Classic Apple Pie Recipe: A Homemade Delight for Every Occasion

Apple pie is an all-time favorite dessert, known for its buttery, flaky crust and sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple filling. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering, a family dinner, or simply to enjoy a slice with a warm cup of coffee, this classic apple pie recipe is guaranteed to impress. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through every step to bake a perfect homemade apple pie, from selecting the best apples to achieving a golden, flaky crust.

Why You’ll Love This Classic Apple Pie Recipe

• Timeless Flavor – A perfect balance of sweetness and spice in every bite.
• Homemade Goodness – No preservatives, just fresh, wholesome ingredients.
• Beginner-Friendly – Simple step-by-step instructions, even for first-time bakers.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – From Thanksgiving to a cozy weekend treat.

Ingredients for Homemade Apple Pie

Before we start, gather these fresh ingredients for the crust and filling.

For the Pie Crust:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup of chilled unsalted butter, diced into small cubes
• 1 tsp salt
• One tbsp sugar
• 6-8 tbsp ice water

For the Apple Pie Filling:

• 6-7 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• 1 tbsp butter (for dotting on top)

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tbsp milk

How to Make a Classic Apple Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

A flaky, buttery crust is the foundation of a great apple pie.

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Add cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your hands to mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough holds together.
4. Divide the dough into two equal parts, shape into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Pro Tip: For an extra flaky crust, use very cold butter and avoid overworking the dough.

Step 2: Make the Apple Pie Filling

1. Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges.
2. Toss apple slices with sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour.
3. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

Step 3: Assemble the Apple Pie

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out one disc of pie dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie pan.
3. Gently place the rolled-out dough into the pan, pressing it against the edges.
4. Pour the apple filling into the crust and dot with small pieces of butter for extra richness.
5. Roll out the second disc of dough and place it over the apples, or create a lattice design.
6. Trim excess dough, seal the edges, and crimp with a fork or your fingers.
7. Brush the top crust with the egg wash for a golden, glossy finish.
8. Cut a few small slits in the crust to allow steam to escape.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

1. Place the pie on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling.
2. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
3. Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours before slicing to let the filling set.

Best Apples for Apple Pie

The type of apples you choose affects the taste and texture of your pie. Here are the best varieties:

• Granny Smith – Tart and firm, perfect for a balanced sweetness.
• Honeycrisp – Sweet, juicy, and crisp.
• Fuji – Mildly sweet and holds its shape well.
• Braeburn – Slightly tart with a rich flavor.

Tip: Mixing different apple varieties creates a more complex and delicious filling!

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combo.
• Pour a generous amount of caramel sauce over the pie for a rich, decadent touch.
• Pair with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Frequent Apple Pie Baking Errors and How to Fix Them

1. Soggy Bottom Crust?

• Pre-bake the crust for 5-10 minutes before adding the filling.
• Use a metal or glass pie dish instead of ceramic.

2. Runny Filling?

• Use enough flour or cornstarch to thicken the filling.
• Let the pie cool completely before slicing.

3. Tough Pie Crust?

• Don’t overwork the dough.
• Use cold butter and refrigerate the dough before rolling.

How to Store and Reheat Apple Pie

Refrigerating:

• Keep any leftover pie fresh by sealing it in an airtight container and storing it in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Freezing:

• Wrap the baked pie tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.
• For best results, reheat the pie at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through.

Reheating:

• Warm slices in the microwave for 30 seconds or bake at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.

More Delicious Pie Recipes to Try

• Avocado Chicken Salad: A Nutritious Meal
• The Ultimate Chicken Enchilada Recipe You Need
• 10 Easy Dessert Recipes to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

For more baking tips and recipes, check out Sally’s Baking Addiction.

Final Thoughts: Make This Classic Apple Pie Today!

Nothing beats the aroma of a freshly baked homemade apple pie straight from the oven. This recipe is simple, delicious, and guaranteed to become a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a holiday or just because, this pie is always a winner.

**Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turns out in the comments below!