Easy Apple Pie

Why Make This Recipe

Apple pie is a classic dessert loved by many. Its delicious blend of sweet, tart apples and warm spices makes it a favorite at family gatherings, holidays, and get-togethers. The best part about making your own apple pie is that you can control the ingredients, ensuring freshness and quality. There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a homemade apple pie baking in the oven, filling your home with a cozy scent. Plus, making apple pie is a fun and rewarding experience, allowing you to create something beautiful and tasty that everyone will enjoy.

How to Make Apple Pie

Making a homemade apple pie may seem daunting at first, but with a little organization and some practice, it becomes a simple and enjoyable task. Here’s how to make a delicious apple pie from scratch, including a perfect pie crust recipe that complements the filling beautifully.

Ingredients

• 1 Perfect Pie Crust Recipe*
• ¼ cup butter
• 8 cups thinly sliced apples** (peeled and cored)
• 2/3 cup lightly packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon water
• Coarse sugar (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the Pie Plate: Start by setting aside a 9-inch pie plate. This will be used to hold your delicious apple filling once it’s prepared.
2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will help create a flaky crust and cook the apples quickly.
3. Cook the Apples: In a large pot over medium-low heat, melt the ¼ cup of butter. Once melted, add the 8 cups of thinly sliced apples. Stir the apples gently to coat them in the melted butter.
4. Add Sugar and Spices: Next, sprinkle in the 2/3 cup of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of flour, 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Stir everything together.
5. Cook Until Soft: Allow the mixture to cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften. This should take about 8 to 10 minutes. Once softened, remove the pot from the heat and set aside to cool.
6. Prepare the Pie Crust: While the apple mixture cools, divide your prepared pie dough in half if it’s not already in two discs. Lightly flour a clean work surface and roll out one disc of dough. Aim for around 1/8-inch thick, making it slightly larger than your pie plate.
7. Transfer the Dough: Carefully move the rolled sheet of dough into your pie plate. Gently push the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the plate, ensuring it fits snugly.
8. Make the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg and 1 teaspoon of water. This will be used later to create a nice golden finish on your pie.
9. Fill the Pie Crust: Once the apple mixture has cooled, transfer it into the prepared crust. Spread it evenly so that the apples are well distributed.
10. Top the Pie: Roll out the second disc of pie dough on a lightly floured surface. Place it over the apple filling. If you want to get creative, you can cut the dough into strips and braid them for a beautiful top layer.
11. Cut Vents: If you’re not braiding, make sure to cut some vents in the top crust. This will allow steam to escape as the pie cooks.
12. Trim and Crimp the Edges: Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges of the pie. Use your fingers to crimp the edges of the pie crust together, sealing in the filling.
13. Add the Egg Wash: Lightly brush the top of the pie with the egg wash to give it a shiny finish. If you like, sprinkle some coarse sugar on top for added sweetness and crunch.
14. Bake the Pie: Place the pie in the oven and bake it for 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C). Then, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for about 40 minutes. The pie is ready when the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the vents. If the crust begins to get too brown before the pie is fully cooked, cover it with a piece of aluminum foil.
15. Cool Before Serving: Once the pie is done baking, remove it from the oven and set aside to cool. This cooling period allows the filling to set, making it easier to slice when served.

How to Serve Apple Pie

Apple pie is delicious on its own, but there are many ways to enhance its flavor when serving. A classic choice is to serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream melting into the warm pie creates a delightful contrast. If you’re feeling extra fancy, you could also top it with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

For a more traditional approach, enjoy your apple pie with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese. The combination of sweet and savory can create an interesting flavor experience. Many people also like serving apple pie with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a comforting dessert option.

How to Store Apple Pie

If you happen to have leftovers (which is unlikely with such a delicious pie!), storing your apple pie properly ensures that it stays fresh for as long as possible. Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, cover it loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Apple pie can be stored at room temperature for about 2 days. If you want to keep it fresh for longer, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just remember to reheat individual slices in the microwave or oven if you prefer it warm.

