The moment that cinnamon-sugar steam hits your nose, it’s over. Every fall memory melts into the kitchen air. This Homemade Apple Pie Recipe gives you that golden pie crust crunch and warm, spiced apple filling you’re cravingwithout the usual stress. It’s trending big this year because it brings all the comfort, without the fuss.
We’re talking tender granny smith apples, a buttery flaky pie crust, and a cinnamon kiss in every bite. Classic, yes, but streamlined. No fancy tools, no chilling overnightjust one bowl for the filling, store-bought or homemade crust (your call). It’s like your grandma’s apple pie, if grandma had a grocery run and 45 minutes. Totally family friendly and fantastic warm with a scoop of vanilla.
I started baking pies like this back in 2015 while documenting classic fall desserts for my photography archive. That first test? My neighbor knocked on the door asking what smelled like “someone’s grandma hugging you.” Here’s what I learnedslice those apples thin and toss them with cornstarch for that glossy, juicy middle. After years styling and shooting cozy fruit pies, this version hits the sweet spot between rustic charm and reliable bake.
Thomas Baker
Homemade Apple Pie Recipe: Easy and Delicious Classic
This Homemade Apple Pie Recipe is a cozy and homey classic apple pie that’s quick to make and perfect for any occasion. Featuring a flaky pie crust and a sweet cinnamon-spiced apple filling, this Classic Apple Pie is a must-try dessert that delivers warm, comforting flavors. Enjoy a slice of this Quick Apple Pie with your family or friends for a delightful treat.
Combine the sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a large bowl until well-mixed.
Add the apples, tossing until well coated.
Line a pie pan with one of the pie crusts.
Pour the sugar-coated apples into the pie pan.
Dot with cubes of butter.
Place the second crust on top of apples and butter and seal.
Cut a few slits for steam to escape on top layer of crust.
Spread a small amount of milk on top of the pastry and sprinkle with leftover sugar.
Bake for 50 minutes, placing a cookie sheet on a lower rack to catch overflow.
Let pie cool, then slice and serve.
Notes
Store homemade apple pie in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Why You’ll Love This Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
There’s a special kind of comfort that comes from baking a pie from scratch, and this homemade apple pie recipe delivers all the warmth and flavor you cherish. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. Here’s what makes it truly irresistible:
Effortlessly Nostalgic: With its perfectly spiced apple filling and a golden, flaky pie crust, this recipe tastes like a cherished family heirloomwithout any complicated steps or lengthy prep.
Beginner-Friendly: Crafted with a straightforward list of ingredients and clear, easy-to-follow instructions, this is the ultimate easy baking recipe for anyone looking to master the art of pie making.
Family Favorite: The tender, cinnamon-kissed apples nestled in a cozy, homemade-style crust make this apple pie dessert ideal for any occasionfrom casual weeknight dinners to festive holiday gatherings.
Key Ingredients and Essential Tools
Creating something extraordinary doesn’t require a lot. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to bring this delicious pie to life:
Apples: You’ll need 6–8 medium to large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced. For the best balance of tartness and sweetness, we recommend using a mix of firm varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Braeburn. These hold their shape beautifully during baking.
Cinnamon: The heart and soul of a truly cozy apple pie, a generous teaspoon of ground cinnamon infuses every bite with its comforting, spicy warmth.
Sugar and Flour: Granulated sugar sweetens the filling to perfection, while a touch of all-purpose flour acts as a natural thickener, ensuring your juicy apple filling sets beautifully as it bakes.
Homemade or Store-Bought Pie Crust: A buttery, flaky pie crust is non-negotiable for that satisfying crunch and tender mouthfeel. Feel free to use your favorite homemade recipe or opt for a high-quality store-bought option for convenience.
Tools: You’ll need a standard 9-inch pie pan, a large mixing bowl, and a sturdy rolling pin. A kitchen scale is optional but incredibly helpful for precise measurements.
Quick Look: Ingredient Guide for Your Homemade Apple Pie
Ingredient
Amount
Granulated sugar
1 cup
All-purpose flour
2 tablespoons
Ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon
Apples
6–8 medium/large, peeled, cored, and sliced (mix of tart and sweet preferred)
Pie crusts
2 (9-inch, homemade or good quality store-bought)
Unsalted butter
2 tablespoons, cubed
Milk or egg wash (for brushing)
1-2 tablespoons (optional, for golden crust)
Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Perfect Homemade Apple Pie
This is where the magic truly unfolds. Don’t be intimidatedit’s much simpler than you think!
Prepare Your Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and ground cinnamon. Whisk until they are thoroughly and evenly blended.
Coat the Apples: Add your sliced apples to the sugar mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly, ensuring every piece of apple is beautifully coated. This step is key to infusing rich flavor into every bite.
Layer the Filling: Carefully line your pie pan with one of your prepared pie crusts. Pile the spiced apples high into the crust, creating a slight mound in the center. Dot the top with the cubed butter for added richness and a wonderfully tender filling.
