If you have been searching for the perfect dessert to warm hearts and fill your home with the irresistible scent of baked apples and cinnamon, look no further. This Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe is a timeless treasure, blending tender, spiced apple filling with a flaky, buttery crust that will have everyone asking for seconds. Each slice carries the comfort of nostalgia and the joy of sharing something truly special with loved ones. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a simple weekend treat, this pie is bound to become your go-to dessert time and time again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in the simplicity and quality of each ingredient. Every item on this list plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and texture that defines a truly memorable apple pie.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Adds rich, caramel-like sweetness that deepens the flavor of the apples.
- All-purpose flour (3 tablespoons): Helps thicken the filling so it’s perfectly luscious without being runny.
- Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Brings warm spice and classic apple pie aroma.
- Ground ginger (1/8 teaspoon): Adds a subtle zing that brightens the overall flavor.
- Ground nutmeg (1/8 teaspoon): A pinch of nutmeg lends a cozy, nutty undertone that complements the cinnamon.
- Apples (6-7 cups peeled and sliced): The heart of the pie—choose tart apples like Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor balance.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Keeps the apples fresh and vibrant while adding a hint of brightness.
- Pie crust for double crust (one 9-inch): A flaky, buttery crust encases the filling, adding a delicate crunch.
- Butter (1 tablespoon): Dotting the filling with butter enriches the taste and adds a luscious finish.
- Large egg white (1): Used to brush the crust for that gorgeous golden shine and helps the sugar stick for a little sparkle on top.
How to Make Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
Begin by mixing the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg in a small bowl. This blend of spices and sugar is what transforms simple apples into a warm, fragrant filling. Toss the peeled and sliced apples with lemon juice in a large bowl—this step brightens the natural sweetness and prevents browning. Then add your prepared sugar and spice mixture and toss to coat every slice beautifully. Trust me, this part smells heavenly already!
Step 2: Assemble the Pie
Line a 9-inch pie dish with the bottom crust, trimming the edges neatly to fit. Pour in your coated apple mixture, spreading it evenly, and dot the filling with small pieces of butter; this adds richness that melts into the fruit as it bakes. Roll out the remaining crust to cover the top and carefully place it over the apples. Trim any excess dough, seal the edges by pinching or crimping, and flute for that classic pie look. Don’t forget to cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape, which keeps your crust perfectly flaky.
Step 3: Add the Finishing Touches
Whip the egg white until foamy and brush it generously over the entire crust. This step is key for achieving a golden, glossy finish that’s as pleasing to the eyes as the aroma is to your nose. Sprinkle a little sugar on top—this adds a wonderful sparkle and slight crunch after baking. To protect your pie’s edges from burning during baking, loosely cover them with foil.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place your pie in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for 25 minutes initially, then carefully remove the foil to expose the edges. Continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes until the crust turns a gorgeous golden brown and the filling bubbles through the slits. This bubbling is your sign that the pie is perfectly cooked inside. Once done, let it cool on a wire rack—this allows the filling to set beautifully before you slice.
How to Serve Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Serving your Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream is a classic match made in heaven—warm pie and cold ice cream create a delightful contrast. If you want to get a little fancy, a dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of cinnamon can add a charming touch that enhances both look and flavor.
Side Dishes
Apple pie stands well on its own, but if you want to offer something extra, consider pairing it with freshly whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. For those seeking a savory twist, a sharp cheddar cheese slice served alongside the pie is a surprising and delicious companion, balancing sweet and savory perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or festive dinner, consider serving the pie in individual ramekins or turning pieces into petite hand pies using the leftover crust. You can also sprinkle chopped nuts or drizzle a cinnamon glaze over slices to elevate presentation and texture. The Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe invites creativity—don’t hesitate to make it your own!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover apple pie is a treasure, so store it covered in the refrigerator. Wrapped tightly, it will stay fresh for up to 4 days while keeping that perfect balance of crisp crust and tender filling.
Freezing
You can freeze your pie either unbaked or fully baked. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn. Frozen apple pie will keep for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking or reheating.
Reheating
To enjoy warm slices, reheat leftovers in a 350-degree oven for about 15-20 minutes. This method crisps the crust back to life without drying out the filling. Microwave reheating is quicker but can sometimes make the crust a bit soggy, so the oven is always my preferred method.
FAQs
Can I use any type of apple for this Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith give the best structure and tang, feel free to blend different varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for added sweetness and complexity in flavor.
Is it necessary to use a double crust in this recipe?
A double crust is traditional for sealing in the delicious filling and providing that iconic pie look. However, you could experiment with a lattice crust or a crumb topping if you want a different texture and appearance.
How do I prevent the pie crust edges from burning?
This recipe suggests covering the edges with foil during the first part of baking, which shields them from too much heat while the filling cooks, helping prevent burning while the center finishes perfectly.
Can I prepare the pie filling in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. This helps meld the flavors beautifully, but be sure to give the apples a toss before assembling to redistribute the spices evenly.
What should I do if my filling is too runny?
Adding a bit more flour to the sugar and spice mixture helps thicken the filling. Also, make sure to bake the pie long enough for the juices to bubble and reduce, creating that signature, perfect consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe is one of those dishes that never goes out of style and always brings joy to the table. It’s simple enough for a weekday treat yet elegant enough for holiday celebrations. I encourage you to gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into this utterly comforting baking adventure. Once you do, you’ll see why it remains a beloved favorite year after year.
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Classic Homemade 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
A classic homemade apple pie featuring a double crust filled with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples. Perfectly baked to a golden brown, this comforting dessert pairs sweet and tart flavors with a flaky crust for a timeless treat.
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
Crust and Topping:
- 1 (9 inch) pie crust (for double crust)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 large egg white
- 1 tablespoon sugar (for sprinkling on crust)
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, all-purpose flour, cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground nutmeg; set this mixture aside. In a large bowl, toss the peeled and sliced apples with lemon juice to prevent browning. Then add the sugar and spice mixture to the apples and toss until the apples are fully coated with the mixture.
- Assemble the pie: Line a 9-inch pie dish with the bottom pie crust, trimming the edges evenly. Fill the crust with the prepared apple mixture and dot the filling with small pieces of butter for richness. Roll out the remaining crust to fit over the top of the pie and place it over the apple filling. Trim any excess dough, seal the edges by pressing or fluting them together to prevent leakage, and cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape while baking.
- Prepare the crust for baking: Beat the egg white until foamy and brush it gently over the entire top crust to create a shiny, golden finish after baking. Lightly sprinkle sugar over the brushed crust for added sweetness and texture. To prevent the edges from burning, loosely cover them with foil for the first part of baking.
- Bake the pie: Place the pie in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 25 minutes. Then carefully remove the foil from the edges and continue baking for another 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly. Once done, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before serving to allow the filling to set.
Notes
- Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for a well-balanced flavor.
- If desired, sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top of the crust in addition to plain sugar for extra spice.
- Let the pie cool completely to make slicing easier and to prevent the filling from spilling out.
- Pie can be served warm or at room temperature, often paired with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
