Description
This homemade apple pie recipe features a buttery, flaky crust filled with a spiced apple mixture, perfect for a classic dessert. Using fresh Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples, combined with cinnamon and warm spices, this pie offers a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Pie Crust
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 6–8 tablespoons ice water
Filling
- 6 cups thinly sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
Finishing
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Form the dough: Add ice water one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until a dough forms. Divide the dough into two disks, wrap each in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Prepare the filling: In a separate bowl, toss the thinly sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and lemon juice. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes to combine flavors and release juices.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
- Roll out the bottom crust: On a floured surface, roll out one dough disk and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan. Trim any excess edges.
- Add filling: Pour the prepared apple mixture into the crust-lined pan and dot the filling evenly with cubed butter.
- Roll out and add top crust: Roll out the second dough disk and place it over the apples. Trim edges, crimp to seal, and cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Apply egg wash and sugar: Brush the top crust with beaten egg to create a shiny, golden finish and sprinkle with sugar if desired for extra sweetness and texture.
- Bake the pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Cool before serving: Allow the pie to cool for about 2 hours so the filling can set, making it easier to slice and enhancing flavor.
Notes
- Use cold butter and ice water to ensure the crust remains flaky.
- Choosing tart apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp provides a good balance of sweetness and acidity.
- Letting the filling sit allows the fruit to macerate and the spices to meld.
- Cooling the pie completely before serving helps the filling set and improves sliceability.
- Egg wash enhances the crust’s color and texture but can be omitted for a vegan version (also substitute butter accordingly).
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
