There’s something incredibly comforting about preparing homemade apple pie from scratch. This classic dessert combines tender, spiced apples with a flaky, buttery crust that simply melts in your mouth. I still remember helping my grandmother roll out pie dough on her weathered kitchen counter – the aroma of cinnamon and baking apples filling her farmhouse kitchen is a memory I treasure. If you love apple desserts, you might also enjoy our salted caramel apple bars for another delicious treat.

The beauty of this homemade apple pie lies in its simplicity and the incredible flavor that comes from using fresh, quality ingredients. I’ve perfected this recipe over years of baking, and I’m excited to share all my tips and tricks with you. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just craving a warm slice of comfort, this pie will quickly become a family favorite. My secret? Chilling the dough properly and using a mix of apple varieties for the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Apple Pie

Authentic Homemade Flavor

Nothing compares to the taste of a truly homemade apple pie made from scratch. Store-bought versions simply can’t match the depth of flavor you achieve when you control every ingredient. The combination of fresh apples, warm spices, and buttery crust creates a symphony of flavors that feels both nostalgic and special. I love how the house smells while it bakes – it’s the ultimate comfort food aroma that brings everyone running to the kitchen.

Surprisingly Approachable

Many home bakers feel intimidated by homemade apple pie, but this recipe breaks it down into manageable steps that anyone can follow. With clear instructions and helpful tips, you’ll discover that pie-making is actually quite straightforward. The satisfaction of pulling a golden, bubbling pie from your own oven is absolutely worth the effort. Plus, once you master this basic recipe, you can experiment with different fillings and crust designs.

Essential Ingredients

Main Components

The foundation of any great homemade apple pie starts with quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor balance. Here are the key elements you’ll need for both the crust and filling:

• Baking apples: Firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape beautifully during baking
• All-purpose flour: Forms the base of our wonderfully flaky, buttery crust
• Cold unsalted butter: Creates those coveted flaky layers in the pastry
• Granulated and brown sugar: Provides sweetness with warm molasses notes
• Fresh lemon juice: Brightens flavors and prevents apple browning

Flavor Enhancers

The spices and additional ingredients transform simple apples into an extraordinary filling. Cinnamon and nutmeg provide that classic warm spice aroma we all associate with homemade apple pie. A touch of flour helps thicken the natural juices released during baking, ensuring your slice holds together perfectly. If you enjoy spiced desserts, you might also like our German chocolate cake with its rich flavor profile.

Simple Homemade Apple Pie

Learn how to make the perfect Homemade apple pie with fresh, sliced apples baked in a flaky, buttery crust and served warm with ice cream.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 50 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

3 hours hrs 45 minutes mins

Total Time 5 hours hrs 40 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 8 slices

Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

• large bowl
• whisk
• pastry blender
• plastic wrap
• very large bowl
• knife
• cutting board
• Rolling Pin
• 9-inch pie plate
• baking sheet
• small bowl
• pastry brush
• aluminum foil
• wire rack
• measuring cups
• measuring spoons

Ingredients

  

Pie Crust

• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter very cold and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 0.5 cup ice water plus more if needed

Apple Filling

• 2.5 pounds baking apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, peeled, cored, and sliced 1/4-inch thick
• 0.5 cup granulated sugar
• 0.25 cup light brown sugar packed
• 0.25 cup all-purpose flour or 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter cut into small pieces

Egg Wash

• 1 large egg beaten
• 1 tbsp water

Instructions

 

• In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar. Add the very cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse meal with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. Gradually add the 1/2 cup ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just comes together into a shaggy ball. Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
• While the dough chills, prepare the apples. In a very large bowl, combine the peeled, cored, and 1/4-inch thick sliced apples with 1/2 cup granulated sugar, the packed light brown sugar, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or cornstarch), ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and fresh lemon juice. Toss gently but thoroughly until all the apple slices are evenly coated. Set aside while you roll out the crust.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of chilled pie dough into a 12-inch circle, about 1/8-inch thick. Carefully transfer the rolled dough to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim the edges, leaving about a 1/2-inch overhang around the rim. Pour the apple filling into the pie crust, mounding it slightly in the center. Dot the top of the apple filling with the small pieces of unsalted butter.
• Roll out the second disc of chilled pie dough into another 12-inch circle. You can either place this circle directly over the filling, or cut it into strips to create a lattice top. If using a full top crust, cut several slits in the center to allow steam to escape during baking. Carefully place the top crust over the filling (or arrange the lattice). Trim the top crust to match the bottom crust's overhang. Fold the overhang under itself and crimp the edges decoratively to seal the pie.
• Create an egg wash by whisking one large egg with one tablespoon of water in a small bowl. Brush the top crust lightly with the egg wash for a golden sheen, and sprinkle generously with granulated sugar. Place the assembled pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips during baking. For a flakier crust, chill the pie in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before baking. Preheat your oven to 425°F.
• Bake the pie on the preheated baking sheet at 425°F for 15 minutes. This initial high heat helps to set the crust. After 15 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F. Continue baking for an additional 45-60 minutes, or until the crust is deeply golden brown and the filling is bubbling thickly. If the edges of the crust begin to brown too quickly, loosely cover them with aluminum foil.
• Carefully remove the pie from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. This is a crucial step; allow the pie to cool for at least 3-4 hours before slicing and serving. The filling needs this time to set properly and thicken to the perfect consistency.

