Apple pie is a classic dessert that brings warmth and comfort with each slice. This beloved American treat is known for its flaky crust and sweet, spiced apple filling. Often associated with family gatherings, holidays, and special occasions, apple pie has a rich history that dates back centuries. The combination of tender apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar creates a mouthwatering flavor that is hard to resist. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or cool as a delightful snack, apple pie has earned its place in the hearts of many home bakers.
Making your own apple pie lets you customize flavors and textures to your liking. Using fresh apples ensures your pie is bursting with flavor. The aroma of baking apple pie fills your kitchen with nostalgia, reminding you of cozy family moments. With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can create a delicious apple pie from scratch. Gather your family or friends, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the joy of pie-making together!
Why make this recipe
Making apple pie from scratch is rewarding and fun. You can control the sweetness and spices to match your taste. Freshly picked apples bring a delightful crunch and flavor. Plus, there’s something special about sharing a homemade pie with loved ones. The process fosters creativity and brings a sense of accomplishment. Apple pie is a comforting dessert world-wide, elevating any meal or gathering.
How to make Apple Pie
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)
Directions
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, 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, a bit larger than your pie plate. Transfer the rolled sheet of dough into the pie plate, gently pushing it into 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 transfer it on top of the pie. Alternately, you can 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. Continue baking until golden brown and the apple pie filling bubbles through the vents for about 40 minutes. Place a piece of aluminum foil over the pie during the cooking process if the crust starts to get too brown. Set aside to cool before serving.
How to serve Apple Pie
Apple pie is best enjoyed warm, either on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. A dollop of caramel sauce adds an extra touch of sweetness. You can also serve it with coffee or hot cider for a cozy treat.
How to store Apple Pie
Once cool, store apple pie in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. For extended storage, apple pie can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
Tips to make Apple Pie
Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a balanced flavor. Always taste your apples before adding sugar. If you want a thicker filling, add a bit more flour. Make sure your butter is cold when making the pie crust for a flakier texture. Don’t skip the egg wash; it helps create a beautiful golden sheen.
Variation
Feel free to experiment with different spices like nutmeg or ginger in your apple filling. You can also add a handful of raisins for a new twist. For a crumb topping instead of a top crust, combine flour, sugar, and butter for a crunchy finish.
FAQs
What apples are best for apple pie?
The best apples for baking include Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Braeburn. Combining sweet and tart apples enhances the pie’s flavor.
Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Yes, store-bought pie crust is a great time-saver. Just ensure it’s rolled out to fit your pie plate.
How long does it take to bake apple pie?
Baking usually takes about 55 minutes total—15 minutes at a high temperature then 40 minutes at a lower temperature.
Can I make the pie filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day ahead and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake the pie.
What should I do if my pie crust is too brown?
If the crust gets too brown while baking, cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning while the filling cooks.
Apple Pie
A classic American dessert with a flaky crust and a sweet, spiced apple filling, perfect for family gatherings and special occasions.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 85 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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)
Instructions
- 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 until the apples soften, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Divide the prepared pie dough in half and roll one disc of dough out to around 1/8-inch thick, larger than your pie plate. Transfer it into the pie plate.
- Make the egg wash by whisking together the egg and water in a small bowl.
- Transfer the cooled pie filling into the prepared crust. Roll the second disc of pie dough out and transfer it on top, or braid the strips cut from the rolled dough.
- Cut vents in the crust, trim excess dough, and crimp the edges to seal.
- Brush the top with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar, if desired.
- Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F, then reduce the temperature to 350°F and continue baking until golden brown and filling bubbles through the vents, about 40 minutes.
- Cover with aluminum foil if the crust browns too quickly. Cool before serving.
Notes
Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for better flavor. Don’t skip the egg wash for a golden sheen.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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