Easy Homemade Apple Pie Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Homemade Apple Pie features a buttery, flaky crust filled with tender apples coated in warm cinnamon and sugar. It’s a timeless dessert that’s perfect for holidays, family dinners, or a cozy treat any time of year. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this pie delivers classic flavor without the fuss—just good, old-fashioned comfort in every bite.

ingredients

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

For the crust:
all-purpose floursaltunsalted buttersugarice water (as needed)

this Recipe

For the filling:
apples (peeled, cored, and sliced)granulated sugarbrown sugarground cinnamonground nutmegnutmeg (optional)lemon juicecornstarch (or flour for thickening)unsalted butter

Optional:
egg wash (egg + water or milk)coarse sugar (for sprinkling)

directions

Prepare the crust by mixing flour, salt, and sugar in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Add ice water a tablespoon at a time until the dough just comes together. Divide into two discs, wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Set aside to let the juices release.

Roll out one dough disc on a floured surface and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish.

Fill the crust with the apple mixture and dot with small pieces of butter.

Roll out the second disc and place over the apples. Trim excess dough and crimp edges to seal. Cut slits or create a lattice for ventilation.

Brush the top crust with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.

Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

Cool for at least 2 hours before slicing to allow the filling to set.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 8 slices.Preparation time: 30 minutesChilling time: 1 hourBaking time: 45-50 minutesCooling time: 2 hoursTotal time: approximately 4 hours 30 minutes

Variations

Use a store-bought crust for quicker prep.

Add raisins or cranberries for a fruity twist.

Mix in pears with the apples for a flavor blend.

Add a splash of bourbon or vanilla extract to the filling.

Top with a brown sugar crumble instead of a top crust for a Dutch-style pie.

storage/reheating

Store leftover pie covered at room temperature for 1 day or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat slices in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds.Freeze baked pie (cooled completely) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

FAQs

What are the best apples for pie?

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or a mix for balance of tart and sweet.

Can I make the pie ahead of time?

Yes, bake it the day before and store at room temperature or in the fridge.

Do I need to cook the apples first?

No, they soften beautifully while baking in the pie.

How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?

Brush the bottom crust with egg white or sprinkle with a bit of flour before adding filling.

Can I skip the egg wash?

Yes, but the crust won’t be as shiny or golden.

Can I use pre-made filling?

Yes, but fresh apples give the best texture and flavor.

Can I freeze unbaked pie?

Yes, assemble and freeze the whole pie before baking. Bake from frozen, adding extra time.

What thickener works best?

Cornstarch thickens well without clouding the filling, but flour also works.

Can I use all brown sugar?

Yes, for a deeper, caramel-like flavor.

Should I peel the apples?

Yes, for the smoothest texture in the filling.

Conclusion

This Easy Homemade Apple Pie brings together the best of tradition and simplicity—flaky crust, tender spiced apples, and classic flavor in every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this pie is a delicious way to celebrate the season or sweeten any occasion. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate comfort dessert.

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