If you’re craving a classic dessert that never fails to bring smiles and comfort, this Delicious Apple Pie Recipe is the answer. Imagine tender, perfectly spiced apple slices nestled in a flaky homemade crust, baked to golden perfection and bursting with cozy flavors. This pie is a celebration of fall in every bite, balancing sweetness, tartness, and warm spices for a dessert that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Whether you’re baking it for a holiday, a family gathering, or just because, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for that irresistible homemade apple pie.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients together for this Delicious Apple Pie Recipe is a breeze. Each element is simple but vital, working together to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and visual appeal that makes this pie truly unforgettable.
- Homemade double pie crust (2 sheets of pie dough): The foundation of your pie, flaky and buttery for that ideal crust texture.
- Lemon zest (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle brightness that lifts the apple filling.
- Lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Prevents the apples from browning and adds a tart balance to the sweetness.
- Apples (5 pounds, peeled, cored, and sliced): The star of the show; choose your favorite baking apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for crispness and flavor.
- Brown sugar (3/4 cup, packed): Brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the filling.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Adds crisp sweetness and helps with thickening.
- All-purpose flour (5 tablespoons): Vital for thickening the juices so your pie filling isn’t runny.
- Kosher salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavors and cuts through the sweetness slightly.
- Cinnamon (1 1/2 teaspoons): Classic warming spice that defines apple pie.
- Nutmeg (3/4 teaspoon): Adds a cozy depth of flavor without overpowering.
- Cardamom (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For a hint of exotic warmth if you want to try something a bit different.
- Vanilla (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the spice profile with a creamy sweet floral note.
- Milk (1 tablespoon): Used to brush the pie crust for a beautiful golden finish.
- Beaten egg (1 tablespoon, optional): Mix with milk for an egg wash that gives a shiny sheen on top crust.
- Raw sugar (1 tablespoon): Sprinkled on top for a delightful crunch and sparkle.
How to Make Delicious Apple Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Apple Filling
Start by peeling, coring, and slicing your apples into evenly sized 1/4-inch pieces for consistent cooking. Toss them gently in a large bowl with lemon zest and juice to brighten the fruit and keep it fresh. Next, add both brown and granulated sugars, flour for thickening, kosher salt, and the warm, comforting spices cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional cardamom. Don’t forget vanilla—it adds an exceptional layer of flavor here. Let the mixture rest for 15 to 30 minutes to macerate so the juices mingle beautifully.
Step 2: Preheat Oven and Prepare Bottom Crust
Preheat your oven to a steamy 425 degrees Fahrenheit, positioning the rack in the lower third. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of your pie dough sheets into a 12-inch circle around 1/8-inch thick. This thickness helps the crust bake evenly without turning soggy. Transfer this dough carefully to your 9-inch pie plate, trim the edges leaving a little overhang, then fold under the edges to create a sturdy base for the filling.
Step 3: Fill the Pie
Transfer all those tasty apples into the prepared crust, mounding them slightly in the center. This pile will settle as it bakes, giving you a perfectly filled pie without any empty gaps or overflow.
Step 4: Add Top Crust and Seal
Roll out the second pie dough sheet into an 11-inch circle for the top crust. You can keep it simple by placing it over the apples and cutting slits for steam escape or showcase your artistic side with a classic lattice pattern. Trim the edges to align with the bottom crust and crimp them together for a tight seal, ensuring the delicious juices stay inside while baking.
Step 5: Apply Egg Wash and Sugar
Create an egg wash by whisking milk and the optional beaten egg together, then brush it evenly over the top crust. This step gives your pie that irresistible golden hue once baked. Don’t forget to sprinkle raw sugar on top—that little crunch and sparkle makes all the difference to presentation and texture!
Step 6: Bake the Pie
Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes to jump-start browning. Then reduce the heat to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for another 40-50 minutes. You’re aiming for a deeply golden crust and bubbling, thick filling. If the edges brown too quickly, tuck them under loose foil to protect them from burning.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Patience is key here! Remove your pie from the oven, transfer it to a wire rack, and let it cool completely for at least 3 to 4 hours. This cooling time is essential to allow the juices to thicken properly, so every slice holds its shape beautifully. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate cozy experience.
How to Serve Delicious Apple Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a dusting of cinnamon on top or a drizzle of caramel sauce can elevate this pie’s flavor and presentation. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream is a classic accompaniment, melting deliciously into warm pie slices. Fresh mint leaves add a refreshing pop of color if you want to get fancy, too!
Side Dishes
This apple pie pairs wonderfully with a cup of strong coffee or a spiced chai latte. For a festive touch, serve alongside a light salad with tangy vinaigrette to contrast the sweetness. If you want to go all out, a slice of sharp cheddar cheese is a traditional accompaniment that perfectly balances the pie’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching dessert table, serve individual mini pies or hand pies using the same filling recipe. You can also cut the pie into rustic wedges and layer them on a platter with fresh apple slices, cinnamon sticks, and edible flowers as accents. Another fun idea is to create a pie bar where guests add their own toppings like nuts, caramel, or whipped cream.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying this delicious apple pie, wrap any leftovers loosely with foil or plastic wrap. You can keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4, which helps extend freshness without drying out the crust or filling.
