Classic Apple Pie
Traditional apple pie with flaky crust and perfectly spiced filling. A timeless American dessert.
Sarah Johnson
Passionate home baker and founder of BakeryYou
Introduction
Nothing says comfort like a homemade apple pie with its golden, flaky crust and perfectly spiced apple filling. This classic recipe has been passed down through generations and represents the heart of American baking.
The secret to a perfect apple pie lies in the balance - a tender, flaky crust that doesn't get soggy, and apples that are soft but not mushy, with just the right amount of cinnamon and spice.
The Complete Guide
The Perfect Apple Pie
Creating the perfect apple pie is an art that combines technique with tradition. This recipe will guide you through every step to ensure your pie has a flaky, golden crust and perfectly spiced filling.
Choosing the Right Apples
Granny Smith apples are the gold standard for pie baking. They hold their shape well during baking and provide the perfect tart flavor that balances the sweetness of the filling.
Mixing Varieties: For even more complex flavor, try combining Granny Smith with Honeycrisp or Braeburn apples.
The Perfect Crust
A great pie starts with great crust. Keep your butter cold, don't overwork the dough, and use ice water to bring it together. The key is creating layers of butter that will create flakiness when baked.
Step-by-Step Photos
Pro Tips & Tricks
- Apple Preparation: Slice apples evenly (about ¼ inch thick) so they cook uniformly.
- Prevent Soggy Bottom: Pre-bake the bottom crust for 10 minutes before adding filling, or brush with beaten egg white.
- Perfect Lattice: For a beautiful lattice top, weave strips of dough over and under each other.
- Egg Wash: Brush the top crust with beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar for a beautiful golden finish.
- Cooling is Key: Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before slicing to allow the filling to set properly.
Recipe Variations
Delicious Variations
Dutch Apple Pie: Top with a crumb topping instead of a second crust for a different texture.
Caramel Apple Pie: Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples before adding the top crust.
Apple Cranberry Pie: Add 1 cup fresh cranberries to the apple mixture for tartness and color.
Spiced Apple Pie: Add a pinch of cardamom and ginger along with the cinnamon for warm, complex flavors.
Recipe
Ingredients
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How it works: This recipe originally serves 8 people. Use the buttons below to adjust the serving size and all ingredient amounts will automatically recalculate for you!
Instructions
Step 1
Make the crust: In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces.
Don't overmix - visible butter pieces create flakiness
Step 2
Gradually sprinkle ice water over mixture, tossing with a fork until dough just comes together. Divide in half, shape into disks, wrap, and chill for 1 hour.
Dough should hold together when squeezed but not be sticky
Step 3
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out one disk of dough and place in a 9-inch pie pan, leaving 1-inch overhang.
Step 4
In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly coated. Arrange in the pie crust.
Mound apples high - they'll cook down
Step 5
Dot the apple filling with butter pieces. Roll out second disk of dough and place over filling. Trim, seal, and crimp edges. Cut 4-5 vents in top crust.
Vents allow steam to escape and prevent soggy crust
Step 6
Brush top crust with beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar. Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake 40-50 minutes more until crust is golden brown.
Cover edges with foil if they brown too quickly
Step 7
Cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving to allow filling to set properly.
Patience is key - cutting too early results in runny filling
Recipe Tags
Nutrition Facts
💡 Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients and preparation methods