Catch the scent of warm apples mingling with cinnamon wafting through the air as you prepare to dive into the world of baking. This is where the magic happens—a homemade apple pie recipe that will have your taste buds dancing like they just hit the jackpot in Vegas.
Imagine that first bite—flaky crust giving way to tender apples, all wrapped up in a cozy blanket of sweetness. You can almost hear your grandma’s voice saying, “You better share that!” Perfect for family gatherings or when you need an excuse to eat dessert at breakfast (we won’t tell).
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This incredible apple pie recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy flavors while being a breeze to make.
- You can customize it with your favorite spices or toppings for extra flair.
- Its beautiful golden crust will impress guests at any gathering.
- Ideal for cozy fall evenings or holiday celebrations.
I once made this apple pie for Thanksgiving, and my cousin declared it “better than Grandma’s,” which led to a very dramatic family debate (no one really wins when Grandma is involved).
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for the best results in your flaky crust; it’s all about that texture!
- Unsalted Butter: Cold butter is essential; it helps create those perfect flaky layers in your crust.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweeten things up just right; don’t go overboard unless you want a sugar rush!
- Brown Sugar: Adds depth and richness; feel free to use light or dark brown sugar based on preference.
- Cinnamon: This warm spice is non-negotiable; it brings out the best flavors in your apples!
- Nutmeg: A pinch adds warmth and complexity; just be careful not to overdo it—nutmeg has a strong personality!
- Lemon Juice: Brightens up the filling and keeps those apples from turning brown too quickly!
- Sliced Apples: Choose a mix of tart and sweet varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for flavor balance.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all flavors; don’t skip this step!
- Cornstarch or Flour (for thickening): Helps absorb excess juices so you don’t end up with a soggy bottom.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) while you gather your ingredients; this step is crucial for getting that perfect golden crust.
Create Your Crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt before cutting cold butter into small cubes. Work it until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs—not too finely though!
Add Water: Gradually add ice-cold water until dough forms; remember, less is more here! Form into two discs and chill them in the fridge for about 30 minutes.
Prepare Your Filling: While waiting on your dough, combine sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch in another bowl; mix well.
On a floured surface, roll one disc of chilled dough into a circle large enough to cover your pie dish; transfer carefully without stretching!
Add Filling & Cover: Pour that delicious filling into your prepared crust and roll out the second disc before placing it on top or creating decorative cutouts for flair.
Bake Away: Brush the top with milk or an egg wash for shine before cutting slits to allow steam to escape. Bake in preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
Your kitchen should smell amazing by now—enjoy that anticipation as you wait! Let it cool slightly before slicing (if you can resist).
Now you’re ready to serve up slices of happiness topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling fancy!
And there you have it—the ultimate apple pie recipe that’s sure to win hearts (and maybe some friendly debates) at every gathering!
You Must Know
- Use fresh, tart apples for perfect balance, Tart apples like Granny Smith give your pie a zesty kick that complements sweetness beautifully.
- Pre-bake your crust for extra crispiness,A quick bake helps avoid a soggy bottom and keeps your pie crust flaky.
- Let it cool before serving to avoid molten apple lava.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing your crust while you peel and slice the apples. Pre-bake the crust for about 10 minutes before adding the filling for a perfectly golden finish.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to elevate flavor. You can also swap out some sugar for brown sugar if you prefer a deeper caramel note in your apple pie.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, pop slices in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to maintain that crispy crust.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use cold butter when making the crust to ensure flakiness.
- Don’t skip the cooling step; it makes slicing much easier and neater.
- Experiment with different apple varieties to find your favorite combination of flavors!
I remember the first time I baked this apple pie; my kitchen smelled like autumn itself! Friends said it tasted just like Grandma’s recipe, which was a huge compliment since Grandma is basically an angel on Earth.
FAQ
What type of apples are best for an apple pie recipe?
Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best for a balanced flavor.
How long should I bake an apple pie?
Bake at 425°F for about 45-50 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
Can I freeze apple pie?
Yes, you can freeze unbaked pies; just wrap them tightly before freezing!
The Best Apple Pie Recipe for Any Occasion
Delight in this classic apple pie, featuring a flaky crust and a perfectly spiced apple filling—ideal for any occasion.
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 6 cups sliced apples (mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice-cold water until dough forms. Divide into two discs and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Combine sliced apples with lemon juice, sugars, spices, and cornstarch in a bowl; mix well.
- Roll out one disc of dough on a floured surface to fit your pie dish, then transfer it carefully.
- Pour the apple filling into the crust and roll out the second disc to cover the top or create decorative cutouts.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown and bubbly; cool slightly before slicing.
Notes
- Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for balanced flavor.
- Pre-bake your crust for about 10 minutes if you prefer an extra crispy texture.
- Allow the pie to cool before serving to achieve clean slices
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (120g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
