A Homemade Apple Pie is the ultimate classic dessert, featuring a buttery, flaky crust filled with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed on its own, this pie is comforting, delicious, and perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic & Timeless – A traditional dessert that never goes out of style.
- Perfectly Spiced Filling – The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar brings out the best in the apples.
- Flaky, Buttery Crust – Homemade or store-bought, the crust bakes up golden and crisp.
- Great for Any Occasion – Ideal for holidays, family gatherings, or a cozy weekend treat.
- Customizable – Try different apples, add caramel, or make a lattice crust.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Pie Crust:
- All-purpose flour
- Cold butter (cubed)
- Ice water
- Salt
- Sugar (optional)
For the Apple Filling:
- Apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Nutmeg (optional)
- Lemon juice
- Cornstarch or flour (to thicken)
- Butter (for dotting)
For the Egg Wash:
- Egg
- Milk or water
Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
- In a bowl, mix flour and salt. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, stirring until the dough comes together.
- Divide into two discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.
Step 2: Make the Apple Filling
- Peel, core, and slice apples. Toss with sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Let sit for 15 minutes.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
- Roll out one dough disc and fit it into a pie pan.
- Pour in the apple filling and dot with small pieces of butter.
- Roll out the second dough disc and place it over the filling. Seal edges and cut slits for steam.
Step 4: Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush the crust with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar for extra crispiness.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly.
Step 5: Cool & Serve
- Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8 slices
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Bake Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: About 2.5 hours
Variations
- Caramel Apple Pie – Drizzle caramel sauce over the filling before baking.
- Dutch Apple Pie – Top with a buttery crumb topping instead of a top crust.
- Cheddar Crust – Add shredded cheddar cheese to the crust for a sweet-savory twist.
- Maple Apple Pie – Replace some sugar with maple syrup for a richer flavor.
- Mini Apple Pies – Use muffin tins to make individual portions.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap slices or the whole pie tightly in plastic and foil; freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm slices in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds.
FAQs
What are the best apples for apple pie?
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji apples hold their shape well and provide the best flavor.
Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Yes! A pre-made crust saves time and still tastes great.
Why is my pie filling too runny?
Make sure to use cornstarch or flour to thicken the juices, and let the pie cool before slicing.
How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?
Pre-bake (blind bake) the crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling, or brush with egg white before adding apples.
Can I make apple pie ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the pie, cover it, and refrigerate unbaked for up to a day before baking.
How do I get a perfectly golden crust?
Brushing the crust with an egg wash before baking ensures a golden, shiny finish.
Can I add nuts to the filling?
Yes! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a delicious crunch.
What’s the best way to cut clean slices?
Let the pie cool completely before cutting to avoid a runny filling.
How do I make a lattice crust?
Cut strips of dough and weave them over the filling before sealing the edges.
Is apple pie best served warm or cold?
It’s delicious both ways! Serve warm with ice cream or cold with whipped cream.
Conclusion
This Homemade Apple Pie is a must-try dessert that’s as comforting as it is delicious. With a flaky crust, perfectly spiced apples, and endless ways to customize, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Try it today and enjoy the ultimate homemade treat!
PrintHomemade Apple Pie
This Homemade Apple Pie is a timeless dessert featuring a buttery, flaky crust filled with tender, spiced apples. Baked to golden perfection, it’s the perfect treat for holidays, gatherings, or just because! Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate comfort food.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 6–8 tbsp ice water
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp cornstarch or flour
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp milk or water
Instructions
1. Make the Pie Crust:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar.
- Add cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or fork to mix until the dough resembles coarse crumbs.
- Slowly add ice water, 1 tbsp at a time, mixing just until the dough holds together.
- Divide into two disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
- In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and cornstarch (or flour).
- Let the mixture sit for 15-20 minutes to release juices.
3. Assemble the Pie:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out one dough disk on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Place it in the pan and trim excess edges.
- Pour the apple filling into the crust and dot with small pieces of butter.
- Roll out the second dough disk and place over the apples. Seal and crimp the edges. Cut a few slits in the top for steam to escape.
4. Bake the Pie:
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg and milk (or water) to make an egg wash. Brush over the crust for a golden finish.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil.
5. Cool & Serve:
- Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before slicing to allow the filling to set.
- Serve warm or at room temperature with ice cream or whipped cream. Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, add ½ tsp vanilla extract to the apple filling.
- If using a store-bought crust, follow package instructions for baking.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.