Recipe Apple Pie – Ultimate Guide with Easy Homemade Crust

If you’re searching for the recipe apple pie lovers come back to every fall, you’re in the right kitchen. This isn’t just any dessert—it’s the one that warms your house, fills it with cinnamon-spiced air, and reminds you of cozy weekends and family dinners. In this easy-to-follow guide, you’ll learn how to make a flaky, buttery crust from scratch, choose the best apples for that perfect filling, and bake a pie so good, you’ll want to make it year-round. Whether you’re a baking beginner or a pie pro, this recipe delivers big flavor, great texture, and foolproof results.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

A Slice of Home – Why This Apple Pie Recipe Means So Much

Grandma’s Kitchen Inspiration

I still remember standing on a step stool in my grandma’s kitchen, reaching over the worn wooden counter to help peel apples. The cinnamon smell would drift through the house long before the pie was in the oven. That recipe apple pie we made every fall wasn’t just dessert—it was tradition. Over the years, I’ve recreated that memory with my own twist, and now, I get to share it with you.

There’s something comforting about warm apple filling and golden flaky crust. It feels like home, like holidays, like slowing down. And it’s easier to make than most people think—especially when you have a dependable recipe to follow.

Why This Recipe Works (and You’ll Love It)

This recipe apple pie is built to be both classic and approachable. It uses pantry-friendly ingredients, comes together in one buttery, bubbling dish, and turns out beautifully every time. With just a few simple steps, you can bake a pie that’s crisp on the bottom, tender on top, and filled with tart-sweet apple goodness.

If you love apple-forward flavors like in our Easy Apple Upside-Down Gingerbread or Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bowl, this pie takes that comfort to the next level. Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, this guide will walk you through every detail.

So roll up your sleeves, grab those apples, and let’s bake something beautiful together.

Print

Ingredients & Tools You’ll Need

Apple Pie Ingredient List (With Notes on Why They Matter)

Before you start mixing and rolling, let’s break down the exact ingredients you need to bring this recipe apple pie to life. These aren’t fancy or hard to find—just honest ingredients that create a pie with balance, structure, and deep flavor.

• 8 small Granny Smith apples – Their tartness holds up during baking and pairs perfectly with sweet fillings.
• ½ cup unsalted butter – For richness in the filling; salted butter can alter flavor balance.
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour – Helps thicken the filling without making it gummy.
• ½ cup white sugar + ½ cup packed brown sugar – The blend gives the pie depth; brown sugar adds molasses notes.
• ¼ cup water – Combines with the sugars and butter to create a luscious syrup.
• 1 double-crust 9-inch pie pastry (thawed) – Use store-bought or homemade dough (we’ll show you how). A double crust is essential for that golden top.

You can easily scale the recipe using ½x or 2x measurements, depending on the crowd. And if you’re inspired by cozy fall flavors, pair your pie with our Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake for the morning after or these Apple Cinnamon Muffins as an afternoon treat.

Essential Tools for Pie Success

For the best results, gather these basics:

• Peeler and sharp knife – To slice apples evenly.
• Mixing bowls – One for dry ingredients, one for filling.
• Saucepan – For making the buttery syrup that brings the filling together.
• 9-inch pie dish – Glass or ceramic works best to monitor browning.
• Rolling pin (if using homemade crust) – Keeps thickness even.
• Pastry brush – For egg wash (optional, but helps with golden crust).
• Pie shield or foil – Prevents edges from burning while the center cooks.

These tools are simple but make all the difference in how your recipe apple pie bakes up—flaky, golden, and evenly cooked every time.

Choosing the Right Apples for Flavor & Texture

Best Apples for Apple Pie (Compared)

Choosing the right apples is one of the most overlooked—but most important—parts of a successful recipe apple pie. Some apples break down too fast and turn mushy. Others stay too firm or taste bland once baked. The best apple pie comes from mixing different varieties to balance tartness, sweetness, and texture.

Here’s a quick guide to help you choose:

Apple Variety	Flavor Profile	Texture When Baked	Best Use
Granny Smith	Tart, crisp	Holds shape well	Base apple for most pies
Honeycrisp	Sweet, juicy	Firm with slight softness	Add for sweetness and contrast
Jonagold	Tart-sweet blend	Tender but not mushy	Great in mixed apple pies
Pink Lady	Balanced, floral notes	Crisp with slight softening	Adds flavor complexity

Why Mixing Apples Works Best

One of the secrets to a showstopping recipe apple pie is using two or more apple types. For example, pairing Granny Smith with Honeycrisp gives you a tart foundation and a burst of juicy sweetness. This combination also prevents the filling from tasting flat or turning mushy. And the contrast in textures keeps every bite interesting.

