Homemade Apple Pie Recipe

Few desserts capture nostalgia, warmth, and pure happiness the way Homemade Apple Pie does. Just the aroma alone can transport you straight to a cozy kitchen, and every buttery, cinnamon-laced bite proves why this classic is at the heart of so many family traditions. Whether you serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or sneak a slice straight from the fridge, Homemade Apple Pie is the very definition of comfort food in a flaky, golden crust.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s take a look at the simple yet essential ingredients that make this Homemade Apple Pie such a showstopper. Each component—whether for its flavor, structure, or techy touches—plays a special role in creating a pie that’s beautifully balanced and full of old-fashioned goodness.

• All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups): The base for your crust, providing structure and crispness in every bite.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Just enough to enhance flavor and balance the sweetness throughout the pie.
• Granulated sugar (1 tablespoon & ¾ cup): Adds sweetness to both crust and filling, creating tender dough and beautifully caramelized apples.
• Unsalted butter, cold and cubed (1 cup): The secret to a flaky, melt-in-your-mouth crust; use it straight from the fridge for best results.
• Ice water (6–8 tablespoons): Helps bring the crust dough together without melting the butter, ensuring wonderful flakiness.
• Apples, peeled & thinly sliced (6 cups, use Granny Smith and Honeycrisp): Combining a sweet-tart duo gives the filling remarkable depth and texture.
• Light brown sugar (¼ cup): A touch of molasses-rich sweetness that deepens the apple filling’s flavor.
• All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Thickens the juicy apple filling for perfectly sliceable pieces.
• Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Brings warmth and a classic spiced note that pairs beautifully with apples.
• Ground nutmeg (¼ teaspoon): Adds a subtle, aromatic kick—just enough to make the flavors pop.
• Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens up the filling, keeping apples from browning and adding a hint of tang.
• Butter, cut into small pieces (1 tablespoon): Dotted over the filling, it melts into the pie for extra richness.
• Egg (1, for egg wash): Brushed over the crust to ensure that deep golden finish.
• Milk (1 tablespoon): Whisked with the egg for a perfectly glossy sheen on top.

How to Make Homemade Apple Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and the tablespoon of granulated sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or fork (or even your fingertips!) to work it in until the mixture is full of pea-sized crumbs. Drizzle in the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Avoid overworking—those small butter bits are what make your crust distinctly flaky. Divide the dough in half, shape each piece into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the fridge for at least an hour to let the gluten relax and flavors meld.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

While the dough chills, get started on your star—the apples! In another large bowl, gently toss together the sliced apples, three-quarters cup granulated sugar, brown sugar, two tablespoons flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Make sure every slice gets evenly coated so that every bite of the Homemade Apple Pie brims with juicy, spiced apple goodness. Set the filling aside to let the apples release a little juice while you roll out the crust.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

Roll out one of your chilled dough disks on a lightly floured surface to fit a standard 9-inch pie dish. Carefully transfer the dough to the dish, letting the excess hang over the edges. Tumble in your apple mixture, mounding it slightly (don’t worry—it will bake down!) and dot the top with the little pieces of butter for added richness. Roll out the second dough disk, lay it carefully over the filling, and trim any overhang. Pinch and crimp the edges for a decorative, rustic look. Lastly, use a sharp knife to cut a few vents in the top to let steam escape—this keeps your crisp crust from getting soggy.

Step 4: Add the Egg Wash

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and tablespoon of milk until smooth and silky. Using a pastry brush, gently coat the entire top crust with this mixture. This step gives your Homemade Apple Pie that gorgeous golden shine that just begs for a photo (or at least a second slice!).

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place your pie on the center rack of a preheated 425°F oven. After 20 minutes, reduce the temperature to 375°F and continue baking for another 35–40 minutes, or until the crust is deeply golden and the filling is bubbling thickly through the vents. If you notice the edges browning too quickly, carefully shield them with strips of foil or a pie crust shield to prevent burning. Let the pie cool so the filling can set—this is quite possibly the toughest part of the recipe!

How to Serve Homemade Apple Pie

Garnishes

Sometimes a simple slice is all you need, but adding the right garnish can elevate your Homemade Apple Pie presentation from delightful to utterly irresistible. A scoop of vanilla ice cream melting into the warm pie is a timeless classic, but don’t overlook softly whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, or even a light drizzle of caramel sauce. These toppings echo the pie’s flavors and give each serving a little extra flourish.

Side Dishes

Looking to create a full dessert experience? Pair your slice with a bowl of fresh berries, a tiny wedge of sharp cheddar (a surprisingly harmonious match with apples), or even a dollop of crème fraîche for rich tang. If you’re celebrating, offer piping hot coffee or chai to play up the pie’s spiced notes. Each accompaniment transforms your Homemade Apple Pie into a dessert worthy of any occasion.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to mix things up, try serving individual mini pies made from the same recipe for parties or potlucks. You could also cut the cooled pie into squares for an unexpected, shareable treat—a sweet surprise at bake sales or family gatherings. For a stunning buffet table, arrange apple pie slices on a platter with garnished apple wedges and cinnamon sticks for a charming, rustic look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have leftover Homemade Apple Pie? Lucky you! Cover the cooled pie with foil or plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to two days. If you’d like to enjoy it over a longer stretch, transfer the wrapped pie to the refrigerator where it will stay tasty and fresh for up to five days. The flavors meld and improve as the pie sits, making that next slice almost as exciting as the first.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap individual slices (or the entire cooled pie) tightly in plastic wrap and then in a layer of aluminum foil. Label with the date and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready for another taste of Homemade Apple Pie magic, let the pie thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

For that “just-baked” effect, gently reheat single slices in a 325°F oven for 10–15 minutes or until warm. If you’re reheating the entire pie, cover with foil and bake at 325°F for 20–25 minutes. This brings back the flakiness of the crust and the gooey apple filling, making it just as inviting as the day you baked it.

FAQs

What are the best apples to use in Homemade Apple Pie?

A blend of tart Granny Smith and sweet Honeycrisp apples offers the best balance of flavor and texture, ensuring your filling is both tangy and just sweet enough without becoming mushy during baking.

How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?

Chilling the dough before baking and venting the top crust allow steam to escape, which helps your crust stay crisp. You can also try baking your pie on a lower oven rack or using a metal pie plate for an extra dose of heat on the bottom.

Can I make the pie crust ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the pie crust dough up to three days in advance. Keep the wrapped disks in the fridge, then roll and fill when you’re ready to assemble the Homemade Apple Pie.

Do I have to peel the apples?

While peeling the apples ensures a silky, melt-in-your-mouth filling, some bakers prefer to leave the peels on for extra texture and color. It comes down to personal preference—either way, your pie will be scrumptious!

Can I use store-bought pie crust?

If you’re short on time, there’s no shame in using a quality store-bought crust. While nothing beats homemade, your filling is the real star, and a good crust will still complement the flavors in your Homemade Apple Pie beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Apple Pie isn’t just a recipe—it’s a reason to gather, share, and savor the simple joys of baking. With its flaky crust, spiced apple filling, and golden finish, it’ll quickly become your go-to treat for any celebration or cozy night in. Give it a try and create sweet memories, one delicious slice at a time!

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