Notes

Allow the pie to cool completely for 3-4 hours before slicing to let the filling set properly.

Keyword apple pie, dessert, homemade

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Phase

Begin by preparing your pie dough – this allows it adequate chilling time. Whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar before cutting in very cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Gradually add ice water until the dough just comes together, then divide into two discs and refrigerate. Meanwhile, prepare your apple filling by combining sliced apples with sugars, spices, flour, and lemon juice. My grandma taught me to taste an apple slice after mixing – you should adjust spices if needed at this stage.

Assembly and Baking Process

Roll one chilled dough disc into a 12-inch circle and transfer to your pie plate. Add the apple filling, mounding it slightly in the center, and dot with butter. Top with your second crust (either solid or lattice design), seal the edges, and brush with egg wash. Bake initially at 425°F to set the crust, then reduce to 375°F until golden brown and bubbling. The aroma will tell you when it’s getting close to done – that warm cinnamon scent means perfection is near!

Serving Suggestions

Classic Pairings

Nothing complements homemade apple pie better than a scoop of vanilla ice cream slowly melting over the warm slice. The contrast of temperatures and textures is absolutely divine. For a simpler option, a dollop of freshly whipped cream adds luxurious richness. If you’re serving this for a special occasion, consider pairing it with a sharp cheddar cheese – the tangy flavor beautifully offsets the pie’s sweetness. For another delightful dessert pairing, try our chewy lemon cookies for a citrusy contrast.

Creative Presentations

For a beautiful presentation, serve individual slices on warmed plates drizzled with caramel sauce. Garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar and a fresh mint sprig for color contrast. During holidays, I sometimes add a small scoop of cinnamon ice cream and a baked apple chip on top. For parties, consider making miniature pies in muffin tins – they’re adorable and perfect for individual servings.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Proper Storage Methods

Once completely cooled, cover your homemade apple pie loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to five days – the crust may soften slightly, but the flavor remains excellent. You can also freeze the baked pie for up to three months; wrap it tightly in plastic followed by foil to prevent freezer burn. I always label my frozen pies with the date so I know when I made them.

Best Reheating Techniques

To restore that fresh-from-the-oven quality, reheat individual slices in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This method helps crisp up the crust again. For quicker reheating, microwave slices for 20-30 seconds, but note this will soften the pastry. If reheating a whole pie, cover the edges with foil to prevent over-browning and heat at 325°F for 20-25 minutes. Always let the pie cool slightly before serving to allow the filling to set properly.

Variations and Substitutions

Dietary Modifications

For a gluten-free homemade apple pie, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend in both the crust and filling. Vegan bakers can replace the butter with solid coconut oil and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flax mixed with 3 tablespoons water) for the egg wash. If you’re watching sugar intake, reduce the granulated sugar and increase the brown sugar slightly for more flavor with less sweetness. For another delicious gluten-free option, try our pecan pie muffins.

Creative Twists

Experiment with different apple combinations – I love using 2/3 tart apples and 1/3 sweeter varieties for complexity. Add a handful of cranberries or raisins to the filling for extra flavor bursts. For a streusel topping instead of a top crust, mix flour, brown sugar, oats, and butter until crumbly and sprinkle over the filling before baking. You could also incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for added texture and richness.

Nutritional Benefits

Key Nutrients

Apples, the star of our homemade apple pie, provide valuable dietary fiber, particularly pectin, which supports digestive health. They also contain vitamin C and various antioxidants that contribute to overall wellness. When you use whole ingredients and control the sugar content, this dessert can be part of a balanced diet. The complex carbohydrates from the flour and apples provide sustained energy, while the butter contributes some fat-soluble vitamins.

Health Considerations

By making your homemade apple pie from scratch, you avoid the preservatives and excessive sugars often found in commercial versions. You can adjust the sweetener to your preference and use whole food ingredients. Remember that dessert should be enjoyed in moderation as part of an overall balanced eating pattern. For another fruit-based dessert option, consider our apple muffins which offer portion-controlled servings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Preparation Pitfalls

The most common error in homemade apple pie making is using the wrong apples – avoid mealy varieties that turn mushy when baked. Don’t skip the chilling time for the dough; cold butter is essential for flaky layers. Another mistake is overworking the pastry, which develops gluten and makes it tough. I learned this the hard way when my first pie crust resembled cardboard rather than the flaky layers I wanted. Always measure flour correctly – scoop and level rather than dipping your measuring cup into the flour.

Baking Errors

Underbaking leads to a soggy bottom crust while overbaking results dry filling. Watch for thick, bubbling juices and golden brown crust as doneness indicators. Not allowing the pie to cool completely before slicing is another common mistake – the filling needs time to set properly. If you slice too soon, you’ll have apple soup instead of neat slices. Finally, remember to place a baking sheet underneath to catch any drips and prevent oven messes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Before we say goodbye…

Creating this homemade apple pie from scratch is one of life’s simple pleasures that yields extraordinary rewards. The process of transforming basic ingredients into a beautiful, fragrant dessert never fails to bring me joy and satisfaction. I hope this recipe becomes a cherished part of your baking repertoire, creating warm memories around your own kitchen table. For another classic dessert that’s always crowd-pleaser, try our Boston cream pie with its delightful combination of cake and pastry cream. Happy baking!