Freezing
If you want to make the Delicious Apple Pie Recipe ahead of time, you can freeze the unbaked pie wrapped tightly in plastic and foil for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen by adding extra baking time, checking that the filling is bubbly and the crust golden before removing from the oven.
Reheating
To reheat, warm slices in a 350-degree oven for about 15-20 minutes, covering loosely with foil if you want to prevent the crust from getting too dark. A quick zap in the microwave works in a pinch but may soften the crust. Oven warming keeps that crisp texture intact, making every bite taste freshly baked.
FAQs
What type of apples work best for the Delicious Apple Pie Recipe?
For the best texture and flavor, use firm apples that hold their shape, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. Mixing varieties can add a lovely balance of tartness and sweetness.
Can I use store-bought pie crust instead of homemade?
Absolutely! While homemade crust offers the best flavor and flakiness, store-bought pie dough is a convenient option and will still yield a tasty pie.
How can I prevent the bottom crust from becoming soggy?
Make sure to roll your dough to the right thickness and use flour in the filling to absorb excess moisture. Baking the pie on a lower rack helps the bottom crust get crisp. You can also partially bake the bottom crust before adding the filling if desired.
Why does the pie need to cool for so long before serving?
Cooling allows the filling to thicken as it sets, making sure the pie slices hold together when cut. Serving it too hot can result in a runny filling and messy slices.
Can I add other fruits or nuts to the Delicious Apple Pie Recipe?
Definitely! Consider mixing in pears or berries for extra flavor, or sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans into the filling or on top for added crunch.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to make this Delicious Apple Pie Recipe your new favorite. It’s a timeless classic that fills your kitchen with the warm scents of cinnamon and baked apples, bringing joy with every bite. Don’t hesitate to dive in and share this beautiful pie with your loved ones—it’s always a winner!
Print
Delicious Apple Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic homemade apple pie features a perfectly flaky double crust and a richly spiced apple filling. Loaded with fresh apples and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, it’s baked to golden perfection and topped with a sparkling sugar crust. Ideal for any occasion, this pie delivers comforting fall flavors with a tender, bubbly filling set to delight.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 homemade double pie crust (2 sheets of pie dough)
Apple Filling
- 5 pounds apples (before peeling and coring), sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (from half a lemon)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 5 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 3/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Brushing and Topping
- 1 tablespoon milk (for brushing on pie)
- 1 tablespoon beaten egg (optional, for brushing on pie)
- 1 tablespoon raw sugar (for topping pie)
Instructions
- Prepare Apple Filling: Peel, core, and slice apples to 1/4-inch thickness. In a large bowl, combine sliced apples with lemon zest, lemon juice, brown sugar, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, kosher salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom (if using), and vanilla extract. Toss gently until the mixture is evenly coated. Let sit for 15-30 minutes to macerate and allow the juices to develop.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Bottom Crust: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) with a rack positioned in the lower third of the oven. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one sheet of the pie dough into a 12-inch circle about 1/8-inch thick. Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate, trim edges leaving a 1/2-inch overhang, then fold under to create a sturdy crust edge.
- Fill the Pie: Pour the prepared apple filling into the bottom crust, mounding the apples slightly in the center to accommodate settling during baking.
- Add Top Crust and Seal: Roll out the second sheet of pie dough into an 11-inch circle. Place this over the apple filling. Cut a few slits on top for steam to escape or create a lattice design if preferred. Trim edges to align with the bottom crust, then crimp together to seal the pie completely.
- Apply Egg Wash and Sugar: In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and beaten egg to make an egg wash. Brush this evenly over the top crust to promote browning and shine. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of raw sugar over the top for extra sparkle and crunch.
- Bake the Pie: Position the pie on a baking sheet to catch drips and bake in the preheated 425°F (220°C) oven for 15-20 minutes. Then reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for another 40-50 minutes until the crust turns a deep golden brown and the filling bubbles thickly. If the crust edges brown too quickly, loosely cover them with foil to prevent burning.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack. Allow the pie to cool completely for 3-4 hours at room temperature, which helps the filling to set perfectly. Slice and serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream, or enjoy at room temperature. Leftovers can be stored loosely covered at room temperature up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 4 days.
Notes
- Letting the filling macerate helps develop deeper flavors and ensures a juicy pie.
- Using a baking sheet under the pie catches any drips and keeps your oven clean.
- Cover pie edges with foil midway through baking if they brown too fast.
- Complete cooling time is crucial for the filling to fully set before slicing.
- Optional cardamom adds a warm, unique spice note but can be omitted if preferred.
- Use a sharp knife when slicing to keep neat pie slices.
