There is nothing quite like sinking your fork into a warm, comforting slice of the Delicious Homemade Apple Pie Recipe that has been lovingly crafted from scratch. This pie combines tender, fragrant apples with a flaky, buttery crust that melts in your mouth, delivering a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Each bite bursts with classic flavors that bring a sense of nostalgia and joy, making it an ultimate crowd-pleaser for family gatherings or quiet moments of self-indulgence. Once you master this apple pie, you’ll find it hard to resist baking it time and again, sharing a slice of happiness with those you love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this Delicious Homemade Apple Pie Recipe, you only need a handful of straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that work harmoniously to deliver amazing texture, flavor, and aroma. Each component, from the flour to the apples, plays an essential role in building the perfect pie.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of your flaky crust, providing structure and tenderness.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness in both crust and filling.
- Salt: Enhances and balances all the other flavors in the pie.
- Unsalted butter: Cold and cubed, it creates those irresistible flaky layers in the dough.
- Ice water: Keeps the dough cool and glue the flour and butter together without melting it.
- Medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): Tart, crisp, and perfect for tender yet intact filling.
- Brown sugar: Adds depth and a caramel-like warmth to the apple mixture.
- Ground cinnamon: The classic spice that perfectly complements the apples.
- Ground nutmeg: A pinch for added warmth and complexity.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the filling and prevents apples from browning.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the filling for a luscious, not runny, consistency.
- Butter (for dotting): Small pieces melt into the apples, adding richness and flavor.
How to Make Delicious Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
Step 1: Make the Pie Crust
Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt in a large bowl. This dry mix is the backbone of your crust, setting the stage for buttery flakiness and a pleasant hint of sweetness.
Step 2: Incorporate Butter into Flour
Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, gently work the butter into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. It’s essential that the butter stays cold to achieve that coveted flaky texture in the crust.
Step 3: Add Ice Water Gradually
Slowly pour in the ice water, mixing carefully until the dough just comes together. Avoid adding too much liquid, as the dough should be slightly crumbly but hold its shape when pressed. This step brings your beautiful pie dough to life!
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Divide the dough into two equal disks, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. Chilling ensures the butter firms up again, which helps create distinct layers when baked.
Step 5: Prepare the Apple Filling
While the dough chills, toss the peeled, cored, and sliced apples in a large bowl with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, cornstarch, and salt. This blend enhances the natural sweetness and spiciness of the apples while thickening the juices during baking.
Step 6: Assemble the Pie
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out one disk of dough on a floured surface until it fits your 9-inch pie dish. Transfer it carefully into the dish, making sure there are no air pockets that could cause bubbling later.
Step 7: Add Filling and Top Crust
Pour the apple mixture into the crust and dot it evenly with the small pieces of unsalted butter. Then roll out the second dough disk and place it on top of the apples. Seal the edges firmly and cut several small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
Step 8: Bake the Pie
Brush the top crust lightly with water or egg wash to promote a golden sheen. Bake the pie on the middle rack for 45 to 50 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and you see bubbling juices through the slits. If the edges brown too quickly, shield them with foil to prevent burning.
Step 9: Cool Before Serving
Once baked, let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. This waiting time allows the filling to set so each slice comes out neat and flavorful, making your delicious homemade apple pie recipe truly unforgettable.
How to Serve Delicious Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A classic scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream elevates this apple pie experience to something magical. For a festive twist, sprinkle a little cinnamon or drizzle caramel sauce on top—it’s a crowd favorite!
Side Dishes
The beauty of this pie is how well it pairs with simple sides. A hot cup of coffee or freshly brewed tea make perfect companions, especially on chilly afternoons. For brunch, serve alongside crispy bacon or a sharp cheddar cheese slice for a delightful sweet-savory balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, try serving the apple pie in mini ramekins or turn it into a pie trifle with layers of crust, apple filling, and whipped cream. You can also add a sprinkle of toasted nuts or a drizzle of honey for extra texture and flavor complexity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your delicious homemade apple pie recipe, simply cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate the pie for up to 4 days to preserve freshness while keeping the crust firm and the filling tasty.
Freezing
If you want to stash some pie for later, wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. It freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Just thaw the pie overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain that delightful texture.
Reheating
To revive the delicious homemade apple pie recipe, warm slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. This method refreshes the crust crispiness and revives the filling’s warmth without making the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen apples for this pie?
Fresh apples are ideal for the best texture and flavor, but if you only have frozen apples, make sure to thaw and drain them well before using. Frozen apples may release more water, so consider adding a bit more cornstarch to prevent a soggy filling.
What type of apples work best in this Delicious Homemade Apple Pie Recipe?
Granny Smith apples are tart and hold their shape nicely, while Honeycrisp apples add sweetness and a crisp bite. Using a mix of both gives wonderful flavor complexity and texture in each slice.
Why is the crust sometimes tough instead of flaky?
A tough crust usually happens if the butter melts before baking or if the dough is overworked. Keep ingredients cold and handle the dough gently to ensure maximum flakiness. Chilling the dough before baking also helps immensely.
Can I make this pie gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. The texture may vary slightly, but the delicious homemade apple pie recipe will still shine with those classic flavors.
How long does it take for the pie filling to set?
Allowing the pie to cool for at least 2 hours after baking is crucial for the filling to thicken properly. Patience pays off here, so try not to slice it too soon to avoid a runny filling.
Final Thoughts
There is truly something special about making the Delicious Homemade Apple Pie Recipe yourself, from scratch. It’s a labor of love filled with memories and anticipation of sharing a warm slice with others. So don your apron, gather those simple ingredients, and bake yourself a pie that will bring smiles and satisfaction at any table. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will become your go-to comfort dessert year-round!
Print
Delicious Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Delicious Homemade Apple Pie features a flaky, buttery crust filled with a sweet and spiced apple filling. Made from scratch with simple ingredients, this classic dessert bakes to golden perfection and is perfect served warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 6–8 tablespoons ice water
Apple Filling
- 6–7 medium apples (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions
- Make the Pie Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt until evenly combined.
- Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces.
- Add Ice Water: Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just comes together into a shaggy mass. Avoid overworking the dough.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal disks, wrap each tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, combine the peeled, cored, and sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, cornstarch, and salt. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and allow it to fully preheat.
- Roll Out Bottom Crust: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the chilled dough disks into a circle large enough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Carefully transfer the dough to the pie dish, pressing it into the bottom and sides.
- Add Filling and Top Crust: Pour the prepared apple filling into the crust. Dot the filling evenly with small pieces of the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Roll out the second dough disk and place it over the apples. Seal the edges by crimping or pinching together, and cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Apply Wash: Brush the top crust with water or an egg wash (beaten egg) to promote even browning and a glossy finish.
- Bake the Pie: Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Cover the edges of the crust with foil if they begin to brown too quickly to prevent burning.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 2 hours before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith or crisp sweet ones like Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture.
- Make sure your butter is very cold to achieve a flaky crust.
- Chilling the dough before baking helps prevent shrinking and makes it easier to handle.
- Cover the crust edges with foil or a pie shield halfway through baking to avoid over-browning.
- Letting the pie cool completely allows the filling to set properly for cleaner slices.
