Homemade apple pie

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like the smell of a freshly baked apple pie wafting through the kitchen. It’s cozy, nostalgic, and universally loved. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting a dinner party, or just want to fill your home with the scent of cinnamon-spiced apples and buttery crust, this Homemade Apple Pie delivers in every way.

Made with fresh apples, a flaky double crust, and a perfectly spiced filling, this recipe is simple enough for beginners and impressive enough for seasoned bakers. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a slice of heaven.

 Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 40 minutes

• Chill Time: 1 hour (for pie dough)

• Cook Time: 50–60 minutes

• Total Time: 2½ hours (includes chilling and cooling)

• Yield: One 9-inch pie (8 servings)

• Difficulty: Medium

• Flavor Intensity: Medium-High (cinnamon, apple, buttery crust)

• Best For: Holidays, Sunday dinners, fall baking

 Ingredients

 For the Pie Crust (Double Crust):

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional)

• 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes

• 6–8 tablespoons ice water

 For the Apple Filling:

• 6–7 medium apples (about 2½ lbs), peeled and sliced (mix of Granny Smith + Honeycrisp or Fuji is ideal)

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• ¼ cup light brown sugar

• 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free option)

 For Assembly:

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

• 1 tablespoon milk or water (to thin egg wash)

• 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (for topping, optional)

 Equipment Needed

• 9-inch pie dish

• Rolling pin

• Large mixing bowl

• Pastry blender or food processor (optional for dough)

• Peeler, corer, and knife

• Pastry brush

• Cooling rack

• Foil or pie shield (to prevent overbrowning)

 Instructions

 Step 1: Make the Pie Crust

1. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar.

2. Cut in the butter: Add cold, cubed butter and use a pastry blender (or your fingers) to cut it in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Add ice water: Start with 6 tablespoons, mixing with a fork until dough begins to clump. Add more if needed, 1 tbsp at a time.

4. Form the dough: Divide into two discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to 2 days).

Chilling the dough ensures a flaky crust!

 Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. Peel, core, and slice apples into ¼-inch thick pieces.

2. In a large bowl, toss apples with lemon juice, both sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and flour. Set aside to allow juices to release.

A blend of tart and sweet apples gives the best flavor and texture.

 Step 3: Assemble the Pie

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. On a floured surface, roll out one dough disc into a 12-inch circle.

3. Fit it into your pie dish, allowing the excess to hang over the edge.

4. Fill with the apple mixture, slightly mounding it in the center.

5. Dot with small pieces of butter if desired for extra richness.

 Step 4: Add the Top Crust

1. Roll out the second dough disc and place it over the filling.

   • You can do a classic full crust, a lattice top, or cut-out shapes.

2. Trim excess dough to about ½ inch beyond the edge of the pie dish.

3. Fold the top and bottom crusts under, and crimp the edges.

4. Cut slits in the top crust (if not using lattice) to allow steam to escape.

 Step 5: Apply Egg Wash and Bake

1. Mix the egg with milk/water and brush it over the crust.

2. Sprinkle with coarse sugar for crunch and sparkle (optional).

3. Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, then reduce to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 35–45 minutes, or until crust is golden and filling is bubbling.

Use a pie shield or foil to cover the edges if they brown too quickly.

 Step 6: Cool and Serve

• Let the pie cool on a rack for at least 2 hours before slicing. This allows the filling to set properly.

• Serve at room temperature or slightly warmed, with:

  • A scoop of vanilla ice cream

  • A drizzle of caramel sauce

  • Or a dollop of fresh whipped cream

 Apple Pie Tips & Tricks

• Juicy Pie? Drain some liquid from the apple mixture before adding to crust.

• Extra Flavor: Add ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract or apple pie spice to the filling.

• Make-Ahead: Dough can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge overnight.

 Storage & Freezing

• Room Temp: Cover and store at room temp for 2 days.

• Fridge: Keeps for up to 5 days.

• Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze baked pie for up to 3 months. Reheat at 350°F until warm.

 Nutritional Information (Per Slice – Approximate)

Values may vary based on crust thickness and apple variety.

 Variations

 Crumble Topping (Dutch Apple Pie)

Replace top crust with a streusel:

• ½ cup flour

• ⅓ cup brown sugar

• ¼ cup butter, cut in until crumbly
  Sprinkle over apples before baking.

 Caramel Apple Pie

Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples before topping with crust. Add chopped pecans for extra crunch.

 Gluten-Free Version

Use a gluten-free pie crust and cornstarch instead of flour in the filling.

 Brown Butter Apple Pie

Brown the butter before mixing it into the filling for a rich, nutty twist.

 FAQs

What’s the best apple for apple pie?

A mix of Granny Smith (tart and firm) and Honeycrisp or Fuji (sweet and juicy) gives the best balance of flavor and texture.

Why is my pie filling runny?

It may not have baked long enough. The filling needs to bubble to thicken. Also, letting the pie cool fully helps the filling set.

Can I use store-bought pie dough?

Absolutely! While homemade is best, store-bought crust works in a pinch. Just watch the bake time as some brands cook faster.

 Why You’ll Love This Apple Pie

•  Classic, comforting flavors

•  Flaky homemade crust

•  Spiced perfectly with cinnamon and nutmeg

•  Easy to customize

•  A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion

 Final Thoughts

This Homemade Apple Pie is the definition of timeless. Whether it’s for Thanksgiving, a weekend baking project, or a “just because” dessert, it brings joy to every bite. With tender apples, warm spices, and a golden buttery crust, this recipe is everything a classic apple pie should be — and more.