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If there is one dessert that instantly evokes cozy afternoons and heartfelt smiles, it has to be this Homemade Apple Pie Recipe. Crisp, tender apples enveloped in a buttery, flaky crust create a warm, nostalgic treat that’s both timeless and utterly irresistible. This pie strikes the perfect balance between sweet and spiced, with cinnamon and nutmeg enhancing the fresh fruit’s brightness. Whether you are baking for family, friends, or simply yourself, this Homemade Apple Pie Recipe is sure to become a cherished staple that brings joy with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need
This Homemade Apple Pie Recipe relies on simple, everyday ingredients that come together to produce a mouthwatering harmony of texture and flavor. Each component is chosen not just for taste but for how it contributes to the pie’s perfect crust, luscious filling, and beautiful appearance.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for the buttery, flaky pie dough that holds everything together.
- 1 teaspoon salt: A pinch to balance and enhance the sweetness of the filling.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Adds a subtle hint of sweetness to the crust.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced: Key to achieving that golden, tender crumb and flaky texture.
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water: Helps bind the dough without melting the butter, keeping it light and flaky.
- 6 to 7 cups thinly sliced peeled apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended): Crisp and slightly tart apples provide the perfect filling flavor and texture.
- 3/4 cup sugar: Sweetens the apples while allowing their fresh flavor to shine through.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the apple juices so the filling won’t be runny.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and classic spice that pairs perfectly with apples.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds depth and a subtle hint of complexity to the spice mix.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the filling and prevents apples from browning.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Dotted on the filling for a rich, buttery finish.
- 1 egg yolk: Used in the glaze to give the crust a beautiful golden shine.
- 1 tablespoon milk: Mixed with egg yolk for the perfect glaze consistency.
How to Make Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar, which will balance the flavors in your crust. Then cut in the chilled, diced butter until the mixture feels like coarse crumbs. The key here is to keep the butter cold—it’s what makes the crust flaky and tender. Add the ice water gradually, stirring until the dough just comes together. Divide the dough into two equal parts, wrap them in plastic, and pop them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to rest and chill.
Step 2: Create the Apple Filling
While your dough chills, mix the thinly sliced apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice in a large bowl. Each ingredient is crucial: the sugar adds sweetness, flour thickens the juices during baking, and spices add that signature warm aroma. The lemon juice keeps the apples fresh in color and taste, making sure your filling stays vibrant.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Roll out one piece of dough into a circle large enough to fit your pie pan. Gently ease it into the pan without stretching the dough, which could shrink during baking. Spoon the apple mixture evenly over the bottom crust and dot the filling with bits of butter for that added richness. Roll out the second dough circle and carefully cover your pie, trimming the edges and pinching them together to seal in all those delicious juices.
Step 4: Finish and Bake
Cut small slits in your top crust to let steam escape—this gives the pie a perfect texture without sogginess. Brush the crust with a mix of egg yolk and milk for a golden, glossy finish that looks as amazing as it tastes. Bake in your preheated oven for 15 minutes, then lower the temp to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for another 35 to 45 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crust is beautifully browned. Let it cool slightly before slicing so the filling can set.
How to Serve Homemade Apple Pie Recipe

Garnishes
A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream is a classic and irresistible topping that pairs wonderfully with the warm spices and crisp apples in this pie. For a touch of elegance, sprinkle freshly grated nutmeg or a dusting of powdered sugar over the top just before serving—it adds subtle sweetness and visual appeal that’s hard to resist.
Side Dishes
If you want to elevate your Homemade Apple Pie Recipe into a full dessert experience, try serving it alongside a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Both bring a lush texture and additional flavor notes that complement the pie’s warm, spiced filling perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the plate by serving your pie in rustic individual ramekins for a charming, personal touch. Or, for festive gatherings, top each slice with a sprig of fresh mint and a cinnamon stick to turn this classic dessert into a centerpiece everyone will admire and talk about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Homemade Apple Pie Recipe leftovers keep wonderfully when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will maintain the crust’s texture and the freshness of the apple filling for up to 4 days, letting you enjoy a comforting slice any time you like.
Freezing
If you want to bake ahead, this pie freezes beautifully either fully assembled or after baking. Wrap it well in foil and plastic wrap to protect against freezer burn. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or serving chilled.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your Homemade Apple Pie Recipe is in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. This revives the crust’s crispiness and warms the filling perfectly without making it soggy, giving you a freshly baked experience every time.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this Homemade Apple Pie Recipe?
Absolutely! Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great for tartness and firmness, but you can mix in sweeter apples like Fuji or Gala for a more balanced flavor. Just keep an eye on the texture, as some apples soften more during baking.
Is it okay to make the pie dough by hand, or should I use a food processor?
Either method works perfectly. Making dough by hand allows you to feel the texture, but a food processor speeds things up and helps keep the butter cold, which is great for flakiness. Just be careful not to overwork the dough.
What if my pie crust is cracking while rolling?
This usually means the dough is too cold or dry. Pause and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly, then roll gently. Dust your surface lightly with flour to help prevent sticking and cracking.
Can I prepare the apple filling in advance?
Yes! You can mix the apple filling a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. This allows the flavors to meld nicely. Just give it a gentle stir before filling your crust to redistribute any liquid.
How do I achieve a shiny, golden crust?
Brushing the top crust with a mixture of egg yolk and milk right before baking is the secret. This glaze promotes browning and gives the pie a professional, glossy finish that’s inviting and beautiful.
Final Thoughts
Making this Homemade Apple Pie Recipe is not just about baking a dessert—it’s about creating moments full of warmth, aroma, and love that fill your kitchen and heart. Once you taste that first slice with its flaky crust and spiced apple filling, you’ll understand why this pie is such a treasured classic. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and make this recipe your own—it’s pure comfort in every bite.
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Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic homemade apple pie features a flaky, buttery crust filled with a sweet and spiced apple mixture. Made from scratch with fresh Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples, this pie is perfect for a comforting dessert that’s both traditional and delicious.
Ingredients
Pie Dough
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water
Apple Filling
- 6 to 7 cups thinly sliced peeled apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter
Egg Wash
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the pie.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the 2 1/2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon sugar evenly.
- Cut in Butter: Add 1 cup of diced unsalted butter into the flour mixture, cutting it in until the texture resembles coarse crumbs, which helps create a flaky crust.
- Add Ice Water: Gradually stir in ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough forms into a ball. Then divide the dough into two equal parts.
- Chill Dough: Roll each portion into a circle, wrap them with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up the dough.
- Prepare Apple Filling: In another bowl, toss the sliced apples with 3/4 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice to evenly coat.
- Roll Bottom Crust: Roll out one dough circle to fit your pie pan and gently place it inside the pan, creating the base.
- Add Filling and Butter: Pour the apple mixture into the pastry-lined pan and dot with 1 tablespoon of butter for added richness.
- Cover with Top Crust: Roll out the second dough circle and carefully lay it over the filling. Trim any excess dough and press the edges together to seal the pie.
- Vent Pie: Cut small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking, ensuring a crisp crust.
- Apply Egg Wash: Mix the egg yolk with 1 tablespoon milk and brush this glaze over the top crust to achieve a golden brown finish when baked.
- Bake Pie: Bake the pie at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for another 35 to 45 minutes until the apples are tender and the crust is golden.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool slightly before slicing and serving to let the filling set properly.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture.
- Chilling the dough prevents shrinking and helps achieve a flakier crust.
- Adjust sugar amount based on the sweetness of your apples.
- Make sure to cut vents in the top crust to avoid soggy pie.
- Letting the pie cool before serving helps the filling set and avoids burns.