For longer storage, you can also freeze your apple pie. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. A frozen apple pie can last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking it straight from the freezer.

Tips to Make Apple Pie

1. Choose the Right Apples: For the best flavor, opt for a mix of sweet and tart apples. Some great choices are Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Golden Delicious. Using several varieties will add depth to your pie.
2. Don’t Skip the Acid: The lemon juice not only adds flavor but also helps to balance the sweetness of the apples. Be sure to include it in your filling.
3. Chill Your Dough: For a flakier crust, make sure your pie dough is well-chilled before rolling it out. You can even chill it again after placing it in the pie plate for a few minutes before adding the filling.
4. Use a Pie Shield: If you find that the edges of your crust are browning too quickly, consider using a pie shield. This will help protect the crust while allowing the pie to cook fully.
5. Test for Doneness: Keep an eye on your pie while it bakes. Check it during the last 10-15 minutes. You want the crust to be golden and the filling to be bubbling.

Variation

While traditional apple pie is always a hit, there are some fun variations to consider.

• Caramel Apple Pie: Add ½ cup of caramel sauce to the apple filling before placing it in the pie crust.
• Dutch Apple Pie: Top your apple filling with a crumbly streusel topping made from flour, butter, brown sugar, and oats instead of a second layer of crust.
• Spiced Apple Pie: For a different flavor profile, mix in other spices such as nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon.

FAQs

1. Can I make the pie crust ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the pie crust in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
2. Should I peel the apples? Yes, peeling the apples gives the filling a smoother texture and allows the spices to coat the fruit better.
3. How do I know when my pie is done? Look for a golden brown crust and bubbles coming up through the vents. Insert a knife into the filling—if it slides in easily without much resistance, it’s ready.
4. Can I use store-bought pie crust? Absolutely! Store-bought pie crust is a great time-saver and can yield delicious results if you’re short on time.
5. What types of apples work best for apple pie? A blend of sweet and tart apples is best. Good options include Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji apples for a delightful flavor balance.

Homemade apple pie is simple to make and incredibly rewarding. It fills your home with warmth and satisfies your sweet tooth. Try making it for your next family gathering or simply as a treat for yourself. Enjoy each delicious bite!

Homemade Apple Pie

Print Recipe

A classic homemade apple pie filled with sweet and tart apples, warm spices, and a flaky crust.

• Author: lila-monroe
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 85 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 Perfect Pie Crust Recipe*
• ¼ cup butter
• 8 cups thinly sliced apples (peeled and cored)
• 2/3 cup lightly packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon water
• Coarse sugar (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pie Plate: Start by setting aside a 9-inch pie plate.
2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
3. Cook the Apples: In a large pot over medium-low heat, melt the ¼ cup of butter and add the 8 cups of thinly sliced apples.
4. Add Sugar and Spices: Sprinkle in the 2/3 cup of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of flour, 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, and ¼ teaspoon of salt.
5. Cook Until Soft: Allow the mixture to cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, until the apples soften, then remove from heat to cool.
6. Prepare the Pie Crust: Roll out one disc of dough, aiming for 1/8-inch thickness.
7. Transfer the Dough: Move the rolled sheet of dough into your pie plate, ensuring it fits snugly.
8. Make the Egg Wash: Whisk together 1 egg and 1 teaspoon of water.
9. Fill the Pie Crust: Transfer the cooled apple mixture into the prepared crust and spread it evenly.
10. Top the Pie: Roll out the second disc of pie dough and place it over the apple filling.
11. Cut Vents: Cut some vents in the top crust for steam to escape.
12. Trim and Crimp the Edges: Trim excess dough and crimp the edges to seal the filling.
13. Add the Egg Wash: Brush the top with egg wash and sprinkle coarse sugar if desired.
14. Bake the Pie: Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, then reduce to 350°F and bake for 40 minutes.
15. Cool Before Serving: Let it cool before slicing and serving.

Notes

Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream for a delicious treat.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: apple pie, dessert recipe, homemade pie, classic dessert, baking