Save A timeless dessert featuring tender, spiced apples enveloped in a flaky, golden, buttery crust—perfect for any occasion.
This apple pie recipe has been a family favorite for years, bringing warmth and nostalgia to every holiday table.
Ingredients
- For the Buttery Pie Crust: 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, 1 tbsp granulated sugar, 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed, 6–8 tbsp ice water
- For the Apple Filling: 6 large apples (Granny Smith and Honeycrisp recommended), peeled, cored, and sliced, ⅔ cup (130 g) granulated sugar, ¼ cup (50 g) light brown sugar, packed, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, ¼ tsp ground nutmeg, ¼ tsp salt
- For Assembly: 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash), 1 tbsp milk, 1 tbsp coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pie Crust:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar. Add cold butter and cut in with a pastry cutter or fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until dough just comes together. Divide dough in half, flatten into disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with both sugars, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside to allow juices to develop.
- Assemble the Pie:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). On a floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to fit a 9-inch (23 cm) pie dish. Gently place dough into pie dish, allowing excess to hang over edges. Fill with apple mixture, spreading evenly.
- Top the Pie:
- Roll out second disk of dough and lay over apples. Trim excess dough, then crimp or flute the edges to seal. Cut a few slits in the top crust to vent steam.
- Apply Egg Wash:
- Mix beaten egg with milk and brush over top crust. Sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20 minutes at 400°F (200°C), then reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 35 minutes, or until crust is golden and filling is bubbling.
- Cool:
- Cool pie on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing to allow filling to set.
Save Sharing this apple pie has created countless sweet family moments and holiday traditions around our table.
Tips for the Best Pie Crust
Keep ingredients cold and handle dough minimally to avoid a tough crust.
Flavor Variations
Add a pinch of ground cloves or a handful of raisins to customize your apple filling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a classic treat.
Save With these tips, your classic apple pie will impress every time and bring warmth to any occasion.
Recipe Help & Answers
- → What apples work best for this dessert?
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are ideal for their balance of tartness and sweetness that holds shape when baked.
- → How do I achieve a flaky buttery crust?
Use cold cubed butter and incorporate it quickly into the flour until coarse crumbs form. Add ice water gradually to bind without overworking the dough.
- → Can I prepare the crust ahead of time?
Yes, chilling the dough for at least an hour before rolling helps relax gluten and enhances flakiness during baking.
- → What spices complement the apple filling?
Cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and depth, enhancing the natural apple flavors without overpowering them.
- → How do I ensure the filling doesn't become soggy?
Toss apples with sugar and flour to absorb excess moisture and bake at a high temperature initially to set the crust and filling quickly.