Need more inspiration? Check out our Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes for a sweet-savory flavor combo, or bake a batch of Apple Brownies with Maple Glaze to test different apple varieties in dessert form.

Mixing apples isn’t just a trick—it’s a smart, foolproof way to build better flavor and texture into every bite of your pie.

Making the Crust – Flaky, Buttery, or Quick

Why the Crust Makes or Breaks Your Apple Pie

The crust is where many pies go wrong—but not this one. In this recipe apple pie, we’re giving you options. Want to go fully homemade with a buttery, flaky texture? We’ve got that. Need a shortcut with store-bought dough? No judgment—your pie will still taste amazing. What matters is how you handle the dough: keep it cold, don’t overwork it, and bake it long enough to turn golden brown.

Here’s what we recommend for a flaky, homemade pie crust:

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar (optional)
• 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 6–8 tbsp ice water

Blend dry ingredients, cut in the butter until the texture resembles coarse crumbs, then slowly add water just until it holds together. Divide, shape into disks, and chill for 1 hour before rolling.

Crust Options for Any Skill Level

If you’re in a rush, a store-bought double-crust pastry works well—just thaw it fully before using. For more flavor, try brushing the bottom crust with a light egg white wash before filling; it prevents sogginess. Looking to impress? Try a lattice top—it’s easier than it looks and gives that classic look everyone loves.

And if you love simple baking with a twist, check out our Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bowl or the cozy Apple and Sage Turkey Meatballs—both pack sweet-savory balance that echoes pie-season goodness.

However you crust it—flaky, buttery, or fast—treat your dough with care, and your recipe apple pie will shine from the very first bite.

Prepping the Filling – Thick, Juicy, and Spiced Just Right

The Secret to Perfect Apple Pie Filling

In any recipe apple pie, the filling is where magic happens. Get it wrong, and your pie’s either runny, bland, or overly sweet. But when you get it right—it’s saucy, spiced, and just the right consistency to slice cleanly without puddles.

The secret? A buttery syrup base plus flour for thickening. No cornstarch needed. Here’s what you do:

1. Melt ½ cup unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Whisk in 3 tablespoons of flour to make a roux. Cook for 1 minute until smooth.
3. Add ½ cup white sugar, ½ cup packed brown sugar, and ¼ cup water.
4. Let it simmer until thick and glossy, about 2–3 minutes.

That’s your syrup. Now toss your peeled and sliced Granny Smith apples with ground cinnamon (1–2 tsp), nutmeg (optional), and a pinch of salt. Then pour the hot syrup over the apples and mix gently to coat every slice. Let it rest while you prep the crust.

Getting the Spice Just Right

Spices can make or break your filling. Cinnamon is a must. Nutmeg adds warmth. A splash of vanilla extract or lemon juice can brighten the flavor. Adjust to your preference, but don’t skip seasoning altogether—bland apple pie is a missed opportunity.

Bonus tip: if your apples are extra juicy, toss in an extra teaspoon of flour to prevent sogginess.

Want to explore how baked apples work in other cozy dishes? Our Apple Upside-Down Gingerbread is a delicious spin-off, and this Apple Brownies with Maple Glaze uses a similar spice profile.

A well-balanced filling makes this recipe apple pie unforgettable—syrupy, spiced, and ready to shine beneath that golden crust.

Assembling the Pie – Step-by-Step to Golden Perfection

From Dough to Pie Dish: Assembly Basics

Now it’s time to bring your recipe apple pie to life. You’ve got your crust chilled and rolled, your filling thick and fragrant—this is where it all comes together. Take your time and follow these steps for a clean, beautiful, and golden finish.

1. Roll out your bottom crust into a 12-inch round and carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish. Let the edges hang over slightly.
2. Spoon in your prepared apple filling—including the syrup. Spread it out evenly, pressing the apples down slightly to eliminate gaps.
3. Add the top crust. For a full crust, roll out another 12-inch round, place it over the filling, and trim any excess overhang to about ½ inch beyond the dish. For a lattice, cut strips and weave them evenly.
4. Crimp the edges with your fingers or a fork to seal. This keeps the juices in and prevents bubbling over.
5. Cut 4–5 slits in the top if using a solid crust to allow steam to escape.
6. Brush the top crust with egg wash (1 beaten egg with 1 tbsp milk or water) for shine and color.

