Name: Classic Apple Pie Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2½ cups (310 g) all-purpose flour; 1 tsp salt; 1 tbsp granulated sugar; 1 cup (2 sticks / 230 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 6–8 tbsp ice water; 6 cups (about 6 medium) apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (Granny Smith + Honeycrisp work well); ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar; ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar, packed; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; ¼ tsp ground nutmeg; ¼ tsp ground allspice; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash); 1 tbsp coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)

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There’s something downright magical about sinking your fork into a Classic Apple Pie. With its perfectly golden, buttery crust and tender, spiced apple filling, this timeless treat wraps you in warmth and comfort from the very first bite. Whether you’re planning a holiday feast, looking for a cozy weekend project, or just craving a slice of down-home nostalgia, Classic Apple Pie never lets you down—it’s the sort of dessert that feels like a true labor of love, but is always worth every minute.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making a Classic Apple Pie calls for simple but essential ingredients, each playing a starring role in creating that crave-worthy magic. From crisp apples to creamy butter, every element helps shape the flavors and textures that make this pie such an enduring favorite.

All-purpose flour: The backbone of a tender, flaky crust that holds up to juicy apples while melting in your mouth.
Salt: Enhances the flavors in the crust and keeps the balance between sweet and savory.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the crust and the filling, bringing out the best in those apples.
Unsalted butter: Cold and cubed is key to ultimate flakiness—think of every bite as buttery perfection.
Ice water: Keeps the crust dough cool so the butter doesn’t melt before baking, resulting in irresistible layers.
Apples (Granny Smith + Honeycrisp): A mix of tart and sweet apples gives your filling complexity, bite, and just the right juiciness.
Brown sugar: Adds warmth, depth, and a hint of caramel flavor that pairs beautifully with apples.
All-purpose flour (for filling): Gently thickens the apple juices so your pie slices stay picture-perfect.
Ground cinnamon: The classic spice that defines apple pie, infusing the filling with cozy flavor.
Nutmeg & allspice: Just a pinch of each adds surprising warmth and complexity to the apple mixture.
Lemon juice: Freshens up the filling, brightens the flavors, and keeps the apples from browning.
Vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant sweetness that rounds out the spice.
Egg (for egg wash): Brushed on the crust for that irresistible golden shine.
Coarse sugar (optional): A sprinkle on top lends sparkle and a gentle crunch.

How to Make Classic Apple Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

Start by mixing your flour, salt, and sugar together in a large bowl—these are the foundation for a pie crust that’s both flaky and flavorful. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the cold, cubed butter in just until you’ve got pea-sized bits throughout the mix. This is the secret to those beautiful pockets of steam that make every bite tender. Slowly add ice water, a tablespoon at a time, gently pulling the dough together until it can be shaped into two discs. Let the dough relax and hydrate in the fridge for at least an hour; your patience will be rewarded, trust me!

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

While your dough chills, get your apples ready. Peel, core, and thinly slice a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples—they’re a dream team of tart and sweet. In a big bowl, toss the apples with both sugars, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, lemon juice, and vanilla. Let everything mingle for about 15 minutes; this resting time draws out the juices, so your filling bakes up luscious and not watery.

Step 3: Assemble the Classic Apple Pie

Now comes the fun part! Roll out one chilled dough disc on a lightly floured surface, aiming for a circle a little larger than your 9-inch pie pan. Fit it into the pan, letting the edges hang over just a bit. Fill it high with your glorious apple mixture. Roll out your second dough disc and gently lay it on top. Trim and crimp the edges so everything is nicely sealed, and be sure to cut several slits for steam to escape—a pie that breathes is a pie that doesn’t bubble over. Brush the top with beaten egg and, for extra sparkle, a generous sprinkle of coarse sugar.

Step 4: Bake Your Pie

Set your assembled Classic Apple Pie on a baking sheet (to catch any sneaky juices) and place it in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until your kitchen smells like pure autumn bliss and the crust is a glorious golden brown with bubbling juice peeking through the vents. If the edges start to brown too quickly, cover them with foil partway through. Once finished, resist the urge to cut in right away—wait at least two hours to let the filling set.

How to Serve Classic Apple Pie

Garnishes

A slice of Classic Apple Pie positively shines when topped with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a cloud of freshly whipped cream. A sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of salted caramel never hurts, either! These little touches add even more comfort and joy to every bite.

Side Dishes

For a special treat, pair your pie with a steaming mug of spiced cider or rich coffee, letting the flavors mingle and contrast beautifully. If you’re serving Classic Apple Pie for a holiday meal, think about a platter of roasted nuts or a crisp salad as a refreshing counterpoint.

Creative Ways to Present

Take things up a notch by serving pie à la mode in mason jars for a rustic look, or portion out small wedges on individual dessert boards with tiny bowls of toppings. For parties, try baking mini pies or hand pies so everyone enjoys their own adorable version of Classic Apple Pie!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Classic Apple Pie keeps beautifully at room temperature for up to a day, covered loosely with foil or plastic wrap. If you have leftovers beyond that (lucky you!), transfer them to the fridge, where slices will stay delicious for another few days. Just be sure to let the pie come to room temperature before diving in for the best texture.

Freezing

Want to make your Classic Apple Pie ahead? After baking and cooling completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. You can also freeze the unbaked pie, ready to pop in the oven straight from the freezer—just add extra baking time.

Reheating

To recapture that freshly-baked magic, warm slices in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes. Whole pies can be reheated in the oven covered loosely with foil until heated through. Skip the microwave if you can—the crust stays crisper with oven reheating!

FAQs

Can I use all one type of apple?

Yes, but combining varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp really does create the best balance of tartness and sweetness. If you use just one type, stick with a firm, baking-friendly apple to keep Classic Apple Pie from turning mushy.

What should I do if the filling is too runny?

Letting the pie cool for at least two hours after baking is key—the juices will thicken up as the pie sets. Also, make sure to toss the apples in flour; it helps thicken the filling as it bakes.

Do I have to make the crust from scratch?

Not at all! A high-quality store-bought crust works in a pinch, especially if you’re short on time. But if you have a moment to spare, homemade crust really elevates your Classic Apple Pie.

How do I keep the bottom crust from getting soggy?

Try preheating your baking sheet and placing the pie directly on it. This helps the bottom crust set quickly and stay crisp. Don’t forget to let the pie cool before slicing, which also helps the crust firm up.

Can I make Classic Apple Pie vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute vegetable shortening or a vegan butter for the crust, use plant-based milk for the wash, and make sure your sugar is vegan. The filling itself is already free of animal products.

Final Thoughts

Few things are more rewarding than pulling a Classic Apple Pie fresh from the oven and sharing it with people you love. Give this recipe a try—your kitchen will smell heavenly, and you’ll create new memories with every warm, cinnamon-scented slice.