Freshly baked homemade apple pie with a golden, flaky crust and warm spiced apple filling, served on a rustic wooden table.

Apple Pie Recipe

ByLillian
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There’s nothing more comforting or nostalgic than a warm slice of homemade apple pie. This Apple Pie recipe is a celebration of buttery, flaky crust encasing tender, cinnamon-spiced apples—the kind of dessert that fills your kitchen with the aroma of fall and brings people together around the table.

Whether it’s Thanksgiving dinner, a cozy winter evening, or just a craving for classic comfort food, this Apple Pie recipe delivers every time. It combines crisp, tart apples with a rich, sweet filling and a golden double crust that shatters delicately with each bite. Easier than you might think and better than anything store-bought, this pie is all about old-fashioned goodness with a few modern twists.

Love pies? Check out our Caramel Apple Cookies for another sweet favorite.

Key Takeaways

  • ✅ Flaky homemade crust that’s worth the effort.
  • ✅ Balanced filling — not too sweet, not too tart.
  • ✅ Works with many apple varieties.
  • ✅ Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or anytime baking.

Why This Apple Pie Recipe Stands Out

Many pies go overboard with sugar or fall flat with soggy crusts. This Apple Pie recipe is carefully developed to achieve the best Apple Pie for fall baking, Thanksgiving, or weekend indulgence. Our technique prevents the common pitfalls: no undercooked apples, no soupy centers, no soggy bottoms.

The use of both tart (Granny Smith) and sweet (Honeycrisp) apples provides complex flavor. The filling is thickened just right with cornstarch and a touch of lemon juice for brightness. Our buttery crust uses a mix of butter and shortening for optimal flakiness and flavor.

Need help making crust from scratch? Visit our Pie Crust Mastery Guide.

Nutritional Benefits of the Ingredients

While a dessert, this Apple Pie recipe includes some nutrient-rich ingredients:

  • Apples
    • High in fiber and vitamin C
    • Contain polyphenols and antioxidants
  • Cinnamon and Nutmeg
    • Anti-inflammatory properties
    • Aid in blood sugar regulation
  • Lemon Juice
    • Adds vitamin C and bright flavor
  • Butter and Flour (for crust)
    • Can be adjusted for dietary needs
    • Use whole grain flour or plant-based fats for alternatives

For gluten-free or vegan options, scroll to the substitution section.

Ingredients for a Perfect Apple Pie Recipe

Essential Ingredients

For the crust:

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

For the filling:

  • 6 cups sliced apples (mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp butter, diced

For topping:

  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1 tbsp coarse sugar (optional)

Optional Add-Ons

  • Pinch of ground cloves
  • Splash of vanilla extract
  • Chopped walnuts for crunch

Best Substitutes for Dietary Needs

  • Gluten-free: Use 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
  • Vegan: Use vegan butter/shortening and a plant-based egg wash
  • Low-sugar: Reduce sugar or use erythritol blends

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

  1. Make the Crust (15 mins)
    Combine flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in butter and shortening until crumbly. Add ice water gradually until dough forms. Divide in two, shape into disks, wrap, and chill for 1 hour.
    • Pro Tip: Don’t overwork the dough—keep it cold for max flakiness.
  2. Prepare the Filling (10 mins)
    Toss apple slices with sugars, cornstarch, spices, and lemon juice. Let sit for 10 minutes to draw out juices.
  3. Roll Out the Dough (10 mins)
    On a floured surface, roll one dough disk to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Press in and trim edges.
  4. Assemble the Pie (10 mins)
    Add apple filling and dot with butter. Roll out second dough for top—leave whole or cut strips for lattice. Crimp edges and brush with egg wash.Common Mistake: Don’t overfill—juice overflow causes soggy crust.
  5. Bake (45–55 mins)
    Bake at 400°F for 20 mins, then reduce to 375°F for 30–35 mins. Cover edges with foil if browning too quickly.
  6. Cool and Serve (1 hour)
    Let cool completely to allow filling to set.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This Apple Pie recipe is perfect for:

  • Thanksgiving dessert tables
  • Sunday dinners with family
  • Comfort food nights

Recommended Pairings

Cultural Variations

  • Dutch Apple Pie: Add streusel topping
  • French Tarte Tatin: Caramelize apples before baking
  • English Twist: Serve with custard instead of ice cream

Pro Tips for Success

  • Best way to bake Apple Pie? Start hot to set crust, then lower to cook filling.
  • Use a glass pie dish to monitor browning.
  • Place a baking sheet under the pie to catch drips.

Avoid These Mistakes:

  • Skipping chilling: Warm dough = tough crust.
  • Undercooked apples: Use thin slices for even baking.
  • Too much juice: Drain excess before filling crust.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Pie recipe is a must-have for every home baker’s repertoire. It’s reliable, timeless, and deeply satisfying, especially when shared. From the scent in the oven to the first buttery bite, apple pie is more than dessert—it’s tradition.

Craving more classics? Explore our Timeless Sweetes Recipe Collection.

Baked it? Show us your pie masterpiece in the comments!