Classic Apple Pie Recipe

There’s just something magical about a Classic Apple Pie: the moment your fork cracks through that crisp, golden crust and dives into warm, cinnamon-kissed apples, it’s pure comfort in every bite. Whether it’s for a celebration, a holiday table centerpiece, or just a way to make a chilly evening cozy, Classic Apple Pie brings people together and fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma. This version stays true to tradition, highlighting a balance of tart and sweet apples, deeply flavorful filling, and a homemade crust that promises flaky, tender perfection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Classic Apple Pie is a joyful process, and the ingredient list is refreshingly simple. Each item is carefully chosen to deliver that iconic flavor, tender texture, and gorgeous pie shop appearance you crave.

• All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): The backbone of your crust, creating structure and a delicate crumb that supports every luscious apple slice.
• Unsalted butter, chilled (1 cup): Using cold, cubed butter gives your pastry unbeatable flakiness and rich, buttery flavor.
• Ice water (1/4 cup): A splash of icy water brings the dough together while keeping it ultra-tender—don’t skip this!
• Apples, thinly sliced and peeled (6 cups): Granny Smith brings tartness, Honeycrisp adds sweet juiciness—combine for the classic apple pie experience.
• Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the fruit without overpowering the natural apple flavor.
• Packed brown sugar (1/4 cup): For that touch of caramel-like depth that takes your filling over the top.
• Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): An absolute must for warmth and nostalgic spice in every bite.
• Ground nutmeg (1/4 tsp): A subtle hint that makes the flavors sing, but don’t overdo it.
• Lemon juice (1 tbsp): Brightens everything up and keeps those apple slices irresistibly fresh.
• All-purpose flour (2 tbsp, for filling): Thickens the filling so it holds up nicely for slicing.
• Egg, beaten (1): Your ticket to a gorgeously glossy, golden crust.

How to Make Classic Apple Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Dough

The secret to a perfect Classic Apple Pie begins with that pastry. In a large bowl, combine the flour and chilled butter. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingertips to quickly work the butter in until the mixture looks like rough bread crumbs with a few small butter bits remaining. Drizzle in the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing just until a shaggy dough forms. Divide the dough in half, flatten each into a disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This rest time lets the gluten relax and helps the butter stay cold—the key to maximum flakiness!

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

While your dough chills, focus on the heart of your Classic Apple Pie: the apple filling. In a large mixing bowl, toss your peeled, sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and a touch of flour. Give it all a gentle mix until every apple is coated in those cozy fall flavors. This step ensures every bite is juicy, sweet-tart, and bursting with comforting spices.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough and Assemble

Grab one dough disc from the fridge and roll it out on a floured surface into a circle about 12 inches wide. Carefully transfer this to your 9-inch pie plate, gently fitting it into the corners. Trim any overhang, but leave just enough to seal the top later. Pour the spiced apple filling into the crust, piling it higher in the center for that classic domed look.

Step 4: Top and Seal the Pie

Roll out the second dough disc and lay it over the apples. Trim the edges, then press the bottom and top crusts together and crimp all the way around—go fancy with a fork or traditional with your fingers. Don’t forget to cut a few slits in the top crust; these little vents let steam escape so your Classic Apple Pie bakes up golden and not soggy. Brush the top with your beaten egg for that legendary bakery sheen.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place your pie on the middle rack of a preheated 425°F (220°C) oven. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the crust is a deep golden brown and you see the filling bubbling through the vents. If the crust is browning too quickly, tent it loosely with foil for the last 15 minutes. Once it’s beautifully baked, let your pie cool—this is the hardest step, but it ensures the filling sets and makes for perfect slices.

How to Serve Classic Apple Pie

Garnishes

A slice of Classic Apple Pie calls for a little flourish! A scoop of vanilla ice cream is a timeless companion, melting dreamily into the warm filling. For more sparkle, try a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of salted caramel sauce, or even a handful of toasted, chopped pecans for some crunch.

Side Dishes

Balance the sweet, rich flavors of Classic Apple Pie by pairing it with lighter sides. A fresh fruit salad, a bright green salad with apples and walnuts, or even a tangy whipped crème fraîche can be the ideal contrast. If you’re serving it after brunch or a big family meal, coffee or spiced chai are wonderful to sip alongside every forkful.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to have fun presenting Classic Apple Pie! Try serving individual mini pies at gatherings for a personal touch. For parties, cut the pie into small wedges and serve on a platter with creative toppings set out buffet-style. Or, go rustic: serve warm from the dish with utensils ready, and let everyone help themselves family-style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Classic Apple Pie delicious for days, simply cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature for up to two days. If you have a few slices left after that, move them to the refrigerator, where the pie will stay fresh for another two days—if it’s not all gobbled up before then!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Classic Apple Pie, either baked or unbaked. For a baked pie, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic and foil before freezing for up to three months. To bake from frozen, add a few extra minutes in the oven so the center heats through. For unbaked pies, assemble fully, freeze until firm, then wrap and store—bake straight from the freezer when you want that fresh pie flavor.

Reheating

To refresh a slice of Classic Apple Pie, simply warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes until heated through and the crust is crisp again. For single servings, a short burst in the microwave will do, but the oven brings back that bakery-fresh texture and aroma.

FAQs

What are the best apples for Classic Apple Pie?

Tart apples like Granny Smith and sweet, firm varieties like Honeycrisp work perfectly. Mixing types gives your pie complex flavor and the perfect texture—never mushy, always delicious.

Can I use store-bought crust for Classic Apple Pie?

Absolutely! While homemade crust has unbeatable flavor and flakiness, a high-quality store-bought crust can save time and still make a delicious pie. Just focus on nailing that flavorful filling.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Peeling the apples gives you a classic, smooth-textured filling but if you love extra fiber and don’t mind a little chew, you can leave the skins on for a rustic feel.

How can I prevent a soggy bottom crust?

Make sure your oven is fully preheated, use a glass or metal pie plate, and consider sprinkling a spoonful of breadcrumbs or crushed graham crackers on the crust before adding the filling. These tips help absorb excess juice for a perfectly crisp base.

Is it okay to make Classic Apple Pie the day before?

Yes, and in fact, it allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just let the pie cool completely, then cover and store at room temperature overnight. Warm it up in the oven just before serving for that fresh-pie feel.

Final Thoughts

Classic Apple Pie is a dessert that never fails to bring smiles and sweet memories, whether you’re baking for new friends or old family traditions. Don’t be afraid to dive in and make it your own—your kitchen will smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you. Happy baking!

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