Apple pie is more than just a dessert—it’s a symbol of comfort, tradition, and the warmth of home. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a weekend brunch, or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, our best apple pie recipe promises a flaky, buttery crust and a sweet-tart filling that will have everyone asking for seconds. This classic recipe has been tested and refined over years, ensuring that even beginner bakers can achieve bakery-worthy results. So grab your rolling pin, pick some fresh apples, and let’s dive into making the perfect apple pie.
Ingredients for the Perfect Apple Pie Recipe
To make this iconic dessert, you’ll need two main components: a flaky pie crust and a flavorful apple filling. Here’s everything you need:
For the Flaky Pie Crust (2 crusts: bottom and top)
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into ½-inch cubes
- 6–8 tablespoons ice water
For the Sweet-Tart Apple Filling
- 6–7 medium apples (a mix of Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Gala works best—about 3 lbs total)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (for sprinkling on top)
Step-by-Step Apple Pie Recipe Instructions
1. Prepare the Flaky Pie Crust
The key to a flaky crust is cold ingredients and minimal handling. Here’s how to make it:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
- Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs (some pieces should be pea-sized, others larger—this creates flakiness).
- Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork after each addition. Stop adding water when the dough starts to come together (it should not be sticky).
- Divide the dough into two equal halves. Shape each half into a 1-inch thick disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days). This rest time allows the gluten to relax and the butter to firm up, preventing shrinkage during baking.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling
While the crust chills, let’s make the filling:
- Peel, core, and slice the apples into ¼-inch thick wedges. Place them in a large bowl.
- Add the granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice to the apples. Toss gently until all the apples are evenly coated. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes to allow the apples to release their juices—this helps the filling thicken properly.
3. Assemble the Pie
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a baking sheet on the middle rack to catch any drips (this prevents a messy oven and ensures even baking).
- Remove one dough disk from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll it out into a 12-inch circle (about ⅛-inch thick). Carefully transfer the crust to a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it gently into the bottom and up the sides. Trim any excess dough (leave about 1 inch overhang).
- Pour the apple filling into the prepared crust, spreading it evenly. Dot the top of the filling with the small pieces of butter.
- Take the second dough disk and roll it out into another 12-inch circle. Place it over the filling. Trim the overhang to 1 inch, then fold the edges of the top crust under the bottom crust’s overhang. Crimp the edges using your fingers or a fork to seal.
- Cut 4–5 slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape (this prevents the pie from bursting). Brush the top crust with the beaten egg, then sprinkle with coarse sugar for a crunchy, golden finish.
4. Bake the Pie to Perfection
- Place the pie on the preheated baking sheet. Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 375°F. Continue baking for another 40–45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the slits.
- If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil halfway through baking.
- Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving (this allows the filling to set).
Pro Tips to Elevate Your Apple Pie Recipe
Even small tweaks can make a big difference in your apple pie. Here are our top tips:
- Use Cold Butter: Cold butter creates pockets of steam when baked, which leads to a flaky crust. Avoid using room-temperature butter—it will make the crust tough.
- Mix Apple Varieties: Combining tart (Granny Smith) and sweet (Honeycrisp, Gala) apples adds depth to the filling. Tart apples hold their shape better, while sweet ones add flavor.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing develops gluten, which makes the crust tough. Mix just until the dough comes together.
- Let the Pie Cool: Skipping the cooling step will result in a runny filling. Be patient—your pie will taste better when it’s set.
- Add a Splash of Vanilla: For extra flavor, stir 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract into the apple filling before assembling the pie.
Delicious Variations to Customize Your Apple Pie Recipe
Want to put a unique twist on our classic apple pie recipe? Try these variations:
- Crumble Topping: Skip the top crust and replace it with a crumble topping (1 cup flour, ½ cup brown sugar, ½ cup cold butter, ½ cup oats). Sprinkle it over the filling before baking.
- Spiced Apple Pie: Add ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves or allspice to the filling for a warm, cozy flavor.
- Caramel Apple Pie: Drizzle ¼ cup of caramel sauce over the apples before adding the top crust. You can also serve with extra caramel sauce on the side.
- Savory-Sweet Twist: Add a pinch of sea salt to the filling for a sweet-savory balance. Some bakers even add a slice of cheddar cheese on top of the warm pie (a classic pairing!).
Final Thoughts on Our Apple Pie Recipe
Our best apple pie recipe is a timeless classic that never goes out of style. With its flaky crust, perfectly balanced filling, and endless customization options, it’s the ideal dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to impress. So next time you’re in the mood for a homemade treat, give this apple pie recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special touch. Happy baking!