Classic Apple Pie
Apple pie is a timeless dessert that combines sweet, tender apples with a buttery, flaky crust. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed on its own, this dessert is a family favorite and a staple for holidays, gatherings, or cozy nights at home.
With its aromatic filling of cinnamon, sugar, and apples, topped with a perfectly golden crust, this apple pie is comfort in a slice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Flaky, buttery homemade crust
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Sweet and spiced apple filling
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Easy to customize with your favorite apple varieties
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Perfect for celebrations or everyday dessert
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Pairs beautifully with ice cream or whipped cream
Ingredients
For the Crust (makes top and bottom)
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2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon salt
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1 tablespoon sugar
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1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
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6–8 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling
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6 cups peeled, cored, and sliced apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)
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¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
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¼ cup (30 g) brown sugar
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Brushing
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1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (egg wash)
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Optional: 1 tablespoon sugar for sprinkling
Equipment
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9-inch (23 cm) pie dish
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Rolling pin
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Mixing bowls
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Pastry brush
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Knife and cutting board
Prep Time
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Prep: 30 minutes
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Bake: 45–55 minutes
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Total time: ~1 hour 30 minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Crust
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In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar.
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Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until dough comes together.
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Divide dough in half, shape into disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
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In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
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Toss until apples are evenly coated and set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
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Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
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Roll out one disk of dough into a circle and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish.
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Pour apple filling into the crust, mounding slightly in the center.
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Roll out the second disk of dough and place over the apples. Trim excess dough, then crimp edges to seal.
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Cut a few slits in the top crust for steam to escape.
Step 4: Bake
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Brush the top crust with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar if desired.
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Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes, then reduce temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 30–40 minutes, or until crust is golden and filling is bubbling.
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Let pie cool at least 2 hours before slicing for the filling to set.
Tips for Perfect Apple Pie
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Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for balanced flavor.
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Chill dough before rolling to prevent shrinking.
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Avoid over-filling to prevent juice overflow.
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Tent pie edges with foil if they brown too quickly.
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Let the pie cool before slicing to keep filling intact.
Variations
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Caramel Apple Pie: Drizzle caramel sauce over apples before adding the top crust.
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Spiced Apple Pie: Add ¼ teaspoon cloves or allspice for extra warmth.
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Lattice Top: Weave strips of dough on top instead of a full crust for a decorative finish.
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Mini Pies: Make individual pies using muffin tins for easy serving.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
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Pair with coffee, tea, or a dessert wine for a special treat.
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Slice thin for snack portions or thicker for dessert plates.
Storage
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Store at room temperature for up to 2 days.
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Refrigerate for up to 5 days; reheat before serving.
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Freeze unbaked pie for up to 1 month; bake directly from frozen, adding extra baking time.
A Timeless Classic
Apple pie is more than dessert; it’s a symbol of comfort and home. With a golden crust, tender apples, and aromatic spices, this classic apple pie brings warmth to any table. Perfect for holidays, family dinners, or weekend baking, it’s a recipe you’ll return to year after year.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 45–55 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8