If you have ever dreamed of baking a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, then this Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe is exactly what you need. Nothing beats the cozy aroma of cinnamon-spiced apples wrapped in a flaky, buttery crust fresh from your oven. This recipe combines simple, wholesome ingredients into a timeless pie that invites everyone to gather around the table, slice by slice. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or just treating yourself, it never fails to bring smiles and happy hearts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe plays a crucial role, whether it’s creating the perfect crust, balancing sweetness, or infusing the filling with warm spices. You don’t need any fancy items—just a handful of pantry staples that work together like magic.
- 2.5 cups All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that forms a tender, flaky crust every time.
- 1 cup Unsalted butter: Cold and cubed to ensure the crust is rich and delightfully flaky.
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt: A subtle enhancer that brings out the pie’s overall flavor.
- 6 to 8 medium Apples: A blend of tart and sweet varieties creates depth and perfect texture in the filling.
- 0.75 cup Granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to mellow out the tart apples without overpowering them.
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon: Adds irresistible warmth and a classic autumnal note.
- 0.25 teaspoon Nutmeg: A pinch of spice that complements the cinnamon and makes the filling cozy.
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice: Keeps the apples fresh and vibrant by preventing browning.
- 6 to 8 tablespoons Ice water: Helps bring the buttery dough together for easy handling.
- 1 tablespoon Granulated sugar: A final sprinkle on the crust to add a touch of sparkle and crunch as it bakes.
How to Make Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by whisking together 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt in a large mixing bowl. This foundation will give your crust structure while keeping it light. Then add the cold, cubed butter and work it into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs; this step is crucial for that flaky texture everyone’s after. It’s best to handle the butter quickly so it doesn’t melt, ensuring your crust rises beautifully.
Step 2: Bring the Dough Together
Spoon in 6 to 8 tablespoons of ice water gradually, mixing gently just until the dough begins to cling together. Overworking it could make the crust tough, so keep it gentle and patient. Once the dough forms, divide it in half and shape each into discs. Wrap both tightly in plastic wrap and pop them into the fridge to chill for at least an hour. This resting time helps relax the gluten, making rolling easier later.
Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling
While the dough chills, take the time to peel, core, and slice your apples. Toss them with lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl. Letting this mixture rest for 15 minutes allows the natural juices to come out, softening the apples and melding all those warming spices together perfectly.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out one disc of dough on a floured surface until it fits your pie pan comfortably with a little overhang. Spoon your filling into the crust, piling it slightly higher in the center for that classic rustic look. Roll out the second dough disc and lay it gently over the apples. Trim any excess dough from the edges and crimp the seams to seal in all that lovely filling. Don’t forget to cut slits on top to let steam escape, and finish it off with a sprinkle of sugar. This final touch gives the crust a beautiful, inviting sparkle.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place your pie on a baking sheet (to catch any bubbling juices) and bake for 15 minutes at the higher temperature. This blast of heat kickstarts the crust browning and caramelization of the apples. Then lower the heat to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for another 35 to 45 minutes until the crust is a gorgeous golden brown and the filling is bubbling. The aromas filling your kitchen at this point are almost as delicious as the pie itself.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Patience here truly pays off. Let your classic homemade apple pie cool on a wire rack for at least two hours before slicing. This cooling step allows the filling to set up and makes every slice hold together beautifully, making serving a breeze and eating it even better.
How to Serve Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
Garnishes
The beauty of this classic dessert is in its simplicity, but a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream brings it to a whole new level. For a little extra flair, a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce adds an irresistible finishing touch that makes each bite a celebration.
Side Dishes
While this pie is a showstopper on its own, pairing it with a warm cup of spiced tea or a robust coffee creates a perfect cozy afternoon treat. For larger gatherings, I love serving it alongside a simple green salad or a cheese platter to offer contrasting flavors and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling a bit adventurous? Try serving individual portions in mini ramekins with a crumble topping for a personal twist on this Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe. Alternatively, use puff pastry stars or heart cut-outs on the top crust for a charming, decorative effect that’s perfect for holidays or special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This apple pie stays delightful for up to four days when covered loosely with foil or plastic wrap and kept at room temperature. Avoid refrigeration if possible, as it can dry out the crust — though the pie will still be utterly tasty.
Freezing
To freeze, bake the pie completely, let it cool, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It will keep well for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For the best flavor and texture, reheat slices of pie in a 350°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through. This refreshes the crust’s crispness and warms the spiced apple filling just right.
FAQs
Can I use a single variety of apple for this pie?
Absolutely! While a mix of tart and sweet apples adds a lovely balance, using a single good baking apple like Granny Smith or Fuji will still yield delicious results. It’s all about what you prefer in flavor and texture.
Do I need to blind-bake the crust?
No need for blind baking here. This recipe relies on baking the pie fully assembled, which gives you that classic soft and flaky crust that holds the juicy apple filling perfectly without extra steps.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be made up to two days in advance and kept wrapped tightly in the fridge. Just let it come to a cool room temperature before rolling out, so it doesn’t crack.
What other spices can I add to the filling?
Feel free to experiment! Ground cloves, allspice, or ginger can add unique warmth to your filling. Just remember to start with small amounts to avoid overpowering the natural apple flavors.
Is it okay if my pie filling is watery?
Some moisture is expected as the apples release their juices during baking. The sugar and spices help thicken this a bit, and the baking process reduces excess liquid. If you prefer a firmer filling, you can toss the apples with a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch before assembling.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making a Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe from scratch and sharing it with loved ones. It’s more than just dessert—it’s comfort, tradition, and joy all wrapped up in flaky pastry and cinnamon-scented apples. So roll up your sleeves, gather these simple ingredients, and experience the magic of homemade apple pie. Your kitchen will thank you, and so will everyone lucky enough to take a bite.
Print
Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes plus 2 hours cooling
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Classic Homemade Apple Pie recipe features a flaky, buttery crust filled with a perfect balance of tart and sweet apples spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. Made from scratch, this comforting pie is ideal for any occasion, delivering warm, nostalgic flavors and a delightful texture.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 6–8 tablespoons ice water
Apple Filling
- 6–8 medium apples (a mix of tart and sweet varieties)
- 0.75 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Final Touch
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for dusting the crust)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour and ½ teaspoon of salt. Whisk together thoroughly to evenly distribute the salt.
- Incorporate butter: Add 1 cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Work the butter into the flour using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, creating a flaky texture for the crust.
- Add ice water and chill: Gradually add 6 to 8 tablespoons of ice water, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Avoid overworking. Divide the dough into two halves, shape each into a disc, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least one hour to chill and firm up.
- Prepare apple filling: Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. In a bowl, combine the apple slices with 1 tablespoon lemon juice to prevent browning, ¾ cup granulated sugar for sweetness, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg. Toss gently to coat and let sit for 15 minutes to meld flavors.
- Preheat and roll crust: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of chilled dough to fit your pie pan. Transfer to the pan, pressing gently to fit the shape.
- Assemble the pie: Fill the crust with the apple mixture, mounding slightly in the center for volume. Roll out the second dough disc and carefully place it over the filling. Trim any overhang and crimp edges to seal the pie. Cut slits in the top crust for steam to escape, then sprinkle 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar over the surface for a sparkling finish.
- Bake: Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven at 425°F for 15 minutes. Then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 35 to 45 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Cool and serve: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least two hours to allow the filling to set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use a mix of tart apples like Granny Smith and sweet apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp for balanced flavor.
- Keep the butter and water very cold to ensure a flaky crust.
- The resting and chilling of dough is important for texture and handling.
- Allowing the pie to cool completely prevents the filling from being too runny when sliced.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
