Classic Apple Pie Recipe

Classic Apple Pie Recipe

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Resting Time: 2 hours (for dough chilling and pie cooling)
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Difficulty: Medium
Cuisine: American
Course: Dessert

🧈 Introduction

Few desserts feel as homey and heartwarming as a Classic Apple Pie. With its buttery, flaky crust and a cinnamon-kissed apple filling, this timeless dessert is a symbol of comfort, nostalgia, and good old-fashioned baking. Whether you’re baking it for Thanksgiving, Sunday family dinners, or just to make your kitchen smell incredible, this pie will win everyone over with its perfectly balanced sweetness and texture.

This recipe stays true to the traditional method—tender apples, a buttery crust, and a hint of spice. But we’ll also include a few pro tips to help you get that golden, bakery-style finish every time.

🍎 Ingredients

For the Pie Crust

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 6 tablespoons ice-cold water (add more if needed)

For the Apple Filling

• 6 cups sliced apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Assembly

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

• 1 tablespoon milk or water

• 1 tablespoon sugar (for sprinkling on top)

🍏 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar.

2. Add the cold butter cubes. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.

3. Slowly drizzle in ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork until the dough just comes together.

4. Divide the dough into two equal discs, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours).

Tip: Cold butter is the secret to flaky crust. Don’t overwork the dough—your hands’ warmth can soften the butter.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

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

2. In a large bowl, combine apples with sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.

3. Toss gently until all slices are coated evenly. Let the mixture sit for 15–20 minutes to allow the flavors to blend and the apples to release some of their juices.

Tip: If your apples release too much liquid, you can drain a little before filling the crust to avoid sogginess.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

1. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a 12-inch circle (about ⅛ inch thick).

2. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish. Gently press it into the bottom and sides without stretching.

3. Trim any overhanging dough, leaving about ½ inch around the rim.

Step 4: Fill and Top the Pie

1. Spoon the apple filling evenly into the crust.

2. Roll out the second disc of dough and place it over the top. You can either leave it whole (cut small slits for steam) or make a lattice pattern by cutting strips.

3. Trim and crimp the edges to seal.

4. Brush the top with the beaten egg mixed with milk or water for that glossy, golden finish.

5. Sprinkle lightly with sugar.

Step 5: Bake the Pie

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Place the pie on the middle rack and bake for 20 minutes.

3. Reduce heat to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for 35–40 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the vents.

4. If the edges start to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing. This allows the filling to set, so you’ll get neat, picture-perfect slices.

Serve warm or at room temperature with:

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream 🍦

• Fresh whipped cream 🍶

• A drizzle of caramel sauce 🍯

💡 Tips for Perfect Apple Pie

• Apple Choice: Granny Smith apples hold shape and add tartness, while Honeycrisp adds sweetness and juiciness. Mixing both gives the best balance.

• Flaky Crust: Always chill your dough and even your rolling pin before use.

• Prevent a Soggy Bottom: You can sprinkle a tablespoon of breadcrumbs or crushed graham crackers over the base before adding apples—it absorbs extra moisture.

• Shiny Finish: The egg wash creates that irresistible bakery look.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Apple pie isn’t just for dessert—it’s a comforting treat anytime. Enjoy it:

• Fresh from the oven with coffee on a crisp morning ☕

• As a sweet ending to a holiday feast

• With cheddar cheese slices for a unique savory twist (a New England classic!)

🧮 Nutrition Facts (per slice)

Nutrition information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients or portion sizes.

🕒 Recipe Summary

🧡 Final Thoughts

This Classic Apple Pie Recipe is everything you love about homemade baking — buttery crust, tender apples, and that nostalgic cinnamon aroma filling your kitchen. It’s rustic, reliable, and the kind of dessert that never goes out of style.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Every bite balances sweet and tart, soft and flaky — a perfect harmony that reminds us why apple pie remains an American favorite.

So next time you’re craving something homemade and cozy, grab some apples, butter, and flour — and bake this pie with love. It’s more than just dessert; it’s a taste of tradition. 🥧🍏