If you’ve ever dreamed of a dessert that perfectly captures the warmth and comfort of home, I’m excited to share the Classic Baked Spiced Apple Pie Recipe with you. This iconic pie brings together tender, cinnamon-kissed apples wrapped in a flaky, buttery crust that’s simply irresistible. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a cozy weekend treat, this recipe delivers a nostalgic, heartwarming experience that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat. Trust me, once you try this Classic Baked Spiced Apple Pie Recipe, it’ll become your go-to whenever you crave that homestyle sweetness paired with a beautiful, golden crust.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet fantastic ingredients is the first step to creating the magic of the Classic Baked Spiced Apple Pie Recipe. Each one is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and that inviting golden color you see in the perfect pie crust and filling.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): Forms the base of the flaky and tender pie crust.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances the natural flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Granulated sugar (1 teaspoon plus 3/4 cup): Sweetens the crust slightly and the filling deeply.
- Unsalted butter, chilled and diced (1 cup plus 1 tablespoon): Key for that rich, melt-in-your-mouth crust and adds richness to the filling.
- Ice water (6 to 8 tablespoons): Helps bind the dough without melting the butter for a perfect texture.
- Apples, peeled, cored and sliced (6 to 8 medium): Use tart Granny Smith, sweet Honeycrisp, or a mix to balance sweet and tangy flavors.
- Brown sugar, packed (1/4 cup): Adds deep caramel undertones to the spiced filling.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): The heartwarming spice that defines this pie’s classic aroma.
- Ground nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle warmth and complexity.
- Ground cloves (1/4 teaspoon): Just a hint gives the filling a gentle spice kick.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Thickens the filling to prevent it from becoming runny.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A splash of vanilla rounds out the apple flavors beautifully.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the apples and balances sweetness perfectly.
- Egg yolk (1) and milk (1 tablespoon): Mixed together to brush on the crust for a golden, glossy finish.
How to Make Classic Baked Spiced Apple Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) so it’s perfectly hot when the pie goes in. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar, then add your chilled, diced butter. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Slowly add ice water, a tablespoon at a time, just until the dough holds together. Divide this dough into two balls, wrap them up, and pop them in the fridge to chill for at least an hour — this step is crucial for that flaky crust we all love.
Step 2: Mix the Spiced Apple Filling
While your dough chills, grab a large bowl and toss your sliced apples with both sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Every apple slice should be lovingly coated in this spiced sugar mixture — this is where the signature flavor of the Classic Baked Spiced Apple Pie Recipe really shines!
Step 3: Roll Out and Fit the Bottom Crust
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the chilled dough balls to fit your 9-inch pie pan. Gently ease the dough into the pan, trimming any extra beyond the edges. This forms the sturdy, buttery base for your filling.
Step 4: Fill and Dot with Butter
Pour your beautifully spiced apple mixture into the prepared crust, spreading it evenly. Dot the filling generously with small pieces of that extra tablespoon of butter — these little pockets of butter will melt during baking, enriching the filling with silky richness.
Step 5: Add the Top Crust and Seal
Roll out the second dough ball and gently lay it over your apple filling. Trim the excess dough, seal the edges by pinching or crimping, and don’t forget to cut several small slits on top so steam can escape during baking. This keeps your crust beautifully crisp rather than soggy.
Step 6: Brush With Egg Wash and Bake
Mix the egg yolk with milk and brush this glaze over the top crust to encourage that golden brown, shiny finish you see in classic pies. Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F, then lower the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 35 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the crust is golden and the filling bubbles enticingly.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let your Classic Baked Spiced Apple Pie Recipe cool on a wire rack in its pan before serving. This step locks in the filling so every slice holds beautifully but stays juicy and tender inside.
How to Serve Classic Baked Spiced Apple Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Top your slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to add creamy, cool contrast to those spiced, tender apples. A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few fresh apple slices can add visual charm and fresh flavor.
Side Dishes
Classic Baked Spiced Apple Pie Recipe pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea for a cozy afternoon treat. For more indulgence, serve alongside a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sharp cheddar cheese slice for a delightful sweet and savory combo.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive presentation, serve the pie in individual mini ramekins or as part of a dessert trio with complementary mini tarts. You can also brush the crust with a bit of cinnamon sugar before baking for extra sparkle and spice that will impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover pie pieces in an airtight container and keep them refrigerated for up to four days. This lets the flavors meld, and you’ll find the crust still delightfully tender when reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked pie after assembling it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed for a freshly baked experience anytime.
Reheating
Warm up leftover slices in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes to refresh the crust’s crispness and warm the spiced filling. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that perfect texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp provide a great balance of tart and sweet, you can experiment with Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn apples for different flavor profiles. Just be mindful of their texture when baked.
How do I make sure the crust stays flaky?
The key is to keep the butter cold and not overwork the dough. Chilling the dough before rolling helps maintain flakiness, and adding ice water slowly ensures the right dough consistency.
Can I make this pie gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. You might need to adjust the liquid slightly or add a binding agent like xanthan gum, depending on the brand.
Why do I need to put slits on the top crust?
Slits allow steam from the baking filling to escape, preventing the crust from becoming soggy or bubbling over. It also helps the pie bake evenly with a crisp top.
Is it okay to use salted butter instead of unsalted?
It’s best to stick with unsalted butter to control the salt level accurately. If you must use salted butter, reduce or omit the added salt in the dough recipe.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Classic Baked Spiced Apple Pie Recipe enough for those moments when you want to share something truly special and soul-warming. It’s a timeless dessert that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and fills your table with cozy happiness. Give it a go, and I promise this pie will become a treasured staple in your baking repertoire!
Print
Classic Baked Spiced Apple Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 1h 0m
- Cook Time: 1h 0m
- Total Time: 2h 0m
- Yield: 1 9-inch pie, serves 8
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Classic Baked Spiced Apple Pie recipe features a flaky, buttery crust filled with a warm, aromatic apple mixture spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Perfectly sweetened and with a golden-brown finish, this pie is an ideal dessert for cozy gatherings or holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water
Filling
- 6 to 8 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Egg Wash
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to preheat at 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking your pie crust and filling.
- Make Pie Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar. Add chilled diced butter and blend using a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until dough forms. Divide dough into two balls, wrap with plastic wrap, and chill for at least one hour.
- Prepare Apple Filling: In a separate large bowl, toss sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until evenly coated.
- Roll Out Bottom Crust: Lightly flour your work surface and roll out one dough ball to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Transfer the dough into the pan and trim any excess edges.
- Add Filling: Pour the apple mixture into the crust-lined pie pan and scatter small pieces of butter on top of the filling.
- Roll Out Top Crust and Seal: Roll out the second dough ball and place it over the apples. Trim any extra dough, then seal and crimp the edges to secure the pie. Cut several small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk egg yolk with milk and brush this mixture evenly over the top crust to create a golden, glossy finish.
- Bake the Pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C). Then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 35 to 45 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Cool Before Serving: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan on a wire rack. This helps the filling set for easier slicing and enhances the flavors.
Notes
- For best texture, use a mix of tart and sweet apple varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp.
- Ensure the butter is very cold before mixing to achieve a flaky crust.
- Do not overwork the dough to prevent toughness.
- Let the pie cool completely before slicing to allow the filling to set properly.
- Use ice water to keep the dough cold and maintain its flakiness.
