Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe

I absolutely love this Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe because it brings together the perfect balance of sweet and tart apples wrapped in a flaky, buttery crust. Every time I make it, the warm aroma fills my kitchen and feels like a cozy hug on a chilly day. Whether you’re baking to impress guests or simply craving some comfort food, this pie never disappoints.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed by how straightforward it was to get such a bakery-quality pie at home. You’ll find that using a mix of apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Gala adds a fantastic depth of flavor and texture. It’s definitely a recipe worth having in your back pocket for fall gatherings, holidays, or any time you want to treat yourself.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe has its role to play, from the crisp apples to the dash of cinnamon that wraps everything in warmth. Using fresh ingredients will really make your pie shine, so choose your apples carefully and pick quality butter for the crust.

• Assorted apples: I recommend a mix of Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp for sweetness, and Gala for balance and texture.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling evenly without overpowering the apples’ natural flavor.
• All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the filling and gives structure to the crust.
• Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the flavors and prevents apples from browning.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, cozy spice that’s classic in apple pies.
• Pure vanilla extract: Just a splash elevates the aroma and enriches the filling.
• Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Unsalted butter: Use for the filling dots and in the crust for that flaky richness.
• Pie crust dough: Two batches chilled well for easy rolling and perfect texture.
• Egg: For an egg wash that gives the crust a glossy, golden finish.
• Water (for egg wash): Thins the egg to brush smoothly.
• Coarse sugar: Sprinkled on top for a little sparkle and crunch after baking.

Variations

I love that this Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe is so versatile—you can easily tweak it to suit different tastes or dietary needs. I often experiment with add-ins or crust styles depending on the occasion.

• Spiced Up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves creates a deeper spiced flavor that feels extra festive in the fall.
• Gluten-Free Crust: I’ve swapped the regular crust for a gluten-free version with great success by using a blend of almond and rice flours.
• Double Crust vs. Lattice: For a beautiful twist, try a lattice top to show off the bubbling apples underneath.
• Reduced Sugar: You can cut back on sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet pie, especially if your apples are very sweet.

How to Make Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Apple Filling

Start by peeling, coring, and thinly slicing your apples—getting them uniform helps them cook evenly. Toss them with sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt in a big bowl. I always make sure the lemon juice is fresh because it really keeps the apples bright and stops browning. Set this mixture aside so the flavors meld while you prepare the crust.

Step 2: Roll Out and Fit the Bottom Crust

On a lightly floured surface, roll one dough disc into about a 12-inch circle. I like to use my rolling pin to carefully lift and place the dough into a 9-inch pie dish without stretching it, which can cause shrinkage later. Let the dough relax in the fridge for 30 minutes to keep it from shrinking in the oven—this little trick saved me many times when I was starting out!

Step 3: Fill and Dot with Butter

Transfer the apple filling into your chilled crust, spreading it out evenly. Then, dot the surface with small pieces of unsalted butter. This adds richness and helps create a luscious filling as it melts while baking.

Step 4: Top Crust, Egg Wash, and Venting

Roll the second dough batch out into another 12-inch circle. Place it gently over the apples, trim the edges to about 1 inch, then fold and crimp to seal. Brush the crust with an egg wash made from beaten egg and water to get that golden shine. Don’t forget to cut 5 or 6 small slits in the center for steam to escape—trust me, this prevents soggy spots or bursts during baking.

Step 5: Bake to Perfect Golden Brown

Preheat your oven to 425ºF with a baking sheet on the center rack—placing the pie on this hot sheet helps crisp the bottom crust. Bake the pie for 20 minutes at this high temperature, then reduce to 375ºF for another 40 minutes or so. If the edges start to darken too quickly, cover them loosely with foil to keep your crust evenly baked and beautiful.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once baked, move your pie to a wire rack and let it cool for at least 2 hours. This cooling time is key—it lets the filling set so slices come out clean and your pie is easier to enjoy without falling apart.

How to Serve Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe

Garnishes

I love to top each slice with a scoop of good vanilla ice cream — classic, right? Sometimes, a drizzle of warm caramel sauce or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar adds just the right finishing touch. Fresh whipped cream is another favorite that complements the pie’s warm spices beautifully.

Side Dishes

This apple pie pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or spiced tea. If you’re serving it as part of a larger meal, simple salads or roasted nuts work well to balance the richness. For holiday dinners, I like to keep sides light and let the pie shine as the star dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive occasion, I sometimes cut the pie into mini servings using a cookie cutter after cooling, then garnish each with a small mint leaf or a dusting of powdered sugar. Another fun idea is to bake it in individual ramekins for personal pies that are perfect for gifting or intimate gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover apple pie covered loosely with foil or plastic wrap in the fridge, where it stays good for up to 4 days. I find the flavors actually deepen a bit after a day, so leftovers can be even better the next day!

Freezing

I’ve frozen this pie both unbaked and baked. For best results, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil to avoid freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat—more on that next!

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the pie loosely with foil and bake at 350ºF for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. This brings back the crust’s crispness without drying out the filling. You can also microwave a slice for a quick warm treat, but baking is the best for texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe has become a true favorite in my kitchen, not just for its delightful flavors but because it’s a comforting tradition that brings family and friends together. I really encourage you to try it—you’ll be amazed at how satisfying it is to create such a timeless dessert from scratch. Trust me, once you master this one, it’s going to be your go-to for special occasions and those peaceful weekend moments alike.

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