Homemade Apple Pie Recipe: Sweet Golden Comfort in Every Slice

Crisp autumn winds whisper tales of sweet nostalgia, and a rustic apple pie recipe promises to warm your kitchen with golden memories.

Generations of bakers have perfected this classic dessert, blending tart apples with buttery, flaky crust.

Each slice tells a story of comfort and tradition, inviting you to savor every crumbly bite.

Orchard-fresh apples mingle with warming spices, creating a dessert that feels like a warm embrace.

The rustic charm of this pie transforms simple ingredients into a masterpiece of homemade goodness.

Families gather around, drawn by the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and baked apples.

This recipe will become your new weekend baking adventure, guaranteed to delight everyone at the table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 9

Apple Pie Ingredients That Make It Shine

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of a flaky, tender crust that cradles the sweet apple filling.
• Butter: Provides rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture and creates those coveted golden, crispy layers.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the pie.

• Apples: Choose firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape and provide a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Bring deep caramel notes and create a luscious, glossy filling that clings to the apples.
• Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that transform the pie into a cozy, aromatic autumn delight.
• Flour: Helps thicken the filling and prevent a watery pie bottom.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens flavors and prevents apple browning during preparation.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle, complex sweetness that elevates the entire dessert.

• Egg, Milk: Creates a stunning golden-brown crust with a beautiful shine that makes the pie irresistible.
• Butter: Dotted on top to add extra richness and help the filling stay moist.

Tools To Bake Apple Pie Right

• 9-inch pie pan: Essential for creating the perfect pie shape and size.
• Large mixing bowl: Crucial for combining apple filling ingredients thoroughly.
• Whisk: Needed to blend egg and milk for golden crust wash.
• Baking sheet: Catches potential drips during baking, preventing oven mess.
• Sharp knife: Used for slicing apples and trimming pie crust edges.
• Rolling pin: Helps roll out pie crusts evenly and smoothly.
• Small bowl: Perfect for mixing egg wash.
• Foil: Optional for protecting crust edges from over-browning.

Steps To Bake Apple Pie The Classic Way

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank the heat to a toasty 425F and get ready for some serious baking magic.

• Create the Bottom Crust

Spread out one pie crust into a cozy 9-inch pan, gently nudging it to hug the bottom and sides perfectly.

• Mix Apple Goodness

Toss sliced apples with a sweet and spicy dance of sugar, flour, and warm spices. Splash in some zesty lemon juice and vanilla for extra flavor punch.

• Fill and Dot

Pour the apple mixture into the waiting crust and sprinkle butter bits across the top for a rich, creamy surprise.

• Top and Seal

Drape the second crust over the apple mountain. Trim the edges and pinch them together like you’re giving the pie a tight hug. Slice a few steam escape routes on top.

• Add Golden Shine

Whisk egg and milk together, then brush the top crust with this magical golden glaze.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the pie onto a baking sheet and let it transform in the oven for 45-50 minutes. Look for a golden crust and bubbling filling.

• Keep Crust Safe

If the edges start turning too dark, shield them with foil midway through baking.

• Cool and Serve

Let the pie rest for at least two hours so the filling can settle into delicious harmony before slicing.

Tips To Add Magic To Apple Pie

• Perfect Crust Technique: Use cold butter and ice water when making the pie dough to ensure a flaky, tender crust that melts in your mouth.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the pie filling and pie dough a day ahead, refrigerate separately, and assemble just before baking to save time and enhance flavors.
• Dietary Modifications: Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version, or use coconut sugar instead of white sugar for a lower glycemic option.
• Apple Variety Swap: Experiment with different apple types like Honeycrisp for sweetness, Granny Smith for tartness, or a mix of both to create a complex flavor profile.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the spice mix for an unexpected warmth, or sprinkle some chopped pecans between apple layers for extra crunch and nutty depth.

Serving Ideas For Classic Apple Pie

• Cozy Family Dessert Night: Serve warm slices of apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic comfort combination that brings everyone together around the table.
• Elegant Brunch Presentation: Dust the pie with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh mint leaves, creating a beautiful and sophisticated dessert perfect for weekend gatherings.
• Rustic Autumn Pairing: Accompany the pie with a warm mug of spiced cider or a rich caramel latte, enhancing the seasonal flavors and creating a delightful sensory experience.
• Homestyle Breakfast Treat: Enjoy a slice with a hot cup of coffee for a delectable morning indulgence that feels like a warm hug from grandma's kitchen.

How To Store Apple Pie Fresh And Neat

• Slice and Store Smart: Keep apple pie slices in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Chilled Protection: Wrap the entire pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness when refrigerated. Room Temperature Tip: Leave freshly baked pie uncovered at kitchen counter for up to 2 days, ensuring maximum flavor and texture. Freezing Magic: Freeze whole unbaked or baked pie for up to 3 months by wrapping securely in freezer-safe plastic wrap and placing inside a sturdy freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.

Rustic Apple Pie Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Classic apple pie brings together tart Granny Smith apples and sweet cinnamon in a flaky, butter-rich crust. Baked golden brown, this American dessert provides comfort and warmth for family gatherings and holiday celebrations.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 to 7 cups peeled and sliced apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)
• 1 package (14 oz / 397 g) refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade crust for 9-inch double-crust pie)
• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tbsp butter (cut into small pieces)
• 1 tbsp milk

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Instructions

1. Pastry Preparation: Carefully unfurl pie dough into a 9-inch pie dish, gently pressing and smoothing the base and sides to create a seamless pastry foundation.
2. Apple Transformation: Toss apple slices with cinnamon, sugar, and nutmeg, ensuring each piece is luxuriously coated with the aromatic spice blend, creating a harmonious filling mixture.
3. Filling Assembly: Distribute the spiced apple mixture evenly within the prepared crust, strategically placing butter fragments throughout to infuse richness and depth of flavor.
4. Crust Artistry: Elegantly layer the top pastry over the apple landscape, trimming excess edges and meticulously crimping the borders to seal the pie’s delectable contents.
5. Pre-Baking Finish: Generously brush the pie’s surface with egg wash, creating a golden, glossy exterior that promises a visually stunning and appetizing dessert.
6. Baking Precision: Slide the pie onto a rimmed baking sheet and position in a preheated oven, rotating midway to ensure uniform browning and protecting the crust edges with aluminum foil if needed.
7. Cooling and Setting: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to rest, permitting the filling to stabilize and develop a perfect, sliceable consistency before serving.

Notes

• Prepare Workspace Strategically: Organize all ingredients, tools, and equipment before starting to ensure smooth and efficient pie-making process.
• Control Apple Moisture: Pat apple slices dry with paper towels to prevent excess liquid that could make the crust soggy and compromise the pie’s structural integrity.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Mix different apple varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp to create a more complex, balanced taste profile with varying levels of sweetness and tartness.
• Prevent Crust Sogginess: Sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs or ground nuts on the bottom crust before adding apple filling to absorb excess moisture and maintain a crisp texture.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg