Timeless Classic: Homemade Apple Pie Recipe to Warm Hearts

Crafting a delectable classic homemade apple pie recipe transports you straight to grandma’s warm kitchen.

Sweet aromas of cinnamon and buttery pastry will instantly flood memories.

Crisp autumn apples become the star of this comforting dessert.

Flaky crusts promise golden-brown perfection with every carefully rolled inch.

Baking skills matter less than passion when creating this timeless treat.

Seasonal ingredients dance together, creating magic in a simple pie pan.

Let’s embark on a delicious journey that celebrates pure, wholesome baking.

Classic Homemade Apple Pie That Feels Like Home

• Craft with Ease: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this classic apple pie recipe requires basic kitchen tools and simple techniques that even beginners can master confidently.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: A universally loved dessert that brings families together, offering warm nostalgic flavors that spark joy and create memorable moments around the dinner table.
• Seasonal Celebration: Celebrates autumn's bounty by transforming fresh apples into a delectable dessert that captures the essence of harvest season and cozy gatherings.
• Customizable Creativity: Allows personal touches like lattice crusts, different spice combinations, or decorative edge designs, making each pie a unique culinary expression.

Ingredients to Bake Classic Apple Pie

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the pie dough, providing structure and texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to the crust.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the crust.
• Cold Butter: Creates flaky layers in the pie crust through its cold temperature and fat content.
• Ice Water: Helps bind the dough together without overworking it.

• Apples: The star ingredient that provides the classic pie flavor and texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the apple filling and helps create a syrupy consistency.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, sweet spice that complements the apples.
• Ground Nutmeg: Provides a subtle, aromatic depth to the filling.
• Lemon Juice: Prevents apple browning and adds a bright, tangy note.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the filling and helps create a smooth, cohesive texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the filling.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a golden, crisp top crust.
• Egg: Used for creating a golden, glossy egg wash on the pie crust.

How to Make Perfect Homemade Apple Pie

Step 1: Create the Flaky Pie Crust

Mix flour, sugar, and salt in a spacious mixing bowl. Incorporate cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture transforms into crumbly texture.

Gradually introduce ice water, blending until the dough barely holds together. Separate the dough into two round disks, envelop with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for a minimum of one hour to develop optimal texture.

Step 2: Prepare Scrumptious Apple Filling

• Sliced apples
• Sugar
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Lemon juice
• Cornstarch
• Vanilla

Combine all ingredients in a bowl, gently tossing to ensure even coating. Allow the mixture to rest for 10-15 minutes while preparing the crust, enabling flavors to meld and apples to release their natural juices.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie with Care

Roll out the first dough disk into a circular shape approximately 12 inches wide. Carefully transfer the dough into a 9-inch pie pan, ensuring smooth placement.

Pour the apple filling into the crust, strategically dotting small butter pieces across the surface. Unroll the second dough disk and place it atop the filling.

Seal the edges by pressing and creating a decorative crimp. Create several slits on the top crust to allow steam escape, or design an intricate lattice pattern for added visual appeal.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Brush the pie crust with egg wash to achieve a beautiful golden sheen. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake for 15 minutes.

Reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for an additional 35-40 minutes until the crust turns a rich, appetizing brown. Allow the pie to cool for a minimum of two hours, enabling the filling to set and develop a luscious, cohesive texture before slicing and serving.

Tips to Get That Flaky Crust and Juicy Filling

• Choose crisp varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn that hold their shape during baking and provide a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
• Refrigerate pie crust for at least an hour to prevent shrinking and ensure a flaky, tender texture that melts in your mouth.
• Cut decorative slits or design a lattice top to allow steam to escape, preventing a soggy bottom and achieving a beautifully crisp crust.
• Toss apple slices with cornstarch to absorb excess liquid, preventing a watery pie and helping the filling set perfectly when cooled.

Variations to Put Your Spin on Apple Pie

• Caramel Apple Crumble Pie: Replace the top crust with a buttery crumble topping made from oats, brown sugar, and chopped pecans. Drizzle warm caramel sauce over each slice for extra richness.
• Maple Walnut Apple Pie: Swap white sugar for maple syrup in the filling and add chopped walnuts. Sprinkle maple sugar on the crust for a deep, woodsy flavor profile.
• Rustic Cheddar Cheese Crust Pie: Mix shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the pie crust dough for a savory undertone. Use granny smith apples to balance the cheese's richness.

Pairings That Compliment Apple Pie Beautifully

• Elevate Apple Pie Pleasure: Delectable Pairings
• Scoop Vanilla Bliss: Creamy vanilla ice cream melts perfectly over warm pie slices, creating a dreamy temperature contrast that highlights the pie's spicy warmth.
• Brew Cinnamon Comfort: Spiced chai tea or hot apple cider complement the pie's cinnamon notes, offering a cozy beverage that enhances the dessert's autumn essence.
• Pour Caramel Elegance: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over pie slices, adding richness that deepens the apple's natural sweetness and provides a luxurious layer of flavor.
• Splash Dessert Wine: Moscato or late-harvest Riesling brings gentle sweetness that harmonizes with the pie's fruity filling, creating a sophisticated dessert experience.

Best Storage Practices for Apple Pie

• Store leftover pie in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
• Carefully wrap the entire cooled pie in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Place pie slice on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 3 minutes to crisp the crust.

FAQs

• What type of apples work best for this pie?

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn apples are ideal because they hold their shape and provide a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness during baking.

• How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?

Sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs or crushed graham crackers on the bottom crust before adding filling. This helps absorb excess moisture and keeps the crust crisp.

• Can I make the pie dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pie dough up to 3 days in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. When ready to use, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly.

Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Warm kitchen aromas embrace comfort with this classic homemade apple pie recipe that whispers memories of grandmother’s baking. Buttery pastry cradles caramelized cinnamon-spiced apples, promising sweet nostalgia with each golden slice you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 6 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter

Spices and Sweeteners:

• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Binding and Liquid Ingredients:

• 6–8 tablespoons ice water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon milk

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Instructions

1. Craft the foundation of the pie by combining flour, sugar, and salt in a spacious mixing vessel. Incorporate frigid butter using a pastry cutter until the texture resembles rugged breadcrumbs.
2. Gradually introduce glacial water, blending minimally until the dough coheres. Partition the mixture into twin circular disks, encase in plastic film, and refrigerate for 60 minutes to stabilize.
3. Create the apple medley by amalgamating sliced fruit with aromatic spices, citrus essence, thickening agent, and sweet extract. Allow the mixture to macerate and release its natural juices for 15 minutes.
4. Unfurl one dough disk into a circular canvas spanning 12 inches, draping it gracefully into a 9-inch pie vessel. Transfer the spiced apple composition, strategically positioning small butter fragments across the surface.
5. Transform the second dough disk into a protective canopy, sealing the edges with decorative crimping. Carve strategic ventilation slits to permit steam escape.
6. Embellish the pastry surface with a lustrous egg wash, promising a burnished golden complexion. Position in a preheated oven at 425F for initial 15 minutes, then reduce temperature to 375F and continue baking for 40 minutes until achieving rich amber coloration.
7. Exercise patience, allowing the pie to cool and solidify for minimum 2 hours before slicing, ensuring a perfectly structured filling.

Notes

• Select apples with a balance of tartness and sweetness like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for the best flavor complexity.
• Slice apples uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the pie.
• Prevent soggy bottom crust by sprinkling ground almonds or breadcrumbs before adding apple filling to absorb excess moisture.
• Create beautiful lattice design by cutting strips carefully and weaving them alternately for a professional bakery-style presentation.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 330 kcal
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg