If you’ve been searching for the ultimate way to capture the warm, comforting charm of fall in one dessert, this Homemade Classic Apple Pie Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a beautiful balance of flaky, buttery crust paired with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples that makes every bite feel like a cozy hug. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe brings a nostalgic, homemade touch that transforms simple ingredients into pure magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering ingredients for this pie is refreshingly straightforward. Each one plays a vital role in creating a perfect balance of texture, sweetness, and warmth — from the flaky crust to the flavorful apple filling.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for a tender, sturdy crust that holds all that delicious filling.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness throughout the pie.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness right in the crust, setting the stage.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced: Key to that flaky, melt-in-your-mouth texture you crave in every bite.
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water: Binds the dough just right without making it tough — temperature matters!
- 6 to 7 cups thinly sliced peeled apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended): Tart and crisp apples that soften beautifully as they bake, creating the pie’s star attraction.
- 3/4 cup sugar: Sweetens the apples perfectly, balancing their natural tartness.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the filling so every slice holds its shape.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings that iconic warmth and depth of flavor to the apple mix.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle layer of spice that rounds out the flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Keeps the apples bright and prevents browning during prep.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Dotting the filling adds richness and indulgence.
- 1 egg yolk: For the glossy, golden crust finish that makes your pie picture-perfect.
- 1 tablespoon milk: Mixed with the egg yolk to help the crust brown evenly.
How to Make Homemade Classic Apple Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) to get it nice and hot for baking. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the chilled butter with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs — this is what creates the beautiful flaky layers in your crust. Gradually add the ice water until the dough just comes together. Don’t overwork it—keeping the butter cold ensures flakiness! Divide the dough in half, shape into two discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Apple Filling
While your dough chills, toss those thinly sliced apples in a bowl with sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. This mix not only sweetens but also thickens the juices released from the apples while baking, so your pie doesn’t become soggy. The cinnamon and nutmeg create that classic warming aroma that will fill your kitchen.
Step 3: Roll Out and Assemble
Roll out one dough disc to fit your pie pan. Gently place it in the pan, making sure to press it into the edges without stretching the dough. Pour in your apple filling and dot with the tablespoon of butter — this addition makes the filling creamy and luscious. Roll out the second dough disc and cover the pie, trimming any excess dough and pinching the edges to seal it tight. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking, preventing sogginess and helping the crust brown evenly.
Step 4: Egg Wash and Bake
Whisk the egg yolk with the milk to create an egg wash, then brush it over the pie crust. This step guarantees that irresistible golden sheen and a slightly shiny finish that screams homemade perfection. Bake the pie for 15 minutes at 425°F, then lower the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 35 to 45 minutes until the apples are tender and your crust is perfectly golden brown.
Step 5: Cool Before Serving
Once out of the oven, let your pie cool slightly before slicing. This gives the filling time to set and makes sure each slice holds together beautifully. Plus, the warm aroma will have everyone eagerly waiting for their taste!
How to Serve Homemade Classic Apple Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over your warm homemade classic apple pie adds a creamy contrast that’s hard to beat. Alternatively, a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar can elevate the presentation and add extra indulgence without overpowering the pie’s natural flavors.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a cup of hot coffee or a spiced chai latte to complement the cinnamon and nutmeg in the filling. For a more substantial dessert course, consider a cheese platter with sharp cheddar — the savory sharpness beautifully contrasts the sweetness of the apples.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Serve slices of your Homemade Classic Apple Pie Recipe in rustic mason jars layered with whipped cream or custard for a charming twist. You can also cube the pie and toss it with fresh salad greens for a unique sweet-and-savory salad or crumble the pie topping over baked apples for a mini dessert experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your apple pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days, giving you delicious second-day slices that taste just as good (if not better) once the flavors have melded overnight.
Freezing
You can freeze your pie either before or after baking. To freeze unbaked, assemble the pie and wrap it carefully in plastic wrap followed by foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, cook from frozen, adding additional baking time as needed. For baked pies, cool completely, then wrap and freeze similarly; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes to restore that crisp crust and warm filling. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the crust soggy. If pressed for time, a quick zap in the microwave combined with a brief oven crisp-up works beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for this pie?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are favorites for their balance of sweetness and tartness, feel free to blend varieties like Fuji or Pink Lady to add depth. Just ensure the apples hold their shape well during baking.
How do I prevent my pie crust from getting soggy?
Using flour in the apple filling helps absorb excess moisture. Also, dotting the filling with butter and ensuring the crust is well chilled and properly baked with steam vents helps keep the crust crisp and flaky.
Can I make the pie crust ahead of time?
Yes, the crust dough can be made and refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for longer. Just allow it to come to a slightly workable temperature before rolling out.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling the apples is recommended to achieve a smooth filling texture. However, if you love a bit more rustic texture and fiber, leaving the peel on works too.
What’s the best way to slice the pie for serving?
Use a sharp, serrated knife for clean cuts. Wiping the knife between slices helps keep edges neat, especially since the filling can be juicy.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Homemade Classic Apple Pie Recipe enough if you want to feel like you’ve brought a little slice of culinary happiness to your kitchen. It’s approachable, rewarding, and endlessly comforting — the kind of pie that stays with you long after the last bite. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake a pie that will become your new favorite tradition.
Print
Homemade Classic Apple Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A classic homemade apple pie featuring a flaky, buttery crust filled with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples. This recipe guides you through making the perfect pie dough, preparing a sweet and tangy apple filling, and baking it to golden perfection for a comforting dessert.
Ingredients
Pie Dough
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water
Apple Filling
- 6 to 7 cups thinly sliced peeled apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter
Egg Wash
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the apple pie.
- Combine Dry Ingredients for Dough: In a large bowl, mix together 2 1/2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon sugar.
- Cut in Butter: Add 1 cup diced unsalted butter to the flour mixture, cutting it in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Ice Water: Stir in ice water one tablespoon at a time until dough forms a ball. The dough should be moist but not sticky. Divide into two halves.
- Chill Dough: Roll each half into a circle, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Prepare Apple Filling: In another bowl, combine 6 to 7 cups thinly sliced apples with 3/4 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Toss well to coat all pieces evenly.
- Roll Out Bottom Crust: Roll out one chilled dough circle to fit your pie pan. Carefully transfer and place it into the pan, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides.
- Add Filling: Pour the apple mixture into the pastry-lined pan and dot the filling with 1 tablespoon butter evenly on top.
- Roll Out Top Crust: Roll out the second dough circle and place it over the filling. Trim excess dough and pinch edges firmly to seal the pie.
- Cut Vents: Cut small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash: Beat the egg yolk with 1 tablespoon milk and brush this mixture over the top crust to give a shiny and golden finish.
- Bake at High Temperature: Bake the pie in the preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes to set the crust.
- Reduce Temperature and Continue Baking: Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 35 to 45 minutes until the apple filling is soft and the crust is golden brown.
- Cool Before Serving: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving to allow the filling to set.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a balanced sweet-tart flavor and to keep the filling from becoming mushy.
- Make sure the butter for the dough is well chilled to achieve a flaky crust.
- Do not overwork the dough to avoid a tough crust.
- Letting the pie cool before serving helps the filling thicken and makes for cleaner slices.
- You can cover the edges of the pie crust with foil if they brown too quickly during baking.
