Perfect Apple Pie from Scratch

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Apple Pie Recipe

• Classic Comfort Redefined: This apple pie offers the quintessential sweet and tart flavor profile, perfectly balanced with warm, inviting cinnamon spices. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a nostalgic experience that brings warmth and joy to any gathering, making it the perfect end to any meal or a delightful treat on its own.
• Utilizes Simple, Accessible Ingredients: You won’t need to hunt for exotic items. This recipe relies on everyday pantry staples, with fresh, crisp apples taking center stage as the star ingredient. The beauty of this pie lies in the simplicity and quality of its components, proving that extraordinary flavor can come from humble beginnings.
• Remarkably Versatile and Adaptable: One of the joys of baking apple pie is the freedom to experiment with apple varieties. Whether you prefer a single type or a thoughtful blend, you can customize the sweetness and texture to your liking. This versatility means you can create a slightly different, unique apple pie experience every time you bake, catering to diverse palates.
• Incredibly Freezer-Friendly for Convenience: Planning ahead? This recipe is ideal! You can prepare the pie and freeze it unbaked, ready to pop into the oven whenever a craving strikes or unexpected guests arrive. Alternatively, bake it completely and then freeze, allowing you to enjoy a slice of fresh, homemade pie anytime you desire, straight from your freezer.

Crafting the Perfect Homemade Apple Pie: A Journey of Flavor

If the thought of baking a homemade pie from scratch has ever seemed daunting or intimidating, cast those fears aside! This recipe is crafted with beginners in mind, providing clear, easy-to-follow instructions for both the luscious apple pie filling and our acclaimed flaky pie crust. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to achieve a professional-looking and tasting pie right in your own kitchen.

Autumn is an especially magical time for pie baking, particularly if you have the chance to go apple picking. The abundance of fresh apples allows for exciting experimentation. Mixing and matching different varieties of apples isn’t just fun; it’s the secret to creating a complex, multi-layered flavor and texture profile in your pie. Some apples contribute sweetness, while others offer a delightful tartness. They also vary in how they hold their shape when baked. My personal favorites for baking are tart apples that maintain their structure beautifully, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples, providing a pleasant bite amidst the tender filling.

This magnificent apple pie is more than just a dessert; it’s a centerpiece. Serve it warm, perhaps with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, making it the star attraction at your Thanksgiving or Christmas feast. Or, for a simpler pleasure, enjoy it on a cozy weekend evening at home, perhaps by the fireplace. It also pairs exquisitely with a huge dollop of light and airy Homemade Whipped Cream, adding a touch of creamy indulgence that perfectly complements the spiced apples.

Essential Ingredients for the Ultimate Flaky Pie Crust

A truly exceptional apple pie begins with an impeccable crust. Here’s what you’ll need to create a tender, flaky foundation that will beautifully encase your apple filling.

• All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of our pie crust. Standard all-purpose flour works perfectly, providing the necessary structure and elasticity for a workable dough. Ensure it’s fresh for the best results.
• Salt: A crucial, often underestimated ingredient. Salt doesn’t just add flavor; it balances the richness of the fats and enhances the overall taste of the crust. Any fine-grained salt or sea salt will be suitable.
• Crisco (Vegetable Shortening): We highly recommend Crisco for its superior ability to create a wonderfully flaky crust. It has a higher melting point than butter, which means it stays solid longer during mixing, resulting in distinct layers of fat and flour that separate into flakes during baking. If you prefer, cold butter can be used as a substitute, though the flakiness might vary slightly.
• Super Cold Water: This is a non-negotiable ingredient for a flaky crust! Keeping the dough as cold as possible prevents the fat from melting prematurely, which is key to achieving those desirable layers. You can even add ice cubes to your measuring cup of water, just be sure not to incorporate the actual ice into the dough.
• Egg Wash: A simple yet effective glaze for your pie crust. A quick brush of egg wash (an egg whisked with a tablespoon of water) provides a beautiful golden-brown sheen and contributes to a crispier, more appealing crust texture. It’s the finishing touch that elevates your pie’s presentation.
• Cinnamon Sugar: A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar over the top crust just before baking is a game-changer. It caramelizes into a glistening, flavorful glaze that adds a delightful crunch, a hint of spice, and a truly professional, shiny finish to your homemade apple pie.

Irresistible Apple Pie Filling Ingredients

The heart of any great apple pie is its filling. Our recipe ensures a perfectly spiced, thick, and tender apple mixture that will have everyone reaching for a second slice.

