Apple pie has long been considered the ultimate comfort dessert. It combines the sweetness of tender apples, the warmth of spices, and the buttery flakiness of a golden crust. Whether served at a holiday gathering, a Sunday family dinner, or as a cozy treat with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, apple pie never fails to impress. Today, we’ll walk through a detailed step-by-step recipe for making classic homemade apple pies. This recipe yields one 9-inch double-crust pie, but it can easily be adapted for mini pies or hand pies if you prefer.
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust:
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2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon salt
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1 tablespoon granulated sugar
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1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
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6 to 8 tablespoons ice water
For the Apple Filling:
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6 to 7 medium apples (Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness, or a mix of both)
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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¼ cup brown sugar, packed
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (to thicken the juices)
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
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⅛ teaspoon ground allspice (optional, for depth of flavor)
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
For Finishing:
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1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
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1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
The crust is the foundation of any pie, and a homemade crust makes all the difference. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized chunks of butter remaining. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overwork it. Divide the dough into two equal disks, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour.
Step 2: Make the Apple Filling
While the dough chills, prepare the filling. Peel, core, and slice the apples into ¼-inch thick wedges. Place the slices in a large bowl and toss them with lemon juice to prevent browning. Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and vanilla extract. Mix gently until the apples are evenly coated and the sugar begins to draw out some of the juices. Set aside to let the flavors mingle while you roll out the crust.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the dough disks into a circle about 12 inches in diameter and ⅛ inch thick. Transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish, gently pressing it into the bottom and sides. Trim any overhang to about 1 inch. Spoon the apple filling into the crust, spreading it evenly. Dot the filling with small pieces of butter, which will melt and enrich the filling as it bakes.
Roll out the second disk of dough into another 12-inch circle. Place it over the filling, then trim, fold, and crimp the edges to seal. You can cut decorative slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape, or create a lattice pattern for a rustic look.
Step 4: Add the Egg Wash and Bake
Brush the top crust with beaten egg to give it a glossy golden finish. Sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired for extra crunch and sweetness. Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch any bubbling juices) and bake at 425°F for 20 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for 35–45 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the vents.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least two hours before slicing. This cooling period allows the filling to thicken and set, preventing a runny pie. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Tips for Success
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Mixing apple varieties – Combining tart Granny Smith apples with sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji creates a balanced flavor and texture.
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Keep ingredients cold – Cold butter and ice water are key for a flaky crust. Warm butter will blend too much into the flour, resulting in a dense dough.
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Don’t skip the cooling time – It may be tempting to dig in right away, but patience ensures that the pie slices neatly and the filling stays intact.
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Freezing option – You can assemble the pie ahead of time, wrap it tightly, and freeze it unbaked. When ready to bake, simply add 15–20 extra minutes to the baking time.
Final Thoughts
A homemade apple pie is more than just a dessert—it’s a symbol of tradition, warmth, and comfort. The crisp buttery crust paired with the spiced, tender apples creates a harmony of flavors and textures that’s simply irresistible. With just a bit of preparation and patience, you can create a pie that tastes like it came straight out of a bakery. Share it with family and friends, or enjoy a slice all to yourself with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Once you master this recipe, you’ll find yourself returning to it again and again, making apple pie a treasured staple in your kitchen.
