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This is hands down the best and easiest apple pie recipe! It features a tender, flaky homemade pie crust filled with juicy, cinnamon-spiced apple slices, creating the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
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Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 4 hours (including cooling time)
Servings: 8
Why You’ll Love Making It
- Beginner-Friendly: With clear step-by-step instructions, even first-time pie makers can achieve bakery-quality results.
- Classic Comfort Food: Apple pie is the ultimate cozy, homemade dessert that everyone loves.
- Flaky, Buttery Crust: The homemade crust is foolproof, tender, and packed with rich, buttery flavor.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving, a holiday gathering, or a weekend treat, this pie is always a hit.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the pie dough in advance and even freeze the baked pie for later!
Ingredients
- 2 (9″) pie crusts – Use my homemade flaky pie crust recipe or a store-bought crust for convenience. The dough must chill for at least 1 hour before rolling out.
- 7 large Granny Smith apples – These apples provide the perfect tartness to balance the sweet filling. Peel, core, and slice them into ½-inch slices for even cooking.
- ½ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the filling and helps the apples release their natural juices.
- ½ cup light brown sugar (loosely packed) – Adds a rich caramel-like depth of flavor.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – Helps thicken the filling so it’s not too runny.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – A must-have for warm, spiced apple flavor.
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg – A little goes a long way for extra warmth and depth.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (plus the zest of half a lemon) – The acidity prevents apples from browning and enhances the flavor.
- 1 large egg (lightly beaten in a small bowl for egg wash) – Gives the crust a golden, glossy finish.
- 2 tablespoons sanding sugar (optional) – Adds a little sparkle and crunch to the crust.
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Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
If making homemade pie dough, prepare the flaky pie crust recipe in advance. It makes two (9″) pie crusts, one for the bottom and one for the top. The dough needs to chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before rolling out. If using store-bought pie crust, follow the package instructions.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Position an oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 400°F (204°C). This ensures even baking and a golden-brown crust.
Step 3: Make the Apple Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Toss everything together until the apple slices are evenly coated. Set aside while you roll out the pie crust.
Step 4: Roll Out the Bottom Crust
Remove one disc of pie dough from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly. On a lightly floured surface, roll it out into a 12-inch circle, about ⅛-inch thick. Carefully transfer the rolled dough to a 9-inch deep dish pie plate, gently pressing it into the bottom and sides.
Step 5: Fill the Pie
Spoon the prepared apple filling into the crust, leaving behind any extra juices in the bowl (this prevents a soggy crust). Evenly distribute the apple slices for an even bake.
Step 6: Roll Out the Top Crust & Seal the Pie
Roll out the second disc of pie dough to ⅛-inch thick and gently place it over the filling. Trim the excess dough along the edges using a sharp knife. Seal the edges by gently pressing them together and folding them under. You can crimp the edges using your fingers or a fork for a decorative touch.
Step 7: Vent and Brush the Pie
Use a sharp knife to cut 4 slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Brush the crust with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle with sanding sugar for a golden, slightly crisp topping.
Step 8: Bake the Pie
Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake at 400°F (204°C) for 25 minutes. Then, carefully remove the pie shield or foil from the edges to prevent over-browning. Lower the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the juices are bubbling.
Step 9: Cool Completely Before Serving
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool at room temperature for at least 3 hours. This allows the filling to set properly for clean slices.
FAQs
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the pie dough up to 3 days in advance and keep it in the fridge, or freeze it for up to 3 months. You can also assemble the entire pie and freeze it unbaked—just bake straight from frozen, adding about 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
How do I store leftover apple pie?
Apple pie can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, covered loosely with foil or plastic wrap. For longer storage, keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or microwave briefly.