Finishing Touches for That Bakery-Style Look

To get that perfect golden crust, preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Bake your pie on the lower third rack for 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350°F (177°C) and bake for another 35–45 minutes, until the crust is golden and the filling bubbles at the edges.

Want to learn more ways to work apple flavor into your meals? Try our Apple and Sage Turkey Meatballs for a savory twist or serve your pie warm with a side of our Apple Cinnamon Muffins for the ultimate fall dessert spread.

With this step-by-step method, your recipe apple pie will be golden, crisp on the edges, bubbling in the center, and completely irresistible.

Baking & Cooling – Getting the Timing Just Right

Baking Your Pie to Golden, Bubbling Perfection

The final steps in your recipe apple pie journey are baking and cooling—and they matter just as much as the filling and crust. Get this part right, and your pie will have a crisp bottom, flaky top, and luscious set filling.

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (218°C). Place your assembled pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Position the pie on the lower third rack—this helps the bottom crust cook through before the top overbrowns.

Bake at this high temperature for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the oven to 350°F (177°C) and continue baking for 35–45 minutes. You’re looking for bubbling filling at the vents and a golden brown crust. If the edges brown too fast, cover them with a pie shield or strips of foil halfway through.

Cool Time = Set Time (Don’t Skip It)

Once baked, your recipe apple pie needs at least 2 hours of cooling on a wire rack. This is non-negotiable. The filling continues to thicken and set during this rest time. If you cut it too soon, it’ll spill and look underbaked—even if it’s cooked perfectly.

Want a similar warm-baked vibe in the morning? Try our Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake for an easy prep-ahead breakfast. And for a cozy spiced dessert, our Easy Apple Upside-Down Gingerbread captures the same flavors in cake form.

When in doubt, trust the look and the smell: golden crust, bubbling filling, and a sweet-spiced aroma mean your recipe apple pie is ready to cool, slice, and impress.

Serving Suggestions – From Classic to Creative

How to Serve Apple Pie Like a Pro

Your recipe apple pie just came out of the oven, perfectly golden and smelling like a fall dream. Now comes the fun part—serving it up. The classic choice? Warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold cream melts over the spiced apples and flaky crust. It’s the kind of moment that turns dessert into a memory.

Want to elevate it? Try these twists:

• Whipped cream – Lightly sweetened and spiked with vanilla or cinnamon.
• Caramel drizzle – A buttery caramel sauce brings richness and shine.
• Cheddar cheese – Believe it or not, this old-school combo works. The sharp cheese cuts the sweetness and adds contrast.

Creative Ways to Present Your Pie

Apple pie is versatile. Slice it thick and serve with a fork—or go handheld by cutting it into wedges and wrapping them in parchment for rustic, picnic-style servings. You can also turn leftovers into apple pie parfaits by layering crumbled pie, yogurt or whipped cream, and nuts in a glass. It’s a great way to stretch one pie into multiple desserts.

Looking for more cozy inspiration? Our Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes pair beautifully with savory meals, while Apple Cinnamon Muffins offer a soft-spiced snack you can enjoy anytime.

Whatever you choose, this recipe apple pie is best served with friends, stories, and maybe a second slice.

Storage & Reheating – Keep It Fresh, Crisp & Delicious

How to Store Your Apple Pie the Right Way

Once your recipe apple pie cools completely, storing it properly makes a big difference in taste and texture. Leave it out at room temperature (covered loosely with foil or plastic wrap) for up to 2 days. After that, it’s best to refrigerate.

In the fridge, your pie stays good for 4–5 days, especially if it’s tightly wrapped or stored in an airtight container. Expect the crust to soften slightly—but the flavor holds up beautifully.

Want to freeze it? Absolutely. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

How to Reheat Without a Soggy Crust

The trick to reheating recipe apple pie is preserving that crisp bottom. Skip the microwave—it makes the crust rubbery. Instead:

• For slices: Place in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes on a baking sheet.
• For the whole pie: Tent with foil and reheat at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, removing the foil during the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.

You can also reheat individual slices in a toaster oven for an extra-crisp finish.

For more make-ahead friendly ideas, try our Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake—it stores and reheats like a dream. Or bake a batch of Apple Cinnamon Muffins for grab-and-go sweetness all week long.

Handled right, your recipe apple pie stays just as good on day three as it was fresh from the oven.

FAQs about recipe apple pie