Making a classic apple pie is a wonderful way to indulge in a warm, comforting dessert that brings the iconic flavors of fall to your table. This recipe is perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or simply when you’re craving something sweet and homemade.
Why make this recipe
Apple pie is a timeless dessert that evokes feelings of nostalgia and home. With its flaky crust and sweetly spiced apple filling, it’s sure to please everyone. Plus, making a pie from scratch can be a rewarding experience, offering you a chance to create something delicious while filling your home with delightful aromas.
Ingredients
- 1 Perfect Pie Crust Recipe*
- ¼ cup butter
- 8 cups thinly sliced apples** (peeled and cored)
- 2/3 cup lightly packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon water
- Coarse sugar (optional)
How to make it
- Set aside a 9-inch pie plate and preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium-low heat.
- Add the apples, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, lemon juice, and salt. Stir together and cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool.
- Meanwhile, divide the prepared pie dough in half (if not already in 2 discs) and lightly flour a work surface.
- Roll one disc of dough out to around 1/8-inch thick, making it a bit larger than your pie plate. Transfer the rolled sheet of dough into the pie plate, gently pushing it in to the bottom.
- Make the egg wash by whisking together the egg and water in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Transfer the cooled cooked pie filling into the prepared crust.
- Roll the other disc of pie dough out onto a lightly floured surface and place it on top of the pie. Alternatively, cut the rolled pie dough into strips using a pizza cutter and braid the top layer. Cut vents in the pie crust if not braiding.
- Trim the excess dough hanging over the sides and crimp the edges of the pie with your fingers to seal.
- Lightly brush the top of the pie with the egg wash and sprinkle evenly with coarse sugar, if desired.
- Bake the pie for 15 minutes at 425°F, then reduce the temperature to 350°F and continue baking until golden brown and the apple pie filling bubbles through the vents, about 40 minutes. Place a piece of aluminum foil over the pie during baking if the crust starts to get too brown.
- Set aside to cool before serving.
How to serve it
Apple pie can be served warm or at room temperature. For an extra treat, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top!
How to store it
Once cooled, store the pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the pie. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil; it can last up to 2 months in the freezer.
Helpful tips
- Make sure your butter is cold when preparing the pie crust for the flakiness you desire.
- Apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are great for baking because they hold their shape and have the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
- If you find your crust browning too quickly, don’t hesitate to cover it with foil for the remainder of the bake.
Optional variations
Feel free to experiment with spices! Adding nutmeg or allspice can enhance the flavor complexity of your filling. You can also mix different types of apples to add depth to the pie.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Yes, you can absolutely use store-bought pie crust if you’re short on time. Just follow the same instructions for filling and baking.
What if I don’t have enough apples?
If you don’t have 8 cups of apples, you can adjust the recipe by using fewer apples. Aim for at least 6 cups to maintain a good filling ratio.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pie a day in advance. Simply bake it and refrigerate overnight; reheat it in the oven before serving for the best taste and texture.
Now, gather your ingredients and start creating your very own apple pie that will surely become a family favorite! Enjoy the process and the wonderful aroma filling your kitchen.
Classic Apple Pie
Ingredients
Method
- Set aside a 9-inch pie plate and preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium-low heat.
- Add the apples, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, lemon juice, and salt. Stir together and cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool.
- Meanwhile, divide the prepared pie dough in half and lightly flour a work surface.
- Roll one disc of dough out to around 1/8-inch thick, making it a bit larger than your pie plate. Transfer the rolled sheet of dough into the pie plate.
- Make the egg wash by whisking together the egg and water in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Transfer the cooled cooked pie filling into the prepared crust.
- Roll the other disc of pie dough out and place it on top of the pie, or cut into strips and braid the top layer, cutting vents if not braiding.
- Trim the excess dough and crimp the edges to seal.
- Brush the top with the egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar, if desired.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F and continue baking for about 40 minutes until golden brown and filling bubbles.
- Set aside to cool before serving.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.