Seal and Vent: Lay the second pie crust over the apple filling. Trim any excess dough, then crimp the edges together firmly to create a decorative seal. Use a sharp knife to cut a few small slits in the top crust; these vents allow steam to escape, preventing a soggy crust.
Achieve a Golden Finish: For a beautiful golden-brown crust, lightly brush the top with a little milk or an egg wash (one egg beaten with a tablespoon of water). Sprinkle with a tablespoon or two of coarse sugar (or granulated sugar) for a sparkling, sweet crunch.
Bake and Cool to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch any potential drips) and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is deeply golden brown and the filling is bubbling. To check for doneness, insert a thin knife into a vent slit; the apples should be fork-tender. Once baked, let the pie cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2-3 hours before slicing. This crucial cooling time allows the filling to set properly, preventing a runny pie.
Timing Breakdown for Your Homemade Apple Pie
Step
Time
Prep Ingredients (peeling, slicing, mixing)
20-25 minutes
Bake
50-60 minutes
Cooling (recommended for setting)
2-3 hours
Total Active Time
~25 minutes
Total Recipe Time (including cooling)
~3.5-4 hours
Serving and Storage Tips for Your Apple Pie
This homemade apple pie is a showstopper on its own, but here’s how to serve and store it to maximize enjoyment:
Serving Suggestions: For an ultimate treat, enjoy your warm apple pie with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a dollop of fresh whipped cream, or a decadent drizzle of homemade caramel sauce. It’s truly perfect for easy fall desserts or any family dinner.
Storage: Store leftover apple pie loosely covered or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to 4 days. Want to get ahead? You can freeze the entire baked pie (wrapped exceptionally well in plastic wrap and then foil) for up to 3 months!
Reheating: To bring back that glorious fresh-baked goodness, warm individual slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Pro Tip: For an even crispier, flaky pie crust when reheating, always use the oven or a toaster oven rather than the microwave. The microwave will soften the crust.
Expert Insight: Achieving the Perfect Homemade Apple Pie
Achieving the perfect texture and balanced sweetness in a homemade apple pie recipe relies on using a combination of tart and sweet apples, along with a well-chilled, flaky crust. Properly thickening the filling ensures the pie holds together while maintaining that classic homemade appeal.
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My Journey to the Perfect Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
Like many home bakers, my quest for the perfect apple pie wasn’t without its challenges. After several attemptsincluding one memorable crust that turned unpleasantly hard and another pie with an overly watery fillingI finally nailed this homemade apple pie recipe. Each trial helped me understand the delicate balance required for a truly flaky crust and a tender, perfectly set apple filling. The version you see today is a true reflection of patience and practice, and I promise you, it’s well worth the wait.
FAQs ( Homemade Apple Pie Recipe )
How do I make the pie crust flaky?
Use cold butter and ice water when making the crust, and avoid overworking the dough. Chilling the dough before rolling it out helps control gluten, ensuring a tender, flaky texture. Baking the crust blind with pie weights can prevent sogginess, making the crust perfect for this meal.
What apple varieties work best?
Tart apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn hold their shape and balance sweetness in this dish. Combining a mix of firm and slightly sweet apples creates a classic apple pie flavor with varying textures. Avoid overly soft apples to prevent a mushy filling.
Can I make the pie ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the pie up to a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking. For longer storage, freeze the assembled pie unbaked, then bake directly from frozen, adding extra time. This makes the recipe ideal for busy holiday preparations.
How do I prevent the filling from being runny?
Use a thickener like cornstarch or flour to absorb excess juice released by the apples during baking. Avoid overripe fruit, which can release more liquid. Baking the pie on a lower rack also helps evaporate moisture for a nicely set apple pie dessert.
What spices compliment this dish?
Cinnamon is a classic choice that adds warmth, while a touch of nutmeg or allspice enhances depth without overpowering. This recipe balances spices carefully to highlight the natural apple flavor. Adding spices gradually lets you tailor the profile to your preference.
Conclusion: Your New Favorite Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
This Homemade Apple Pie Recipe promises a truly exceptional dessert, delivering a perfectly flaky pie crust filled with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples that bake to golden perfection in under an hour. There’s no unnecessary fuss, just reliable comfort and delicious results every single time. You’ll love how this classic apple pie fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and consistently turns out beautifully.
Feel free to experiment with your favorite applesa splash of fresh lemon juice can brighten the filling, or you can swap out Granny Smith for Gala apples for a slightly sweeter twist. What about leftovers? Simply wrap them tightly and refrigerate, then reheat gently in the oven for a delightful flaky pie crust revivala handy tip I picked up from a pro baker. This truly is an easy fruit pie that will quickly become a staple in your family-friendly apple pie rotation.
I’d absolutely love to see your apple pie dessert snapshots or hear about any special add-ins you tried! Did making this classic apple pie bring back any cherished family traditions for you? Please pass this no-fuss apple pie recipe along to loved onesit’s one you’ll definitely want to make again and again, especially as those cozy fall days roll in.
