There's something magical about the aroma of a freshly baked Apple Pie wafting through your kitchen. My grandmother's recipe has been the heart of our family gatherings for decades, and I'm thrilled to share this traditional apple pie recipe with you. The flaky, buttery crust paired with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples creates pure comfort in every bite.
This homemade apple pie brings back memories of autumn afternoons spent peeling apples with my daughter, flour dusting our aprons, and the anticipation of that first golden slice.
Why You'll Love This Homemade Apple Pie
This Apple Pie Recipe delivers everything you crave in a classic dessert. The perfect balance of sweet and tart apples, warm spices, and a golden crust that's both tender and crisp will make this your go-to recipe. What makes this apple pie special is the careful blend of brown and granulated sugars, which creates depth and richness that store-bought versions simply can't match. My family always requests seconds, and my husband claims it's even better than his mother's!
The best part? You probably have most ingredients in your pantry already, making this an easy apple pie recipe you can whip up any time the craving strikes.
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What You'll Need
These simple ingredients come together to create the most delicious apple pie you'll ever taste. Most items are pantry staples, and the fresh apples are what truly make this recipe shine.
Essential Ingredients
- 1 homemade double pie crust (2 sheets of pie dough)
- ¼ teaspoon lemon zest
- Juice from half a lemon (2 tablespoons)
- 5 pounds apples (before peeling and coring)
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 & ½ teaspoons cinnamon
- ¾ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Optional Enhancements
For extra flavor, consider adding ½ teaspoon cardamom to the spice blend, and finish with a tablespoon of raw sugar sprinkled on top for that beautiful bakery-style finish. You'll also need 1 tablespoon of milk and 1 beaten egg for brushing the crust to achieve that perfect golden color.
Check the recipe card for exact amounts and full instructions.
How to Make Apple Pie
Prepare the Filling
Start by peeling and slicing your apples into even pieces, about ¼ inch thick. Toss them immediately with lemon juice and zest to prevent browning. In a large bowl, combine the apple slices with both sugars, flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Mix gently until all apples are well coated with the sweet, spiced mixture.
Assemble Your Pie
Roll out your bottom crust and place it in a 9-inch pie pan. Pour the apple pie filling into the crust, mounding it slightly in the center. Dot with small pieces of butter if desired. Cover with the top crust, seal the edges, and cut several steam vents.
Bake to Perfection
Brush the top crust with milk or beaten egg, then sprinkle with raw sugar. Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, then reduce to 350°F and continue baking for 35-45 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Should I cook apples before making pie? No need to pre-cook your apples! Raw apples hold their shape better and create the perfect texture as they bake in the pie.
Aliana's Pro Tip
- The secret to preventing a soggy bottom crust is blind baking it for 10 minutes before adding the filling.
- I learned this trick from my sister after one too many disappointing pies! Another game-changer is mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with your flour for the filling.
- This creates the perfect apple pie filling consistency without being too thick or runny.
- Trust me, these small steps make all the difference between a good pie and an absolutely incredible one that'll have everyone asking for your recipe.
Easy Storage Tips
Store your finished apple pie at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm individual slices in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes to restore that crispy crust. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Pro tip: freeze before baking for the freshest taste later!
Perfect Serving Suggestions
This classic Apple Pie pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream, fresh whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. My family loves it with a cup of coffee for breakfast (don't judge!). For special occasions, try serving it with a scoop of cinnamon ice cream or a dollop of crème fraîche.
What to Serve With Apple Pie
Complete your autumn meal with roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole. This apple pie also makes the perfect ending to a casual dinner of grilled pork chops and roasted vegetables. During the holidays, it's stunning alongside pumpkin pie and other traditional desserts.
FAQs About Apple Pie
What is the secret to a good apple pie?
The secret lies in using a mix of apple varieties, proper spicing, and not over-mixing the filling. Choose tart apples like Granny Smith combined with sweet ones like Honeycrisp for the best flavor balance.
Should I cook apples before making pie?
No, raw apples work best as they maintain their texture and won't become mushy during baking. The natural juices create the perfect apple pie filling.
What is the thickener in apple pie filling?
All-purpose flour is the classic thickener, but you can also use cornstarch or tapioca starch. I prefer flour for its traditional taste and reliable results.
How do you keep the bottom crust of apple pie from getting soggy?
Blind bake the bottom crust for 10 minutes, use a metal pie pan, and place the pie on the lower oven rack. These tricks ensure a crispy, golden crust every time.
More Recipes You'll Love
If you're craving more apple Desserts, try my caramel apple crisp, dutch apple pie bars, or apple cinnamon cookies. Each recipe captures those same cozy autumn flavors in different delicious ways. For more fruity desserts, these are always crowd-pleasers:
Peach Cobbler - A summer favorite with juicy peaches and a golden biscuit topping that's pure comfort food magic.
Bread Pudding - Rich, custardy dessert that transforms day-old bread into something absolutely divine with warm spices.
Rhubarb Crisp Recipe - Tangy rhubarb meets sweet oat topping for a perfect balance that screams spring in every bite.
Made it your way? I'd love to see it! Tag @AlianaRecipes on Pinterest and show off your delicious version.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Apple Pie Recipe:
Classic Apple Pie Recipe
Equipment
- 1 9-inch pie pan For shaping and baking the apple pie
- 1 Large mixing bowl To combine apple filling ingredients
- 1 Rolling Pin To roll out pie crust dough
- 1 Apple peeler or sharp knife For preparing fresh apples
- 1 Pastry brush To brush crust with milk or egg wash
Ingredients
- 1 sheet homemade double pie crust - 2 sheets of pie dough total
- ¼ teaspoon lemon zest - Fresh zest for brightness
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - From half a lemon
- 5 pounds fresh apples - Mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp
- ¾ cup brown sugar - Packed for rich flavor
- ¾ cup granulated sugar - For sweetness balance
- 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour - Thickens the filling
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt - Enhances flavors
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon - Warm spice essential
- ¾ teaspoon ground nutmeg - Classic pie spice
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom - Optional but amazing
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Pure vanilla preferred
- 1 tablespoon whole milk - For brushing crust
- 1 large beaten egg - Optional for golden crust
- 1 tablespoon raw sugar - For sparkling topping
Instructions
- Peel and slice 5 pounds of apples into ¼-inch pieces. Toss immediately with lemon juice and zest in a large bowl. Add both sugars, flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and vanilla. Mix until apples are evenly coated.
- Roll out bottom crust and place in 9-inch pie pan. Pour apple filling into crust, mounding slightly in center. Cover with top crust, seal edges by crimping with fork or fingers. Cut 4-5 steam vents in top.
- Brush top crust with milk or beaten egg wash. Sprinkle raw sugar over entire surface for beautiful golden finish. Place pie on lower oven rack.
- Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, then reduce to 350°F. Continue baking 35-45 minutes until crust is golden brown and filling bubbles through vents. Cool completely before slicing.
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