If you have ever craved the warm, comforting embrace of a perfectly golden crust enveloping tender, spiced apples, then you’re in for a treat with this Homemade Classic Apple Pie Recipe. This timeless dessert marries tart Granny Smith with sweet Honeycrisp apples, wrapped in a flaky, buttery crust that sings with cinnamon and nutmeg. Baking this pie feels like wrapping your kitchen in a cozy blanket of scent and flavor—a ritual that’s as rewarding as the delicious result. Whether for a holiday gathering or a simple weekend indulgence, this recipe promises the ultimate heartwarming apple pie experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the secret to bringing this pie to life. Each plays a vital role—from the tender, flaky crust to the luscious filling that makes every bite sing with flavor and texture.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base of the crust, providing structure yet allowing for tender flakiness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness to the dough without overpowering.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced: The magic behind a flaky, melt-in-your-mouth crust.
- 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water: Helps bring the dough together without warming the butter.
- 6 to 8 medium-sized apples (a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp recommended): Combines tartness and sweetness for a perfectly balanced filling.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the apple filling just right.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Keeps apples fresh-tasting with a slight tang, brightening the flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The warm spice that makes apple pie irresistible.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: A subtle spice that deepens the flavor complexity.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for filling): Thickens the filling to prevent it from becoming runny.
- 1 tablespoon butter, diced (for topping): Adds richness and creates pockets of buttery goodness on top of the filling.
- 1 egg (for egg wash): Gives the crust its shining, golden glaze.
How to Make Homemade Classic Apple Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by mixing the flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl to create the base for your crust. Then, cut in the chilled, diced butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs—this texture is key to that iconic flaky structure we all adore. Keep that butter cold; it’s the superstar that makes the crust both tender and crisp.
Step 2: Add Ice Water and Chill
Slowly add ice water one tablespoon at a time, gently stirring until the dough just comes together into a ball. Overworking the dough can make it tough, so resist the urge to knead it excessively. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap them tightly in plastic, and refrigerate for at least an hour. This chill time firms up the fats and relaxes the gluten, making rolling the dough easier and ensuring a flakier pie crust.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
While the dough chills, peel, core, and thinly slice your apples. Toss them in a big bowl with sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. The lemon juice isn’t just for flavor; it prevents browning and adds a bright counterpoint to the sweetness. The cinnamon and nutmeg infuse the apples with that signature warm spice that feels like a hug on a crisp day.
Step 4: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to a toasty 425°F (220°C) to get ready for baking. Starting at a high temperature helps develop a golden crust and a bubbling filling.
Step 5: Roll Out the Bottom Crust
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of your chilled dough discs so it fits comfortably into a 9-inch pie pan with some overhang. The flour prevents sticking without drying out the dough. Gently transfer it to the pan and let the edges hang over slightly; this overhang will help seal the pie later.
Step 6: Fill the Pie
Pour your beautifully spiced apple filling into the crust, spreading it evenly. Dot the top with diced butter—it melts into the filling as the pie bakes, adding silkiness and depth.
Step 7: Add the Top Crust
Roll out the second dough disc and lay it carefully over the filling. Trim any excess dough, then pinch and flute the edges to seal the pie shut—this keeps all those juices inside where they belong. Don’t forget to cut a few slits in the top crust; these vents let steam escape during baking and prevent sogginess.
Step 8: Apply Egg Wash
Beat the egg and gently brush it over the entire top crust. This simple step transforms the pie’s appearance, giving it an irresistible shimmer and a golden-brown finish that screams “made from scratch with love.”
Step 9: Bake the Pie
Pop your pie into the oven for an initial 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C) to set the crust. Then lower the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 35-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the crust turns a luscious golden brown and the bubbling juices peek through the vents. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water.
Step 10: Cool Before Serving
Once baked, give the pie 20-30 minutes to cool and set. This resting time lets the filling thicken slightly, making it easier to slice and enjoy without a mess. Plus, it’s the perfect opportunity to prepare your favorites accompaniments.
How to Serve Homemade Classic Apple Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A scoop of vanilla ice cream is the classic way to elevate your pie slice into a dreamy dessert. Alternatively, a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a delicate, elegant touch. Don’t be afraid to add a pinch of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a flavor upgrade that will thrill your taste buds.
