Name: Classic Apple Pie Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 double pie crust (homemade or store-bought); 6 cups sliced apples (a mix of tart and sweet apples recommended); ¾ cup sugar; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 2 tbsp flour; 1 tsp cinnamon; ¼ tsp nutmeg; ¼ tsp salt; 1 tbsp butter

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If you have been dreaming about a perfectly comforting dessert that evokes cozy family gatherings and warm kitchens, this Classic Apple Pie Recipe is exactly what you need. It marries tender, juicy apples with fragrant cinnamon and nutmeg all wrapped up in a flaky crust that melts in your mouth. Whether you choose to make your own crust or take a shortcut with a store-bought one, the result is a timeless American favorite that simply never goes out of style. Let me take you through every step so you can create this delicious pie that’s bound to become a cherished staple on your dessert table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a pie crust placed inside a white pie dish at the top right, smooth and pale beige in color with slightly crimped edges. Below and to the left, there is a clear glass bowl filled with a mix of shiny green and red apples, forming one colorful layer. Around these, small white bowls hold different ingredients: at top left, a bowl of salt, below it cinnamon powder, then brown sugar, and flour; to the right of the apples, bowls contain white sugar, milk, dark vanilla liquid, and ground nutmeg, each bowl showcasing different soft textures and colors on a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Classic Apple Pie Recipe calls for simple, familiar ingredients, each playing its role to build flavor, texture, and visual appeal. From the crisp, tart apples to the warm spices and flaky crust, every element is essential in crafting that iconic pie experience.

1 double pie crust: Whether homemade or store-bought, it must be cold to ensure flakiness and a golden finish.
6 cups sliced apples: A mix of tart and sweet apples gives the filling perfect balance and texture.
¾ cup sugar: Sweetens the filling just right without overpowering the natural apple flavor.
1 tbsp lemon juice: Brightens and prevents the apple slices from browning.
2 tbsp flour: Thickens the filling to a luscious, forkable consistency.
1 tsp cinnamon: Adds that irresistible warm spice that defines a classic apple pie.
¼ tsp nutmeg: Offers a subtle nutty undertone to complement the cinnamon.
¼ tsp salt: Enhances the sweetness and deepens the flavors.
1 tbsp butter: Dotting this on top of the filling makes the crust extra buttery and rich once baked.

How to Make Classic Apple Pie Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Apple Filling

Begin by tossing your sliced apples in a large bowl with the sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice. This mixture not only ensures every apple slice is beautifully coated with flavor but also helps the filling thicken as it bakes, resulting in a juicy yet firm bite.

Step 2: Lining Your Pie Dish

Next, carefully roll out one portion of your double pie crust and place it into your pie dish. Make sure the edges hang over slightly — this will come in handy when sealing the pie later.

Step 3: Adding the Filling and Butter

Pour the apple filling into the crust-lined dish, spreading it evenly. Then, dot the top of the apples with small bits of butter. This step adds richness and encourages a glossy, golden crust.

Step 4: Topping and Sealing the Pie

Roll out the second pie crust over the filling. To get that iconic finish, crimp the edges firmly, sealing the top and bottom crusts together. You can get creative here, whether with a simple fork press or a braided edge.

Step 5: Baking to Perfection

Place your pie in a preheated oven at 400°F (205°C) and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Watch the crust carefully; if the edges brown too quickly, shield them with foil or a pie crust shield to prevent burning while the center finishes baking.

Step 6: Cooling Before Serving

Once baked, allow the pie to cool completely—this waiting game lets the filling set so each slice holds together beautifully when cut. Patience here rewards you with those perfect pieces!

How to Serve Classic Apple Pie Recipe

A slice of apple pie is placed on a white scalloped plate set on a white marbled surface. The pie has three layers: a golden-brown top crust with a slightly flaky and textured look, a thick middle layer filled with soft, thin apple slices coated in a light cinnamon sauce giving a warm beige color, and a pale, firm bottom crust holding the filling. Behind the plate, there is a wicker basket with red apples and a green apple resting next to it, adding contrast with their shiny bright colors. Two cinnamon sticks lie in the front right corner of the image, enhancing the warm tones. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Nothing beats a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside a warm slice of apple pie. A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce also adds an extra touch of indulgence that makes each bite feel heavenly.

Side Dishes

Serve your Classic Apple Pie Recipe with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a spiced chai tea for a cozy afternoon treat. For festive occasions, a glass of cold milk or sweet dessert wine pairs beautifully as well.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider cutting the pie into smaller, bite-sized mini serving portions for parties, or transform the leftovers by turning them into a warm apple pie milkshake or cobbler parfait with layers of whipped cream and crumbled crust.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your leftover pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to four days, making it an easy grab-and-go dessert for the week.

Freezing

You can freeze your unbaked Classic Apple Pie Recipe by assembling it in a pie dish, wrapping it thoroughly, and freezing for up to two months. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

The best way to reheat your slice is in a warm oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes, which refreshes the crust’s crispiness and warms the filling perfectly without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use a single type of apple for this Classic Apple Pie Recipe?

Absolutely! While a mix of tart and sweet apples is recommended for balance, choosing just one variety, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, can still yield a delicious pie. Just be mindful of their firmness and sweetness.

Is it necessary to use fresh lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice brightens the filling and prevents browning, but bottled lemon juice works fine in a pinch. Just avoid using lemon-flavored varieties to keep the flavor pure.

Can I make this pie vegan?

Yes! Substitute the butter with a vegan alternative or coconut oil, and use a vegan pie crust recipe or store-bought option. The apples and spices do all the delicious heavy lifting here.

How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?

Sprinkling the bottom crust with a thin layer of flour or breadcrumbs before adding the filling can absorb excess moisture. Also, thickening the filling with flour helps maintain a firm texture.

Can I double this recipe for a larger occasion?

Definitely! Just double all the ingredients and bake pies in two 9-inch pie dishes. If your oven is large enough, you can bake both simultaneously, rotating midway for even cooking.

Final Thoughts

There’s really nothing like biting into a slice of warm apple pie that tastes like home, tradition, and love. This Classic Apple Pie Recipe offers the perfect way to make those moments happen in your own kitchen. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and enjoy the timeless charm of this favorite dessert with those you love most.