If you have been searching for the ultimate homemade dessert that fills your kitchen with warm, inviting aromas and brings everyone together, look no further. This Best Recipe for Apple Pie Recipe is nothing short of magical—a classic made extraordinary by a harmonious blend of sweet, tart apples and a perfectly flaky crust. Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or a holiday celebration, this pie will become your go-to comfort food that everyone will rave about. Get ready to fall in love with every slice!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is essential to nail this iconic dish. Each element plays a critical role — from the fresh apples that offer a juicy bite to the aromatic spices that bring warmth and depth, every ingredient works together to create that unforgettable apple pie experience.
- Double pie crust (2 sheets of pie dough): The foundation for a flaky, golden-brown crust that holds your filling beautifully.
- Lemon zest (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a bright, fresh zing that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Lemon juice (2 tablespoons, juice of half a lemon): Prevents browning and adds a subtle tartness to the apples.
- Apples (5 pounds): The star of the show! A mix of Granny Smith, Gala, and Golden Delicious brings a perfect balance of tart and sweet.
- Brown sugar (3/4 cup, packed): Provides a rich caramel flavor that complements the apples beautifully.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Offers balanced sweetness without overpowering the fruit.
- All-purpose flour (5 tablespoons): Thickens the filling so it stays luscious but not runny.
- Kosher salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
- Cinnamon (1 and 1/2 teaspoons): A classic spice that perfectly pairs with apples.
- Nutmeg (3/4 teaspoon): Adds warmth and a little hint of sophisticated spice.
- Cardamom (1/2 teaspoon, optional): A subtle exotic touch that elevates the pie to the next level.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings a comforting sweetness that rounds out the flavors.
- Milk (1 tablespoon): For brushing the crust to create a tender finish.
- Beaten egg (1 tablespoon, optional): Adds a beautiful glossy finish to your crust if you want it extra pretty.
- Raw sugar (1 tablespoon): For sprinkling on top to give a delightful crunch and sparkle.
How to Make Best Recipe for Apple Pie Recipe
Step 1: Choose and Prep Your Apples
Start by selecting about 5 pounds of apples — roughly 11 large ones. I recommend mixing Granny Smith, Gala, and Golden Delicious for a vibrant balance of tartness and sweetness. Peel and slice the apples into thin 1/8-inch pieces, doing one apple at a time to prevent browning. Toss slices immediately in lemon juice to keep them fresh and flavorful.
Step 2: Create the Filling Base
Using a microplane, zest 1/4 teaspoon of lemon peel into a large skillet, then add the juice from half a lemon. This citrus base brightens the filling and prevents the apples from losing their fresh color while cooking.
Step 3: Combine and Cook the Filling
Into the skillet, stir in your apples along with both sugars, flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional cardamom. Gently combine all ingredients until the apples are moistened and the spices evenly coat the fruit. Cook over medium heat with the lid on, stirring every few minutes for about 20 minutes. The apples should be tender but still hold their shape — the perfect texture for the best recipe for apple pie recipe. Add a splash of water if the mixture starts sticking.
Step 4: Finish the Filling
Once cooked, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla for a lovely, rich aroma. Transfer the filling to a pan to cool completely in the fridge or freezer for about 30 minutes. Cooling helps the filling thicken and makes assembling the pie easier.
Step 5: Prepare the Pie Crust
Roll out one sheet of your pie dough into a 9-inch deep-dish pie pan, leaving some overhang. Scoop your cooled apple filling into the crust, making sure to scrape every bit of the delicious caramel-like liquid from the pan.
Step 6: Top Your Pie
Place the second crust sheet on top. You can go for a beautiful lattice — which is surprisingly doable — or simply cover with a whole crust. When covering completely, poke holes on top to vent steam. Crimp the edges to seal and give the pie a charming, rustic look. For extra flakiness, refrigerate the pie for 20 to 30 minutes before baking.
Step 7: Bake the Pie to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 425°F with a baking sheet in the center rack to heat through. Just before baking, brush the crust with a mixture of milk and optional beaten egg to get that gorgeous golden finish. Sprinkle raw sugar over the top for sparkle and crunch. Bake for 15 minutes, then create a foil shield with a cut-out circle to protect the crust edges from over browning. Reduce the oven heat to 350°F and continue baking for another 40 to 45 minutes until the pie is bubbling and the crust is a luscious golden brown.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Patience is key here. Let the pie cool for about 4 hours on a wire rack to allow the filling to set perfectly. Slice generously and serve warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for indulgence.
How to Serve Best Recipe for Apple Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A simple scoop of classic vanilla ice cream melts beautifully over warm slices, creating a creamy contrast to the spiced apples. You can also sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or drizzle homemade caramel sauce for extra decadence that will impress any guest.
Side Dishes
This apple pie pairs wonderfully with a cup of strong coffee or a mildly spiced chai tea to balance the sweetness. For gatherings, consider serving alongside sharp cheddar cheese — a surprising yet delightful complement that highlights the pie’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Use individual mini ramekins to make single-serving apple pies with lattice tops — charming for parties or gifts. For a rustic vibe, serve slices on wooden boards garnished with fresh apple slices or a sprig of mint, enhancing the seasonal feel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After serving, cover your pie with plastic wrap and leave it on the counter for up to two days. If you want it to last longer, transfer it to the refrigerator after that. The filling and crust hold up beautifully, so you’ll enjoy each slice as much as the first.
Freezing
You can freeze your assembled pie before baking by wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When ready, bake from frozen, adding extra time to ensure the filling is bubbling and the crust is perfectly golden.
