If you have ever dreamed of baking something truly comforting and irresistibly delicious, this Delicious Homemade Apple Pie Recipe is exactly what you need to try next. Bursting with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples wrapped in a flaky, buttery crust, every bite evokes cozy memories and warm smiles. The balance of sweet and tart in this pie makes it a superstar dessert for any gathering or a special treat just for yourself. Trust me, once you make this classic from scratch, it will become a cherished favorite you’ll return to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but absolutely essential. Each one plays a key role in building the perfect texture, flavor, and aroma that bring the Delicious Homemade Apple Pie Recipe alive. From the crisp apples to the rich butter in the crust, careful selection is part of the magic.
- All-purpose flour: 2 1/2 cups to create a tender, flaky pie crust foundation.
- Granulated sugar: 1 tablespoon in the crust and 3/4 cup in the filling for balanced sweetness.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon in the crust and 1/4 teaspoon in the filling to enhance flavors.
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup cold and cubed for a rich, flaky crust and 2 tablespoons cut into filling for buttery pockets.
- Ice water: 6-8 tablespoons, added gradually to bring the dough together without melting the butter.
- Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): 6-7 medium, peeled, cored, and sliced, providing that perfect balance of tartness and sweetness that defines a great apple pie.
- Brown sugar: 1/4 cup packed for a deeper, caramel-like flavor in the filling.
- Ground cinnamon: 1 1/2 teaspoons to add warm spice notes.
- Ground nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon for subtle aromatic complexity.
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon to brighten and prevent apple browning.
- Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon to thicken the juicy filling perfectly.
How to Make Delicious Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
Step 1: Make the Pie Crust
Start by whisking together the flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl, forming the dry base of your crust. Next, add the cold butter cubes and cut them into the flour using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This ensures that pockets of butter remain, which bake into a wonderfully flaky crust. Gradually mix in ice water, one tablespoon at a time, just until the dough holds together when pressed.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Divide the dough into two equal-sized disks, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial to relax gluten and keep the butter cold, giving you that tender crust everyone raves about.
Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling
In a large bowl, toss together the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, cornstarch, and salt. This mixture creates a beautifully spiced and thickened filling, with just the right amount of sweetness and zing, capturing the quintessential flavors of autumn in every bite.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). On a floured surface, roll out one disk of chilled dough into a circle to fit your 9-inch pie dish. Carefully transfer the dough to the dish and trim excess edges. Spoon the apple filling evenly over the crust, dotting the top with small pieces of butter to add richness and shine as it bakes. Roll out the second disk and cover the pie, sealing the edges by crimping or pressing with a fork. Don’t forget to cut a few slits in the top crust to let steam escape.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Brush the top crust lightly with water or an egg wash for a beautiful golden finish. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the crust is deeply golden and the filling bubbles through the vents. If the edges start browning too fast, cover them with foil to prevent burning.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the Delicious Homemade Apple Pie Recipe to cool for at least two hours. This resting time lets the filling set so each slice holds its shape perfectly. Serving warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream turns this classic into an extraordinary dessert experience you’ll always crave.
How to Serve Delicious Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of cinnamon can elevate the pie’s presentation instantly. For a little extra flair, a drizzle of caramel sauce or a few toasted pecans on top add texture and sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the spiced apples.
Side Dishes
The best side dish for this pie is a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melting over the warm slices—classic and unbeatable. Alternatively, freshly whipped cream or a dollop of crème fraîche adds a luxurious tang that balances the sweetness. For a seasonal twist, serve it alongside a steaming cup of spiced chai or hot cider.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider turning your Delicious Homemade Apple Pie Recipe into mini hand pies for parties or gifting. You can also bake it in a lattice crust to show off the colorful filling or top with sliced almonds for crunch. Serving in a rustic wooden board paired with a festive fall table setting creates an inviting presentation perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pie is a joy to keep on hand! Store it covered at room temperature for up to two days to maintain crust texture. For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to four days. Just bring slices back to room temperature or warm slightly before enjoying.
Freezing
This Delicious Homemade Apple Pie Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the whole cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months. You can also freeze individual slices for quick treats later. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes. This refreshes the crust’s flakiness and brings the spiced apples back to life without turning them mushy. Avoid the microwave to keep textures just right.
FAQs
Can I use any type of apple for this pie?
While you can use a variety of apples, tart and firm types like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp work best. They hold their shape well during baking and provide that perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.
Is it necessary to chill the pie dough?
Yes! Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax and keeps the butter cold, which results in a flakier, more tender crust. Skipping this step can lead to a tougher or less crispy crust.
Can I make this pie gluten-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend compatible with baking. Be mindful that texture may differ slightly, but it will still be delicious.
How do I prevent the crust edges from burning?
If you notice the edges browning too quickly, simply cover them with aluminum foil halfway through baking. This protects the crust while letting the rest of the pie finish baking perfectly.
How do I know when the pie is done?
You’ll see the crust turn golden brown and the filling bubble through the slits in the top crust. Bubbling filling is a sure sign the cornstarch has thickened and the apples are cooked through.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about making and sharing this Delicious Homemade Apple Pie Recipe. It combines simple ingredients and a little love into a dessert that warms hearts and fills rooms with sweet aromas. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a family dinner, or just because, this recipe promises smiles and second servings. Go ahead, dive into this classic—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Delicious Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delicious homemade apple pie features a flaky, buttery crust and a flavorful spiced apple filling. Perfectly balanced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of lemon, this classic dessert is ideal for any occasion and best served warm with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 6–8 tablespoons ice water
Apple Filling
- 6–7 medium apples (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions
- Make the Pie Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt until well combined to create the base for the dough.
- Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs, ensuring a flaky crust.
- Add Ice Water: Gradually add 6 to 8 tablespoons of ice water, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Avoid overworking to keep the crust tender.
- Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into two equal disks, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, toss the peeled, cored, and sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, lemon juice, cornstarch, and salt to coat evenly and develop the filling flavors.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to get it ready for baking the pie.
- Roll Out Bottom Crust: On a floured surface, roll out one disk of dough into a 9-inch circle and carefully fit it into a 9-inch pie dish, pressing gently to avoid air bubbles.
- Add the Filling: Spoon the prepared apple mixture into the crust and dot the filling evenly with small pieces of unsalted butter for richness.
- Top Crust: Roll out the second dough disk and cover the apple filling. Seal the edges by pinching or crimping and cut several slits on top to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Apply Wash: Brush the top crust with water or an egg wash to help it brown beautifully in the oven.
- Bake the Pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling bubbles. Cover the edges with foil if they brown too quickly to prevent burning.
- Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set. Serve warm, optionally with ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience.
Notes
- Use tart apple varieties like Granny Smith for a balanced sweetness and tartness.
- Chilling the dough helps prevent shrinking and promotes flakiness in the crust.
- Cover the crust edges with foil halfway through baking if they brown too quickly.
- Allowing the pie to cool before slicing prevents the filling from being too runny.
- Egg wash is optional but recommended for a glossy, golden top crust.
