust and place it into a 9-inch pie dish. Pour the apple filling into the crust, dot with butter, and cover with the second crust. Crimp the edges, cut slits, and brush with egg wash.
- Bake: Bake for 45–50 minutes until golden and bubbly. Cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, add vanilla extract or ground cloves to the filling.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a classic touch.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
