If you have a sweet tooth and a fondness for comfort food, this Classic Apple Pie Recipe is about to become your new go-to dessert. Imagine a golden, flaky crust hugging a warm, spiced apple filling that tastes like a slice of home in every bite. This recipe brings together simple ingredients to create something truly special—perfect for sharing with family and friends or treating yourself to a timeless, cozy delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Classic Apple Pie Recipe plays an important role, creating a harmonious balance between sweet, tart, and spice, while also contributing to the perfect texture and inviting aroma.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed): Adds deep sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor that complements the apples beautifully.
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the apple juices during baking for a luscious filling.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Classic warm spice that brings cozy notes to the filling.
- 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds subtle zing to balance the sweetness.
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Gives a nutty, aromatic depth to the spices.
- 6-7 cups apples (peeled and sliced): The star ingredient — choose firm, tart apples for the best texture and flavor.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the apples and prevents browning for fresh color.
- 1 (9 inch) pie crust (for double crust): Provides a flaky, buttery shell that holds all the deliciousness together.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Dotting with butter adds richness and enhances the filling’s flavor.
- 1 large egg white: Brushed on top to create a shiny, golden crust.
How to Make Classic Apple Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by mixing together the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg in a small bowl—this spice blend is what makes this pie so irresistible. In a larger bowl, toss your peeled and sliced apples with lemon juice to keep them crisp and bright. Combine the apples and sugar mixture, then toss gently until all slices are evenly coated. This ensures every bite bursts with flavor and that your filling thickens perfectly during baking.
Step 2: Assemble the Pie
Next, line your 9-inch pie dish with one pie crust, trimming the edges neatly. Pour the apple mixture into the crust and distribute the butter in small dots on top—this will melt into the apples, adding moistness and richness. Roll out the remaining crust to cover the pie and seal it carefully by trimming and fluting the edges for that classic pie look. Don’t forget to cut slits in the crust to allow steam to escape, so your pie bakes evenly.
Step 3: Prepare the Crust for Baking
Beat the egg white until it’s foamy and use a pastry brush to coat the top crust. This technique will give your pie a beautiful golden color and an inviting sheen. Sprinkle a little sugar on top to add a hint of extra sweetness and crunch after baking. To prevent the edges from burning, loosely cover them with a strip of foil before placing your pie in the oven.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake your pie at 375°F for 25 minutes with the foil on, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes until the crust turns a gorgeous golden brown and the filling bubbles invitingly. Letting the pie cool on a wire rack is important—it helps the filling set so each slice holds together beautifully when served.
How to Serve Classic Apple Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream are classic accompaniments that melt into the warm filling and elevate the pie to indulgent dessert status. For some extra flair, sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top or add a drizzle of caramel sauce to enhance the apple’s natural sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pair your pie with a hot cup of coffee, a creamy chai latte, or even a crisp, slightly tart glass of hard cider. These beverages complement the spicy and sweet notes of your Classic Apple Pie Recipe perfectly, rounding out your whole dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve individual mini pies or baked apple turnovers using the same filling. Or, transform this recipe into a rustic galette for a more casual but equally stunning presentation. No matter how you serve it, the comforting aroma and beautiful flavors will wow everyone at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your apple pie tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight lid and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days while maintaining its wonderful texture and flavor. This way, you can enjoy delicious slices without any rush.
Freezing
To keep your pie longer, wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge to maintain the flaky crust and juicy filling.
Reheating
For a perfectly warm slice that revives all the pie’s original charm, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. This keeps the crust crisp and the filling bubbly, much better than a microwave, which can make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for this Classic Apple Pie Recipe?
Absolutely! Mixing varieties like Granny Smith for tartness and Fuji or Honeycrisp for sweetness creates a lovely balance and complexity in flavor and texture.
Do I have to use a double crust for this pie?
While a double crust is traditional and creates a beautiful presentation, you can try a crumb topping or single crust if you prefer something simpler or want to reduce prep time.
Can this pie be made gluten-free?
Yes! Using a gluten-free pie crust and a gluten-free flour blend for the filling thickener works wonderfully without compromising taste or texture.
What is the best way to prevent a soggy bottom crust?
Pre-baking the bottom crust slightly before adding the filling or brushing it with a thin layer of beaten egg white can help create a barrier that keeps the crust crisp.
How can I tell when the apple pie is fully baked?
Look for a golden-brown crust and bubbling filling visible through the slits in the top crust. This bubbling indicates the filling has thickened nicely and the apples are tender.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about baking a Classic Apple Pie Recipe—the way the kitchen fills with warming spices and sweet apple aromas is pure joy. I hope you give this recipe a try and find the same comfort and happiness that has made it a family favorite for generations. Whether it’s a special occasion or an everyday treat, this pie promises to bring smiles all around the table.
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Classic Apple Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Apple Pie recipe combines tender, cinnamon-spiced apples with a buttery, flaky double crust for a timeless dessert. Perfectly balanced with warm spices and a hint of lemon, this pie is baked to golden perfection and served best cool or slightly warm.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 6–7 cups apples (peeled and sliced)
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 Tablespoon butter
Crust and Topping
- 1 (9 inch) pie crust (for double crust)
- 1 large egg white
- Additional sugar for sprinkling on crust (about 1 tablespoon)
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, thoroughly combine the brown sugar, all-purpose flour, cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground nutmeg; set aside. In a large bowl, toss the peeled and sliced apples with lemon juice to prevent browning. Add the sugar and spice mixture to the apples and toss well to coat each slice evenly.
- Assemble the pie: Line a 9-inch pie dish with one pie crust, trimming the edges neatly to fit the dish. Fill the crust with the apple mixture, spreading it evenly, then dot the filling with small pieces of butter to add richness. Roll out the remaining pie crust to cover the top. Place the top crust over the filling, trim excess dough, seal the edges by pressing together, and flute the edges decoratively. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Apply egg wash and sugar: Beat the large egg white until it becomes foamy. Brush the egg white evenly over the entire top crust, which will give it a beautiful golden shine when baked. Sprinkle sugar generously over the top crust for added sweetness and crunch. To prevent the crust edges from overbrowning, cover them loosely with foil.
- Bake the pie: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pie in the oven and bake for 25 minutes initially. Then carefully remove the foil covering the edges and continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly and cooked through. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before serving to allow the filling to set.
Notes
- For best results, use a mix of tart and sweet apples to enhance flavor complexity.
- Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean slices.
- Double crust can be homemade or store-bought for convenience.
- Covering the edges with foil prevents burning but can be removed in the last part of baking to allow even browning.
- Extra cinnamon or nutmeg can be added to taste for more spice warmth.
