There’s nothing quite as comforting and nostalgic as a homemade apple pie. With its buttery, flaky crust and sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple filling, this classic dessert has been a family favorite for generations. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a weekend treat, or just because you’re craving something warm and cozy, this foolproof apple pie recipe will guide you step by step to create the perfect pie every time.
This article covers everything you need to know—from choosing the best apples to making the perfect flaky crust, plus expert tips for a bakery-worthy apple pie. By the end, you’ll be ready to bake an apple pie so good, it’ll disappear before it even cools!
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Apple Pie
✔️ Flaky, Buttery Crust – Made from scratch for the ultimate homemade touch.
✔️ Perfectly Spiced Apple Filling – A sweet, cinnamon-kissed blend of tender apples.
✔️ Easier Than You Think! – A simple, step-by-step guide to making the best pie.
✔️ Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a cozy family gathering.
✔️ Make-Ahead & Freezer-Friendly – Prep it in advance for stress-free baking.
Ingredients for Homemade Apple Pie
To make a classic apple pie from scratch, you’ll need two main components: the crust and the filling.
For the Pie Crust (Makes a Double Crust)
- 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 6-8 tablespoons ice water
For the Apple Pie Filling
- 6-7 medium apples (about 2 ½ pounds), peeled, cored, and sliced
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch or flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces (for dotting on top of the filling)
For the Egg Wash (Optional, for a Golden Crust)
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon milk or cream
Choosing the Best Apples for Apple Pie
The key to the perfect pie is choosing the right apples! You want a mix of sweet and tart apples that hold their shape during baking.
Best Apples for Apple Pie:
✔️ Granny Smith – Tart, firm, and perfect for balancing sweetness.
✔️ Honeycrisp – Sweet, crisp, and juicy with a slight tartness.
✔️ Fuji – Naturally sweet and holds up well in baking.
✔️ Braeburn – Slightly spicy and firm with a balanced flavor.
✔️ Golden Delicious – Mildly sweet and softens beautifully.
For the best flavor and texture, use a mix of tart and sweet apples to create a well-rounded filling.
How to Make the Best Homemade Apple Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar.
- Cut in the butter: Add cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add ice water: One tablespoon at a time, mix in ice-cold water until the dough holds together but isn’t sticky.
- Chill the dough: Divide into two disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days).
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Pie Filling
- Slice the apples evenly to ensure even baking.
- Toss the apples in sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla. Let sit for 15 minutes to release excess juices.
Step 3: Roll Out the Pie Crust
- Flour your surface and rolling pin. Roll one dough disk into a 12-inch circle.
- Transfer to a 9-inch pie dish and trim excess dough, leaving a slight overhang.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
- Fill the pie shell with the prepared apple mixture, then dot with small butter pieces.
- Roll out the second dough disk and place it over the filling. Seal the edges by crimping with a fork or your fingers.
- Cut slits on top for steam to escape, or create a lattice top for a decorative touch.
- Brush with egg wash for a golden crust.
Step 5: Bake the Pie
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, then reduce heat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for another 40-45 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool for at least 2 hours before slicing.
Tips for the Perfect Apple Pie
✔️ Chill the Dough – A cold crust = extra flaky pie!
✔️ Use a Mix of Apples – This creates the best texture and flavor.
✔️ Let the Filling Rest – Helps prevent a soggy crust.
✔️ Bake at High Heat First – This helps set the crust before lowering the temp.
✔️ Cool Completely Before Slicing – This allows the filling to set properly.
How to Store & Freeze Apple Pie
Refrigeration: Store leftover pie covered at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing (Unbaked Pie): Wrap in plastic and foil, freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 55-65 minutes.
Freezing (Baked Pie): Let it cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and refrigerate the crust up to 2 days in advance and the filling up to 1 day ahead.
How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?
- Use a metal or glass pie dish – Helps crisp the bottom.
- Preheat a baking sheet in the oven – Placing the pie directly on a hot surface helps the crust bake evenly.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free crust.
What if my crust is browning too quickly?
Loosely tent the pie with foil if the edges brown too fast before the filling is done.
Final Thoughts – Why You NEED to Try This Homemade Apple Pie
This homemade apple pie is the perfect balance of buttery, flaky crust and sweet, spiced apple filling. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this step-by-step guide makes it easy to create a pie that looks and tastes bakery-worthy!
Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate comfort dessert.
More Must-Try Recipes:
- Vegan Banana Bread – Moist, Fluffy & Naturally Sweet
- Caramel Apple Crisp – A warm and gooey apple dessert.
- Classic Pumpkin Pie – Another holiday favorite!
Now, grab those apples and get baking! 🍏🥧✨