I always reach for this apple pie recipe when I want to bake something that feels like home. There’s just something about the sweet scent of apples and cinnamon wafting through my kitchen that makes everything feel cozy.
Over the years, I’ve tweaked and tested this recipe until it became my go-to. It’s simple, reliable, and delivers that perfect flaky crust with tender, juicy apples every single time.
If you’re looking for a no-fuss recipe that still impresses, this is the one I turn to. Let me show you exactly how I make it, step by step.
How Do I Know When Apple Pie Is Done?
I look for a golden, crisp crust and bubbling juices around the edges or through the slits in the top crust. When I see those bubbles, I know the filling has cooked through and thickened just right.
If the crust starts to brown too fast before the filling is ready, I loosely cover the edges with foil. I never rely on time alone—my eyes and nose usually tell me more. When the kitchen smells like caramelized apples and buttery crust, that’s my cue it’s ready.
How To Make Apple Pie Recipe
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Course: Dessert
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American
Yield: One 9-inch pie (serves 8)
🧰 Equipment Needed
- 9-inch pie dish
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush
- Knife and peeler
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven
🛒 Key Ingredients You Need
For the Crust:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 6-8 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling:
- 6 cups thinly sliced, peeled apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
For the Topping:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
🍽️ Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Pie Crust
In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Divide the dough in half, shape into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
2. Make the Apple Filling
In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until well coated. Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Assemble the Pie
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to fit your 9-inch pie dish. Transfer the dough to the pie dish, allowing the excess to hang over the edges. Fill the crust with the apple mixture, mounding slightly in the center. Dot the filling with the small pieces of butter.
Roll out the second disk of dough and place it over the filling. Trim any excess dough, leaving about a 1-inch overhang. Fold the edges under and crimp to seal. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Brush the top crust with the beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar.
4. Bake the Pie
Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil.
5. Cool and Serve
Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. This allows the filling to set. Serve warm or at room temperature.
🥗 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: Approximately 467
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 64mg
- Sodium: 170mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 34g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 14g
- Protein: 2g
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
🍨 Serving Suggestions
I usually serve my apple pie recipe warm—right out of the oven if I can time it right. A big scoop of vanilla ice cream on top is my go-to. I love how it melts into the apples and crust.
When I want to switch it up, I’ll drizzle warm caramel sauce over the slice or add a dollop of whipped cream with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
During fall, I sometimes pair it with a spiced chai or hot apple cider. If I’m serving guests, I cut small slices and add a mini scoop of cinnamon ice cream for a cozy, elegant touch
💡 Tips and Variations
- Apple Varieties: Mixing tart and sweet apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, adds depth of flavor.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the pie crust and filling in advance; assemble and bake when ready.
- Lattice Crust: For a decorative touch, create a lattice pattern with the top crust.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for a spicier flavor profile.
🍎 Health Benefits
When I bake apple pie recipe, I like knowing that it’s more than just a treat. Apples give me a natural boost of fiber, especially pectin, which helps support digestion.
They also bring in vitamin C, which I count on for immune support. Cinnamon does more than add warmth—it’s known to help with blood sugar balance and has anti-inflammatory benefits.
Even though this pie leans sweet, I feel good knowing it includes ingredients that offer something more than flavor. As with anything, balance is key, but this dessert definitely has a wholesome side.
How to Store and Reheat
When I have leftovers (which honestly doesn’t happen often), I store the apple pie recipe right in the pie dish, covered with foil or plastic wrap.
I keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat a slice, I usually pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes—it crisps up the crust without drying out the filling.
If I’m in a hurry, I’ll microwave it for 30 seconds, but I always lose that flaky texture I love. When I want it to taste fresh again, the oven is always worth the extra time.
📝 Note
For a crispier crust, consider blind baking the bottom crust for 5-7 minutes before adding the filling. Always allow the pie to cool completely to ensure the filling sets properly.
🎉 Conclusion
That’s how I make my favorite apple pie recipe from scratch. It’s not just a dessert for me—it’s a little piece of comfort. Every time I bake it, I feel grounded.
I know the crust will turn golden, the apples will melt just right, and the whole kitchen will smell like memories.
If you try this recipe, I hope it brings you the same joy it brings me. And if you end up putting your own spin on it, that’s even better. That’s how good recipes live on.