Side Dishes
Homemade Classic Apple Pie Recipe pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, black tea, or even a spiced chai latte. For gatherings, offer a cheese plate with mild cheddar or gouda; the savory bite contrasts the sweet pie perfectly, creating an inviting balance that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve this pie warm or at room temperature, but for a modern twist, try turning it into mini hand pies or lattice-topped tartlets. A rustic presentation with a dusting of cinnamon sugar on the crust can make it look as good as it tastes—almost too pretty to eat, but trust me, you’ll want every bite!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Homemade Classic Apple Pie Recipe covered loosely with foil or plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Properly storing the pie preserves the crust’s texture and keeps the filling fresh, so you can enjoy the deliciousness again without losing that fresh-from-the-oven feeling.
Freezing
If you want to make this pie in advance, it freezes wonderfully. Wrap the whole pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the oven to revive that flaky crust and cozy filling.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your pie slices into a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes. This reheats the filling nicely and crisps the crust back up, avoiding the dreaded soggy bottom that some microwaves can produce. Enjoy that warm, freshly baked feeling again and again!
FAQs
Can I use only one type of apple for this pie?
Sure! While a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp offers a nice balance of tartness and sweetness, you can use all Granny Smith for a tarter pie or all Honeycrisp for a sweeter one. Just make sure to choose apples that hold their shape well during baking.
Is it necessary to chill the dough for an hour?
Chilling the dough helps the butter solidify again and relaxes the gluten, which leads to a flakier crust that rolls out easily without shrinking. While you might skip this step in a pinch, taking the time makes a noticeable difference.
What if I don’t have ice water on hand?
Ice water is important to keep the butter cold during dough preparation. If you don’t have ice water, you can use very cold tap water or keep a bowl of water with ice nearby to add water one tablespoon at a time. The goal is to avoid warming the dough as you mix.
Can I make the pie gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. You might need to adjust water quantities slightly and be gentle when mixing, but the results can be just as delicious.
How do I prevent the crust edges from burning?
If your crust edges are browning too quickly, cover them with a foil shield or a pie crust protector halfway through baking. This shields the edges while allowing the rest of the pie to bake evenly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about crafting your own Homemade Classic Apple Pie Recipe from scratch—it’s a delightful blend of art and tradition that fills your home with warmth and joy. This pie not only tastes incredible, but it also creates moments worth savoring. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the magic of baking this classic dessert that will no doubt become a treasured favorite for years to come.
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Homemade Classic Apple Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 1 9-inch apple pie (8 servings)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Homemade Apple Pie features a flaky, buttery crust filled with a cinnamon-spiced apple mixture. Combining tart Granny Smith and sweet Honeycrisp apples, this pie offers a perfect balance of flavors. Baked until golden and fragrant, it makes a delightful dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Pie Dough
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling
- 6 to 8 medium-sized apples (a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp recommended)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon butter, diced (for topping)
For the Egg Wash
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, mix 2 ½ cups flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon sugar. Cut in the chilled butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.
- Add Ice Water: Gradually stir in ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough starts to come together and forms a ball. Be careful not to add too much water. Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill and relax the gluten.
- Prepare the Filling: Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges. Place them in a large bowl and toss with ¾ cup sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, and 2 tablespoons flour. Mix until the apples are evenly coated to prevent sogginess and add flavor.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to preheat while you assemble the pie.
- Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a circle large enough to fit a 9-inch pie pan with some overhang. Carefully transfer it to the pie pan, gently pressing it to fit without stretching, and leave the edges hanging over.
- Fill the Pie: Pour the apple filling into the crust evenly. Dot the filling with 1 tablespoon of diced butter to add richness and moisture during baking.
- Top the Pie: Roll out the second dough disc into a similar-sized circle and place it over the filling. Trim excess edges if needed, then seal and flute the edges by pinching or crimping. Cut several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash: Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it evenly over the top crust. This will give the pie a shiny, golden-brown color once baked.
- Bake: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes to help set the crust and filling, then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 35-45 minutes until the apples are tender and the crust is golden and cooked through.
- Cool: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for 20-30 minutes. Cooling allows the filling to set properly and makes slicing easier before serving.
Notes
- Use a mixture of tart and sweet apples for a well-balanced flavor and texture in the filling.
- Chilling the dough is important to prevent shrinkage and help achieve a flaky crust.
- Cutting slits in the top crust lets steam escape and prevents the filling from bubbling over.
- If you don’t have lemon juice, you can substitute with vinegar or lime juice to prevent apple browning.
- For a shiny finish, you can sprinkle a little sugar over the egg wash before baking.
- The pie is best enjoyed warm or at room temperature, optionally served with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