• Fresh Apples: The star of the show! Our top recommendations for the best apple pie experience include Granny Smith (for tartness and structure), Golden Delicious (for sweetness and tenderness), Pink Lady (for a sweet-tart balance), Fuji (for crispness), Cortland (for a soft texture and slow browning), and Honeycrisp (for firm texture and balanced flavor). Feel free to use a single favorite or, for a more complex and dynamic flavor, mix and match a few varieties.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: A splash of fresh lemon juice is essential. It prevents the sliced apples from browning too quickly, brightens the overall flavor profile, and provides a crucial counterpoint to the sweetness, ensuring a well-balanced pie.
• Granulated Sugar: Standard white granulated sugar provides the primary sweetness for the filling, allowing the natural apple flavors to shine through without being overly rich.
• Brown Sugar: Whether you opt for light or dark brown sugar, its addition brings a wonderful depth of flavor with caramel notes, complementing the apples and spices beautifully.
• Cornstarch: This is your secret weapon for a perfectly set filling. Cornstarch thickens the apple juices as the pie bakes, preventing a watery or soggy bottom crust and ensuring a delightful, cohesive texture.
• Classic Apple Pie Spices: A blend of warm, aromatic spices defines the traditional apple pie flavor. We use a timeless combination of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of ground ginger, which together create a cozy and inviting aroma and taste.
• Cold Unsalted Butter: Small cubes of cold butter dotted over the filling before baking melt into the apples, adding richness and a luxurious, smooth mouthfeel. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the pie.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Double Crust Apple Pie

Creating a homemade double crust apple pie might seem like a grand endeavor, but breaking it down into manageable steps makes the process enjoyable and rewarding. Follow these detailed instructions to achieve a show-stopping pie.

1. Prepare Your Flaky Pie Dough: The foundation of any great pie is its crust. For this recipe, you’ll need to prepare a double batch of our incredible Homemade Flaky Pie Crust. Refer to our dedicated post for comprehensive, detailed instructions on how to precisely mix, roll, and shape your dough to perfection. This double recipe will provide enough dough for both the bottom crust and the elegant lattice top.
2. Craft the Irresistible Apple Pie Filling: Begin by combining your perfectly sliced apples with fresh lemon juice in a spacious mixing bowl. In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger until thoroughly combined. This dry mixture creates the perfect spice and sweetness balance. Gently sprinkle this aromatic sugar mixture over the apple slices, tossing them carefully until each slice is beautifully coated. Transfer this flavorful apple filling evenly into your prepared pie crust. Finally, dot the top of the filling with small, cold cubes of butter; these will melt down into the apples during baking, adding unparalleled richness.
3. Weave the Decorative Lattice Top: Now for the artistic touch! Take the second disc of pie dough and roll it out. Use a pizza cutter or a specialized lattice cutter to create even strips of dough. Carefully arrange these strips over your apple filling to form a beautiful lattice pattern. Once your lattice is complete, trim any excess dough from the edges, fold the overhanging crust underneath itself, and then firmly pinch or crimp the edges together to seal the pie.
4. Apply the Golden Egg Wash and Sweet Sprinkle: To achieve that enviable golden, shiny crust, prepare a simple egg wash. Whisk together one whole egg with one tablespoon of water until well combined. Using a pastry brush, gently apply this egg wash over the entire surface of your pie crust, including the lattice strips and the crimped edges. For an extra layer of sweetness and sparkle, generously sprinkle a couple of tablespoons of granulated sugar and a few pinches of ground cinnamon over the top of the egg-washed crust just before it goes into the oven.
5. Expertly Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to a high temperature of 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Place your assembled pie pan onto a sturdy baking sheet (this helps catch any potential drips and makes transferring easier). Bake the pie in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes. This initial high heat helps to set the crust and begin the browning process. After 15 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and continue baking for another 45 minutes to 1 hour. Your pie is ready when the filling is visibly bubbling thickly through the lattice openings and the crust has achieved a beautiful, deep golden-brown hue.
6. Allow to Cool and Serve with Delight: Patience is key here! Once your magnificent apple pie is finished baking, carefully remove it from the oven. It’s crucial to let the pie cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2-3 hours before attempting to slice it. This cooling time allows the filling to set properly, preventing it from being runny and ensuring clean, beautiful slices. Once cooled, slice and serve this glorious creation, perhaps with a scoop of fresh vanilla ice cream or a dollop of homemade whipped cream. Enjoy every single comforting bite!