Reheating
Warm leftover pie slices in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes to revive the crispness of the crust and warm the filling just right. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy. A quick reheat brings back that freshly baked magic!
FAQs
Can I use only one type of apple?
Absolutely, but mixing apple varieties like Granny Smith and Golden Delicious gives your pie a more dynamic flavor with the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness. It’s what makes the best recipe for apple pie recipe truly special.
Is it necessary to cook the filling before baking?
Pre-cooking the filling ensures that your apples are tender but not mushy and your crust doesn’t end up soggy. It’s key to achieving the perfect texture and flavor you want from this classic dessert.
What if I don’t have cardamom? Can I skip it?
Yes, cardamom is optional. It adds a subtle spice that elevates the flavor, but your pie will still be delicious without it. Focus on the cinnamon and nutmeg for that comforting warm spice blend.
How do I prevent the crust edges from burning?
The foil shield with a cut-out circle is a game changer. It protects the edges during the longer bake, preventing them from burning while the filling finishes cooking and bubbling beautifully.
Can I make this pie vegan?
To make this pie vegan, substitute the butter in your pie crust with a plant-based alternative, skip the egg wash, and use a plant milk for brushing the crust. The filling itself is naturally vegan, so you’ll still get that incredible flavor.
Final Thoughts
Making the best recipe for apple pie recipe is such a rewarding experience — from the tantalizing aromas filling your home to the joy on your loved ones’ faces with each bite. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between traditional and elevated, simple but unforgettable. Give it a try and let this classic apple pie become a beloved tradition at your table!
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Best Recipe for Apple Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes plus 4 hours cooling
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic homemade apple pie recipe delivers a perfectly flaky double crust filled with a spiced, tender apple filling made from a blend of Granny Smith, Gala, and Golden Delicious apples. The apples are lightly cooked with lemon juice, brown and granulated sugar, and warm spices before being baked to golden perfection. With a beautiful lattice or whole topping crust brushed with milk and egg, and a sprinkle of raw sugar for crunch, this apple pie is a timeless dessert that’s best served cooled with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 homemade double pie crust (2 sheets of pie dough)
Apple Filling
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
- Juice from half a lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- 5 pounds apples (a mix of Granny Smith, Gala, and Golden Delicious), peeled and sliced 1/8 inch thick
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 3/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Brushing and Topping
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 tablespoon beaten egg (optional)
- 1 tablespoon raw sugar (for sprinkling on top)
Instructions
- Choose Your Apples: Select about 5 pounds of mixed apples (Granny Smith, Gala, Golden Delicious) for balanced flavor, roughly 11 large apples.
- Prepare Filling Base: Zest 1/4 teaspoon lemon peel into a large 12-inch high-sided skillet, then add the juice of half a lemon (about 2 tablespoons) to prevent browning.
- Peel and Slice Apples: Peel each apple using a potato peeler or apple peeler. Slice into 1/8 inch thick pieces, adding each apple immediately into the lemon juice in the skillet to keep them from browning. Stir occasionally to coat the apples.
- Heat Apples: Place the skillet over medium heat on the stovetop.
- Add Spices and Sugar: Add brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom. Gently stir to coat apples without breaking them.
- Cook Filling: Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring every 3 minutes to prevent sticking. The apples should become fork-tender yet hold their shape. Add water sparingly if sticking occurs.
- Stir in Vanilla: Remove from heat and mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Cool Filling: Transfer the apple mixture to a rimmed pan and spread evenly. Refrigerate or freeze to cool completely, about 30 minutes, or leave at room temperature for a couple of hours.
- Prepare Pie Crust: Roll out one sheet of pie dough into a deep 9-inch pie dish, allowing excess dough to hang over edges.
- Fill the Pie: Use a rubber spatula to transfer and spread the chilled apple filling into the pie crust, making sure to include all the caramelized juices.
- Add Top Crust: Cover with the second pie crust sheet or create a lattice crust if desired. Fold edges under and crimp, venting with knife slits if using a whole top crust.
- Chill the Pie: Place the assembled pie in the fridge or freezer for 20-30 minutes to firm the crust for baking.
- Preheat Oven: Set oven rack in the center and place a baking sheet inside. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C), heating the baking sheet for 20-25 minutes to ensure it’s very hot.
- Brush Crust: Before baking, brush the pie crust with a mixture of 1 tablespoon milk and 1 tablespoon beaten egg, or milk alone. Sprinkle raw sugar over the top.
- Bake Initial High-Heat: Carefully transfer pie onto the hot baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes until the edges start to brown lightly.
- Protect Edges with Foil: Prepare a foil shield by cutting a circular hole in a folded square of foil. Remove pie, reduce oven temp to 350°F (175°C), and tent the foil over the pie edges to prevent burning.
- bake at Reduced Heat: Return pie to oven and bake for an additional 40-45 minutes at 350°F until crust edges are brown and filling bubbles through vents.
- Cool the Pie: Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack for about 4 hours to allow filling to set properly and avoid runniness.
- Serve: Slice and serve at room temperature with optional vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce for an indulgent treat.
- Store: Keep pie covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, then refrigerate to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Using a mix of sweet and tart apples enhances flavor complexity.
- Cooking the apple filling briefly before baking ensures tender but not mushy apples.
- Cooling the filling before assembling prevents soggy crust.
- Chilling the assembled pie crust before baking helps achieve a flaky texture.
- Use foil shields to protect crust edges from burning during baking.
- Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing to prevent filling leakage.
- For a glossy crust, brush with beaten egg; for matte, use milk only.
- Store leftovers covered; pie is best eaten within 3-4 days.
