The Best Apple Pie

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Few things are as comforting and iconic as a homemade apple pie. With its flaky golden crust and warm cinnamon-spiced filling, it’s the kind of dessert that brings people together, anchors memories, and turns any meal into something special. This version of the classic American apple pie focuses on flavor, simplicity, and the kind of texture that keeps you coming back for more.

The key to this recipe is balance. We use a blend of tart and sweet apples to ensure depth of flavor. The filling is juicy but never runny, sweet but not cloying, and spiced to perfection. You’ll get a little tang, a little warmth, and a whole lot of apple flavor in every bite.

But what really sets this recipe apart is the crust. We use a butter-based double crust that bakes up incredibly flaky and crisp. It’s sturdy enough to hold all that juicy filling without getting soggy and tender enough to melt in your mouth.

Apple pie may seem simple, but the details matter. This recipe is all about nailing those details—slicing the apples evenly, seasoning them just right, and baking until golden and bubbling. It’s not fancy. It’s just perfect.

You don’t need any hard-to-find ingredients or advanced baking skills. Just some good apples, butter, flour, sugar, and spices. Everything comes together with easy-to-follow steps that yield bakery-quality results.

And it’s incredibly versatile. Serve it with whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or just as it is. It holds its own on any table, from Thanksgiving feasts to Sunday dinners.

Making this pie will fill your kitchen with the smell of warm cinnamon and sweet apples—a scent that says home, comfort, and goodness. It’s a pie that gets noticed. People will ask for seconds. Then they’ll ask for the recipe.

This version is perfect for making ahead too. You can prep the crust and filling a day in advance and assemble right before baking. Or bake the whole pie, let it cool, and reheat slices in the oven to bring it back to life.

Unlike many store-bought pies, this one doesn’t skimp on the fruit. Each slice is packed with soft but intact apple slices that have soaked up just the right amount of spice and sweetness.

We use a mix of Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp or Fuji for sweetness. It’s the best of both worlds, giving the pie a well-rounded flavor that isn’t one-note.

This is the kind of recipe you’ll pass down. It’s timeless, reliable, and always welcome. Whether you’re an experienced baker or new to pie-making, this method will guide you to success.

Want a beautiful finish? Brush the top crust with a little egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar before baking. It adds sparkle, crunch, and makes the pie look even more inviting.

No need to reinvent the wheel—this is apple pie done right. Comforting, classic, and endlessly satisfying.

Servings: 8 slices
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Cooling Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients:

For the crust:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 6–8 tablespoons ice water

For the filling:

• 6 cups peeled, sliced apples (Granny Smith + Honeycrisp or Fuji)
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon cold unsalted butter, diced (to dot filling)

For the top:

• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional)

Instructions:

1. Make the crust: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing just until dough comes together.
2. Divide dough in half, shape into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
3. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
4. In a large bowl, toss apple slices with sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well coated.
5. Roll out one disk of dough and line a 9-inch pie dish. Add apple filling and dot with diced butter.
6. Roll out the second disk and place over the filling. Trim and crimp the edges. Cut slits in the top crust.
7. Brush top with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar if using.
8. Bake for 20 minutes at 400°F, then reduce heat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for another 35–40 minutes, until crust is golden and filling is bubbly.
9. Cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours before slicing.

Tips:

• Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for best flavor.
• Keep butter and water cold to ensure a flaky crust.
• Don’t skip cooling time—it helps the filling set.
• Use a pie shield or foil to cover edges if they brown too fast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Classic flavor with balanced sweetness
• Flaky, buttery crust
• Juicy, spiced apple filling
• Great for holidays or everyday baking
• Made with simple, accessible ingredients

This is the only apple pie recipe you need. Flaky crust, tender apple filling, and warm spices come together in a timeless dessert that never disappoints.