Expert Tips for the Best Homemade Apple Pie

Achieving pie perfection is easier with a few insider tricks. Incorporate these tips to ensure your homemade apple pie is consistently outstanding:

• Master the Cold Dough Principle: The cardinal rule for a truly flaky pie crust is to keep your ingredients — especially your butter or Crisco and water — as cold as possible. Chilled fat creates steam in the oven, which separates the dough layers and results in that coveted flaky texture. Warm ingredients lead to a tough, dense crust.
• Select the Right Apples for Flavor and Texture: Your choice of apples significantly impacts the final taste and consistency of your pie. Opt for firm varieties that hold their shape well during baking and offer a balance of sweet and tartness. Granny Smith apples are excellent for tartness, while Honeycrisp and Gala add sweetness and crunch. A mix often yields the most dynamic and satisfying results.
• Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice on Apples: Tossing your sliced apples with fresh lemon juice is not just about preventing browning; it’s a vital flavor enhancer. The acidity of the lemon juice brightens the natural sweetness of the apples and provides a crucial tart counterpoint to the rich filling, creating a more balanced and vibrant taste.
• Prevent Overflow by Mindful Filling: While it might be tempting to pile in as many apples as possible, avoid overfilling your pie. Pack the apple mixture just to the rim of the bottom crust to prevent juices from bubbling over during baking. If you’re concerned about potential spills, placing a baking sheet lined with parchment paper on the oven rack below your pie can catch any drippings and save you from a messy oven cleanup.
• Ensure Adequate Venting for a Crispy Crust: Steam needs an escape route! Whether you opt for a beautiful lattice top or simply cut a few slits into a solid top crust, ensure there are sufficient vents. This allows steam from the bubbling apple filling to escape, preventing a soggy top crust and ensuring a perfectly crisp and golden finish.
• The Magic of Egg Wash and Sugar: For a professional touch, never skip the egg wash and sugar sprinkle. Brushing the top crust with an egg wash (egg mixed with water) before baking creates a stunning, glossy, deep golden-brown finish. A sprinkle of granulated sugar adds a delightful sparkle and a caramelized crunch that truly elevates the pie’s appearance and texture.
• Patience is a Virtue: Cool Before Slicing: We know it’s hard to wait, but allowing your apple pie to cool completely for at least 2 hours is paramount. This cooling period gives the hot, bubbly filling time to set and thicken properly. Slicing too early will result in a runny, messy pie; patience guarantees clean, picture-perfect slices.
• Mastering the Lattice Top: If you’re new to creating a lattice top for your pie, don’t be intimidated! It’s a skill that’s easier to learn than you might think and adds a gorgeous, rustic charm to your pie. For excellent visual guidance and a step-by-step tutorial, we highly recommend checking out this lattice-top pie recipe guide.

Exciting Homemade Apple Pie Recipe Variations

While the classic apple pie is undeniably perfect, there are many ways to get creative and customize this recipe to your liking. Here are some fantastic variations to inspire your next baking adventure:

• Dutch Apple Pie (Crumb Top): For those who adore a textural contrast, swap the traditional double crust for a buttery oat streusel topping. This variation, often called “Dutch Apple Pie,” features a delightful crumbly, sweet topping that complements the soft apple filling beautifully, offering a different kind of satisfaction.
• Indulgent Caramel Apple Pie: Elevate the richness of your apple pie by transforming it into a “Caramel Apple Pie.” After arranging the spiced apple filling into your bottom crust, generously drizzle a layer of rich, gooey caramel sauce over the top before adding the upper crust. The caramel will meld with the apple juices, creating an incredibly decadent dessert.
• Festive Apple Cranberry Pie: For a pie with a vibrant color and a delightful tangy kick, introduce cranberries to your apple mixture. Along with the cranberries, add a touch of fresh orange zest and a splash of orange juice. This “Apple Cranberry Pie” variation is particularly popular during the holiday season, offering a bright, festive flavor profile.
• Sweet and Mellow Apple Pear Pie: Looking for a subtle twist on texture and sweetness? Try an “Apple Pear Pie” by using a combination of half apples and half pears for your filling. Pears bring a softer texture and a milder, sweeter flavor that harmonizes wonderfully with the spiced apples, creating a unique and appealing fruit pie.
• Rustic Maple Apple Pie: For a deeper, more robust sweetness, consider a “Maple Apple Pie.” Replace a portion of the granulated sugar in your filling with pure maple syrup. The maple introduces rich, earthy undertones that perfectly complement the apples and cinnamon, making for an incredibly cozy and flavorful combination.
• Savory-Sweet Cheddar Crust Apple Pie: This classic American combination might sound unusual but is surprisingly delicious. For a “Cheddar Crust” apple pie, simply incorporate shredded sharp cheddar cheese into your pie dough. The savory, tangy notes of the cheese create an incredible sweet-and-salty contrast with the apple filling, offering a truly unforgettable culinary experience.

