There is something undeniably comforting about the Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe that brings people together. This pie is a perfect harmony of tart and sweet apples, warmly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, encased in a flaky golden crust that melts in your mouth. It’s that treasured dessert that feels like home in every bite, making it an essential for family gatherings, holidays, or simply indulging on a cozy evening. Once you master this recipe, you’ll realize just how approachable and rewarding homemade pie can be.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe lies in a handful of simple, quality ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, from the crisp apples that form the heart of the pie to the spices that give it that warm, nostalgic flavor. The crust brings everything together with its buttery, flaky texture that makes every slice irresistible.
- Brown sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness that complements the apples beautifully.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the filling so it’s perfectly set without being runny.
- Cinnamon: The classic spice that gives the pie its signature warmth and aroma.
- Ground ginger: Offers a subtle zing, balancing the sweetness with a hint of spice.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds depth and a cozy feel to the spice blend.
- Apples (peeled and sliced): Choose tart varieties like Granny Smith for that perfect balance with sugar.
- Lemon juice: Keeps the apples bright and prevents browning, while adding fresh citrus notes.
- Pie crust (for double crust): The golden, flaky outside that holds the filling and bakes to perfection.
- Butter: Adds richness and creates little pockets of flavor within the filling.
- Egg white: Used to brush the crust for a beautiful, glossy finish.
How to Make Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
Begin by mixing the brown sugar, flour, and spices in a small bowl; these will coat and season the apples to perfection. Toss your peeled and sliced apples in lemon juice to keep their color vibrant and add a touch of brightness. Then, combine the sugar-spice mixture with the apples, ensuring every slice is evenly coated. This step creates that luscious, warmly spiced apple filling that is the signature of this Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe.
Step 2: Assemble the Pie
Take your pie crust and carefully line a 9-inch pie dish with the bottom crust, trimming any excess to create a clean edge. Fill it generously with the apple mixture and dot with bits of butter for extra richness. Next, roll out the remaining pie crust to cover the top, sealing and crimping the edges to lock in all the goodness. Don’t forget to cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking, which keeps the crust wonderfully flaky.
Step 3: Prepare the Crust for Baking
Whisk the egg white until foamy — this step is key for giving your crust that irresistible golden shine. Brush it evenly over the top crust, then sprinkle with a bit of sugar for added sparkle and crunch. To prevent the edges from overbrowning as the pie bakes, loosely cover them with foil. This simple trick helps the crust bake evenly, producing a beautifully crisp, golden finish every time.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop the pie in the oven at 375°F and bake for 25 minutes covered with foil on the edges. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 20 to 25 minutes until the crust is perfectly golden and the apple filling is bubbling with warmth. Cooling the pie on a wire rack ensures the filling sets just right, so every slice holds together beautifully and tastes incredible.
How to Serve Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a dollop of freshly whipped cream enhances the warmth and sweetness of this pie. You can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that classic, dreamy apple pie à la mode experience. Fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of cinnamon add a touch of elegance and extra aroma.
Side Dishes
While this Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe shines on its own, pairing it with a hot cup of spiced tea or freshly brewed coffee makes for a perfect afternoon treat. For a more substantial dessert course, try serving it alongside a creamy cheese plate or nutty brittle for a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the classic slice! Serve individual mini apple pies in ramekins for a charming presentation at dinner parties or holidays. You can also accompany the pie with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans to add a rich crunch and extra visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pie is a treasure that keeps on giving. Store any uneaten slices covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for about four days to keep the filling fresh and the crust slightly crisp.
Freezing
This Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the entire baked pie tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. It can be stored for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently for that just-baked warmth.
Reheating
To bring your pie back to life, reheat individual slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. This helps restore the crispness of the crust and warms the spiced filling without making it soggy.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for this pie?
Absolutely! A mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji can create a more complex flavor profile and balanced sweetness. Just make sure the apples you use hold up well during baking to avoid a mushy filling.
Is it necessary to use a double crust pie?
While the double crust is traditional and adds that flaky top layer many love, you can also make a single crust pie with a crumble topping if you prefer a different texture. Both are delicious, so it’s up to your taste preference!
Can I prepare the pie crust from scratch?
Definitely! Homemade pie crust can elevate the pie even further with its buttery, tender texture. If you’re short on time, store-bought crusts work perfectly well for this Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe.
What if I don’t have ground ginger or nutmeg?
Don’t worry—if you’re missing any of these spices, you can omit them or substitute with a pinch of allspice or cloves. The pie will still taste wonderful and comforting.
How can I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
A few handy tricks include tossing the apples in flour to thicken excess juices and using butter dots in the filling to absorb moisture. Also, the foil around the edges during baking ensures the crust doesn’t overcook yet stays crisp overall.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one dessert to add to your baking repertoire, it’s this Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe. It combines simplicity, nostalgia, and incredible flavor in a way that invites everyone to gather and enjoy. From its cozy spice blend to that perfectly flaky crust, no matter the occasion, this pie will always feel like a warm hug from your oven. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how effortlessly it becomes a favorite!
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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
This classic apple pie recipe features a buttery double crust filled with a spiced apple mixture. With a balance of sweet and tart flavors enhanced by warm cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, this pie is perfect for any occasion. The flaky crust brushed with egg white and topped with sugar bakes to a golden finish, delivering a delicious dessert that yields eight generous servings.
Ingredients
Pie 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
Pie Crust
- 1 (9 inch) pie crust (for double crust)
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- 1 large egg white
- Sugar for sprinkling on top
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, all-purpose flour, cinnamon, ground ginger, and nutmeg; set this mixture aside. In a large bowl, toss the peeled and sliced apples with lemon juice to prevent browning. Add the sugar and spice mixture to the apples and toss well to coat all the apple slices evenly.
- Assemble the pie: Line a 9-inch pie dish with the bottom pie crust and trim the edges to fit evenly. Fill the crust with the apple mixture and dot the fruit with small pieces of butter for richness. Roll out the remaining pie crust to fit as the top crust and place it over the filling. Trim any excess dough, seal the edges by pressing them together, then flute the edges decoratively. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Prepare the crust for baking: Beat the egg white until it becomes foamy and brush it gently over the entire surface of the top crust. Sprinkle some sugar on top of the egg white coating to add crunch and sweetness. To prevent the edges from burning, cover them loosely with foil before baking.
- Bake the pie: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pie with the foil-covered edges for 25 minutes initially. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly and cooked through. Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and cool it on a wire rack before serving to allow the filling to set.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced flavor and firmer texture.
- Make sure to cut even slits on the top crust to allow steam to escape and prevent a soggy crust.
- Letting the pie cool before serving helps the filling to thicken properly.
- Cover the edges with foil early to avoid overbrowning the crust edges while baking.
- You can prepare the pie crust and store it in the fridge before assembling the pie to save time.
