Homemade Apple Pie is a classic comfort food that fills your kitchen with the warm, sweet scent of cinnamon and baked apples. The flaky golden crust pairs perfectly with tender, juicy apple slices that are lightly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s the kind of dessert that feels like a cozy hug on a plate.
I love making homemade apple pie because it reminds me of family gatherings and special moments around the table. There’s something so satisfying about rolling out the dough by hand and watching the pie turn golden brown in the oven. I always add a little extra cinnamon to the filling because I like that cozy, spicy kick.
My favorite way to serve apple pie is warm, right out of the oven, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top. It’s the perfect balance of hot and cold, sweet and creamy. Whether it’s for a weekend treat or a holiday celebration, this pie always brings smiles and a sense of home.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using cold, unsalted butter is key for a flaky crust. If you need a dairy-free option, try chilled coconut oil or vegan butter, but keep it cold for the best texture.
Apples: A mix of tart and sweet apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, gives the best flavor and texture. If you only find one kind, just use all of that, but avoid very soft apples.
Sugar: Combining granulated and brown sugar adds sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor. You can reduce sugar if you prefer less sweet, or use coconut sugar as a substitute.
Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg are classic. Feel free to add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice if you like more warming spice notes.
How Can I Make a Flaky Pie Crust Without Overworking the Dough?
To get a flaky crust, keep everything cold and don’t overmix. Here’s how:
- Cut chilled butter into flour until pea-sized pieces remain.
- Add ice water slowly, mixing just until dough holds when pressed.
- Form dough into discs, wrap, and chill for at least an hour before rolling out.
- Handle the dough gently; warm hands can make it gummy.
Chilling prevents the butter from melting too early and helps your crust stay flaky and tender.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowls – I use a big bowl for mixing the filling and another for making the dough. It gives you plenty of space to work comfortably.
- Pastry cutter or fork – helps cut the cold butter into the flour to create flaky layers.
- Rolling pin – essential for evenly rolling out the dough into perfect circles.
- 9-inch pie pan – you’ll shape and bake your crust in this size, making it easy to handle and serve.
- Kitchen brush – for brushing the egg wash on top for a shiny, golden crust.
- Baking sheet – places the pie on this to catch drips and prevent mess in the oven.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap spiced apples for pears or peaches for a different fruit flavor. Just adjust the spices to match.
- Add a handful of raisins, cranberries, or chopped nuts into the filling for extra texture and flavor.
- Mix in a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a splash of bourbon with the filling for a richer taste.
- Replace some sugar with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetness and subtle flavor change.
Homemade Apple Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 cups peeled, cored, and sliced apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
How Much Time Will You Need?
Overall, this pie will take about 2 hours and 30 minutes from start to finish. Preparation, including making the crust and mixing the filling, takes around 45 minutes. Then you’ll chill the dough for at least 1 hour. Baking will take 55 to 65 minutes, plus time to cool before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Pie Crust
In a large bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs with some small pieces of butter. Slowly add ice water, starting with 1/4 cup, stirring gently until the dough starts to stick together. Don’t overmix. Divide the dough into two equal disks, wrap each in plastic wrap, and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling
In a big bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice. Set this aside while you prepare the crust.
3. Assemble and Bake the Pie
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). On a floured surface, roll out one dough disk into a 12-inch circle. Carefully place it into a 9-inch pie pan. Pour in the apple filling and spread it evenly. Dot the filling with the small pieces of butter.
Roll out the second dough disk and place it over the apples. Pinch and seal the edges, trimming any extra dough. Cut a few small slits on top to let steam escape.
Whisk the egg with the water and brush this egg wash over the top crust for a nice golden finish.
Put the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake for 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C).
Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 40 to 50 minutes until the crust is golden and the filling bubbles. If the edges brown too fast, cover them with foil.
Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours so the filling can set before slicing.
Enjoy your delicious homemade apple pie warm or at room temperature, perfect with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream!
Can I Use Frozen Apples for This Pie?
Yes, you can use frozen apples, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture that can make the crust soggy. Pat them dry with paper towels before using.
How Should I Store Leftover Apple Pie?
Store leftover pie covered loosely with foil or plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat slices in the oven for best texture.
Can I Make the Pie Crust Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough disks and freeze them for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before rolling out and assembling the pie.
What If I Don’t Have a Pie Pan?
You can bake the pie in any oven-safe, round dish with sides, like a cake pan or casserole dish. Adjust the crust and filling quantities accordingly and watch baking times closely.