What are the best apples for Apple Pie?

Choosing the right apples is crucial for a fantastic apple pie. There are so many excellent varieties that a more pertinent question might be: which apples should you avoid? Our strong recommendation is to steer clear of Red Delicious apples, as they tend to become excessively mushy and lose their texture when baked.

Otherwise, feel free to experiment with a wide range of apples. Top choices include Granny Smith (for tartness and firm texture), Golden Delicious (for sweetness and softer texture), Pink Lady (for a sweet-tart balance), Honeycrisp (for crispness and juiciness), Jonagold (sweet and slightly tart), Cortland (for tenderness and slow browning), Fuji (crisp and sweet), and Braeburn (firm and tangy). For an apple pie with more depth, complexity, and interesting textural variations, we highly recommend mixing a few different types together.

How do you keep the bottom crust from getting soggy?

A soggy bottom crust is a common pie pitfall, but it’s entirely preventable! One of the most effective methods is to blind bake your pie crust before adding the filling. This involves partially baking the crust empty, which helps create a protective barrier against the moist apple filling. For an extra layer of defense and to truly seal in the juices, you can also brush a light layer of egg wash onto the bottom crust before you blind bake it.

How long do you bake apple pie at 350 degrees?

Our recipe utilizes a two-stage baking method for optimal results. It calls for an initial “flash bake” at a higher temperature to quickly set and brown the crust, followed by a longer, gentler bake. Specifically, you will bake the pie at a preheated 450 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 15 minutes. After this initial period, the oven temperature is reduced to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and the pie continues to bake for an additional 45 minutes to 1 hour. Therefore, with this method, your apple pie should bake for a total duration of about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, ensuring both a golden crust and a perfectly tender, bubbly filling.

What’s the best way to cut apples for apple pie?

While it may seem like a minor detail, the way you cut your apples for apple pie significantly impacts the final texture and consistency of your filling. Because this pie bakes for a considerable amount of time, it’s important not to slice the apple pieces too thinly, as they will quickly break down and become mushy. For the ideal balance of tender yet discernible apple pieces, we highly recommend slicing your apples into uniform wedges that are approximately 1/2 inch thick. This size ensures they soften beautifully without disintegrating, providing a satisfying bite in every slice.

Storing and Reheating Your Homemade Apple Pie

Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious homemade apple pie for as long as possible. Here’s how to keep it fresh and how to reheat it to perfection.

• Room Temperature Storage: For immediate enjoyment, your baked apple pie can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. Ensure it’s tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain its freshness and prevent it from drying out. Place it on your countertop in a cool, dry spot.
• Refrigerator Storage: If you anticipate needing to store your pie for a longer duration, the refrigerator is your best option. When properly covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, a baked apple pie will remain fresh and delicious in the fridge for up to 5 days. Chilling the pie also helps the filling set even further.
• Freezer Storage for Longer Freshness: The freezer is an excellent option for long-term storage, whether your apple pie is baked or unbaked. Wrap the entire pie tightly in several layers of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil, ensuring no air can get in. It will keep well for about 1 month.
  • To Bake an Unbaked Frozen Pie: Remove all plastic wrap and foil. Place the frozen pie directly into a preheated oven and bake as directed in the recipe, adding approximately 15-20 minutes onto the total baking time to account for it being frozen. Monitor the crust and cover edges with foil if they brown too quickly.
  • To Reheat a Baked Frozen Pie: Thaw the frozen baked pie in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, warm it in a preheated 350-degree Fahrenheit oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is warm and bubbly throughout and the crust is crisp again.

More Delicious Pie Recipes You’ll Love

If you’ve fallen in love with homemade pies, you’re in for a treat! Our collection features a variety of other fantastic pie recipes that are sure to impress. Explore these delightful options to continue your baking journey:

• Peaches and Cream Pie
• Blackberry Pie
• Strawberry Cream Pie
• Banana Cream Pie

Best Homemade Apple Pie Recipe

Author: The Carefree Kitchen

This homemade apple pie is filled to the brim with juicy, buttery cinnamon-spiced apples all baked into a tender, flaky pie crust. You’ll be making everyone’s favorite apple pie from scratch in no time.

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