Easy Apple Pie Recipe

Introduction

This easy apple pie recipe delivers a classic dessert with a buttery, flaky crust and a perfectly spiced apple filling. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a comforting treat ideal for any occasion. Whether for a holiday feast or a casual weekend dessert, this pie never disappoints.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (for crust)
• 1 teaspoon salt (for crust)
• 1 tablespoon sugar (for crust)
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, very cold, cut into cubes (for crust)
• 6–8 tablespoons ice water (for crust)
• 6–7 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (about 6 medium apples; mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp works great)
• ¾ cup sugar (for filling)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for filling)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for filling)
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (for filling)
• ¼ teaspoon salt (for filling)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for filling)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (for filling)
• 1 tablespoon cold butter, cut into small pieces (for filling)
• 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for egg wash)
• Optional: sprinkle of coarse sugar (for topping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Make the pie dough by whisking together the flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Add the cold butter cubes and cut them in with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter.
2. Step 2: Drizzle in the ice water one tablespoon at a time, tossing with a fork until the dough just comes together. Divide the dough into two disks, wrap each in plastic, and refrigerate for at least one hour.
3. Step 3: Prepare the apple filling by combining sliced apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a large mixing bowl. Toss well to coat the apples evenly and set aside.
4. Step 4: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough into a circle large enough to fit your pie dish with some overhang. Transfer the dough to the dish.
5. Step 5: Pour the apple filling into the crust and dot the top with small pieces of cold butter.
6. Step 6: Roll out the second dough disk and place it over the apples. Trim any excess dough, fold the edges under, and crimp to seal the pie.
7. Step 7: Cut a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Brush the crust with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
8. Step 8: Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes. Then reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 40–50 minutes more, until the crust is golden and the filling bubbles. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil.
9. Step 9: Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before slicing to allow the filling to set properly.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for balanced flavor and texture.
• Keep your butter and water very cold to achieve a flaky crust.
• If you don’t have coarse sugar, granulated sugar can be used for sprinkling on top.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based margarine.
• Add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the filling spices for extra warmth.

Storage

Store leftover pie covered loosely with foil or plastic wrap at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to five days. Reheat slices in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10–15 minutes to restore flakiness and warm the filling.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for the filling?

Frozen apples can be used in a pinch, but fresh apples are best for texture and flavor. If using frozen, thaw and drain excess liquid before mixing with other filling ingredients.

Do I have to make a double crust pie?

No, you can make a single crust pie and add a crumb topping if you prefer. Just reduce baking time slightly and watch for browning.

Easy Apple Pie Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 72 reviews

This easy apple pie recipe creates a classic dessert featuring a buttery, flaky double crust and a tender, perfectly spiced apple filling. Using a blend of tart Granny Smith and sweet Honeycrisp apples, the filling balances sweetness and acidity beautifully. The simple preparation requires no special equipment beyond an oven, making it ideal for both holiday celebrations and casual family dinners.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes plus 2 hours cooling
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Crust (makes a double crust):

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, very cold, cut into cubes
• 6–8 tablespoons ice water

For the Filling:

• 6–7 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (about 6 medium apples; a mix of Granny Smith + Honeycrisp works great)
• ¾ cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon cold butter, cut into small pieces
• 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (optional)
• Optional: sprinkle of coarse sugar

Instructions

1. Make the Pie Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the cold cubed butter and cut it in using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter bits. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, tossing with a fork, until the dough just starts to come together. Form the dough into two disks, wrap each in plastic, and refrigerate for at least one hour.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Toss well so the apples are evenly coated. The sugar will release juices that create a luscious filling once baked. Set aside while you preheat the oven.
3. Assemble the Pie: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out one disk of chilled dough on a lightly floured surface into a circle large enough to cover your pie dish with some overhang. Transfer the crust to the dish. Pour the apple filling into the crust, then dot the filling with the small pieces of cold butter.
4. Top and Seal the Pie: Roll out the second dough disk into a similar-sized circle and gently lay it over the apples. Trim any excess dough, fold the edges under, and crimp to seal the pie fully. Cut a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking. If desired, brush the crust lightly with the egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar for a shiny, textured finish.
5. Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake the pie at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes, then lower the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for another 40–50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling hot. To prevent the crust edges from over-browning, cover them with foil partway through baking if necessary.
6. Cool Before Serving: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 2 hours to let the filling set properly. This cooling step ensures clean slices and a luscious texture when served.

Notes

• Use a mix of tart and sweet apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, for the best flavor balance.
• Keep the butter very cold to achieve a flaky crust.
• If your crust edges brown too quickly, tent them with foil halfway through baking.
• The egg wash and coarse sugar topping are optional but add a beautiful golden shine and texture to the crust.
• Allow the pie to cool fully before slicing for the best presentation and texture.

Keywords: apple pie, classic apple pie, homemade pie crust, easy apple pie recipe, fall dessert, holiday dessert