Apple Pie

A timeless classic, this Apple Pie brings together tender, spiced apples in a flaky crust—perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for the holiday table or enjoying a cozy weeknight treat, its combination of sweet and tart, tender fruit and crispy crust is pure bliss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort in every bite – Warm, cinnamon-spiced apples wrapped in buttery crust is a nostalgic favorite done right.
• Balanced flavors – Lemon juice brightens the fruit, while brown sugar and cinnamon add depth and warmth.
• Versatile and impressive – Looks elegant with a lattice or top crust and works wonderfully with ice cream or whipped cream.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pie Basics

• 1 perfect pie crust (homemade or store-bought)

Apple Filling

• ¼ cup butter
• 8 cups thinly sliced apples, peeled and cored
• ⅔ cup lightly packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Finishing Touches

• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon water
• Coarse sugar (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat & Cook Filling
   Preheat oven to 425°F. In a large pot over medium-low heat, melt butter. Add apples, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, lemon juice, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until apples soften—about 8–10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
2. Assemble Pie
   Roll one disc of pie dough to about ⅛-inch thickness and transfer it to a 9-inch pie plate. Gently press into the bottom and sides.
3. Fill & Top
   Spoon the cooled apple filling into the crust. Roll out the second dough disc and lay it over the top, or cut into strips for a lattice pattern. Trim excess dough and crimp the edges to seal. Whisk the egg and water together for an egg wash and brush it over the top crust. Sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
4. Bake
   Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes. Then reduce the temperature to 350°F and continue baking for about 40 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling bubbles through the vents. Cover the pie loosely with foil if the crust browns too quickly.
5. Cool & Serve
   Allow the pie to cool before slicing to let the filling set properly.

Servings And Timing

• Serves: 8 slices
• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 55 minutes
• Total time: About 1 hour 15 minutes (plus cooling)

Variations

• Add nuts: Mix chopped walnuts or pecans into the filling for extra crunch.
• Add spices: Include a pinch of ground nutmeg or allspice for added warmth.
• Topping twist: Use a crumb topping instead of a second crust for a Dutch-style pie.
• Caramel apple pie: Add a drizzle of caramel to the filling before baking.

Storage/Reheating

• Room temperature: Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerate: Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: Wrap the baked pie or individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm slices in the oven or microwave until heated through.

FAQs

1. What kind of apples are best for pie?

Tart, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best because they hold their shape during baking.

2. Can I use store-bought crust?

Yes, store-bought pie dough is perfectly fine for convenience and still delicious.

3. Do I have to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for a smooth filling texture, but it’s optional if you prefer rustic style.

4. Why is my pie runny?

Make sure to cook the filling until thickened and allow the pie to cool before slicing.

5. Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, the pie can be baked a day ahead and stored covered at room temperature or in the fridge.

6. How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?

Pre-bake the bottom crust for a few minutes or bake the pie on the lower oven rack.

7. What does lemon juice do in apple pie?

It balances the sweetness and enhances the apple flavor while helping preserve color.

8. Can I freeze the unbaked pie?

Yes, assemble the pie, wrap tightly, and freeze. Bake from frozen, adding extra time.

9. How do I get a golden crust?

Brush with egg wash before baking and optionally sprinkle with coarse sugar.

10. What’s the best way to serve apple pie?

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Conclusion

This Apple Pie is everything you want in a classic dessert—flaky, buttery crust and sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples that melt in your mouth. Whether served warm or chilled, it’s the perfect way to end any meal or celebrate a special occasion.

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