Best Homemade Apple Pie

The smell of apples baking in a buttery crust fills the kitchen with warmth and nostalgia. Growing up, autumn meant apple-picking trips with family, where we filled baskets with crisp Granny Smith and sweet Honeycrisp apples. Each apple represented future pies, bubbling with flavors derived from simple yet timeless ingredients.

Making my first homemade apple pie was a rite of passage. I remember clumsily peeling apples and feeling triumphant at the sight of my creation. That experience ignited my passion for baking, especially when it comes to classic desserts. There’s something magical about transforming fresh apples into a delectable apple pie.

Throughout the years, perfecting this beloved recipe has become a cherished family tradition. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a simple weeknight dessert, the joy of sharing a homemade apple pie resonates with everyone. This recipe celebrates the beauty of seasonal ingredients while bringing loved ones together around the table.

Get your apron on and prepare to indulge in the delightful process of creating the best homemade apple pie.

Best Homemade Apple Pie

Fundamentals

Making the best homemade apple pie begins with understanding the foundation of the recipe. Classic apple pie relies heavily on the balance of tart and sweet flavors. Using a combination of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples creates a delightful contrast between the tangy bite of the Granny Smith and the honeyed sweetness of the Honeycrisp. This blend ensures every bite sings with flavor.

Understanding the role of spices also plays a significant part in elevating your apple pie. The warm notes of cinnamon add depth, while a touch of nutmeg introduces subtle complexity. The flour acts as a thickening agent, binding the filling together and preventing it from becoming too runny.

Preparation/setup

Preparation sets the tone for a successful pie-making experience. Start by gathering all your ingredients so that you have everything at hand. You will need 2 1/2 pounds of apples, granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, all-purpose flour, butter, pie crusts, and an egg for the wash.

Next, preheating the oven to 425°F (220°C) ensures that the pie bakes evenly and quickly, creating that golden crust we all crave. As you prepare the apples by peeling, coring, and slicing them into thin wedges, you’ll create the star of your dish. Mixing the apples with sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and flour allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Ingredients

To make the best homemade apple pie, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 1/2 pounds of apples (such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 package of pie crusts (or homemade pie crust)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Peel, core, and slice apples into thin slices. In a large mixing bowl, combine apples, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and flour. Mix well and let sit for about 15 minutes.
3. Roll out one pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie dish.
4. Fill the crust with the apple mixture and dot with butter.
5. Roll out the second pie crust and place it over the filling. Crimp the edges to seal and cut slits in the top crust for ventilation.
6. Brush the top with beaten egg for a golden finish.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and apples are tender.
8. Let cool before serving.

Mastering the Art of Apple Pie

Technique

Mastering the technique of making apple pie is essential for achieving the best results. Start with a flaky pie crust. Whether you choose store-bought or homemade, ensure it remains cold until ready to use. Cold dough prevents melting butter from creating a tough crust.

When working with apples, slice them uniformly to promote even cooking. Toss the apples gently with the sugar and spices to avoid bruising the fruit. Allowing the filling to rest for 15 minutes creates a syrup from the apples, enhancing the flavor.

Tips/tricks

To avoid a soggy bottom, consider pre-baking the bottom crust for a few minutes before adding the filling. This technique creates a barrier against moisture. Additionally, for added flavor, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon and sugar on the top crust before baking.

When crimping the edges, ensure they create a nice seal, preventing the juices from leaking out. Ventilation slits in the top crust allow steam to escape while baking, creating that perfectly flaky crust.

Perfecting Your Apple Pie

Perfecting results

Perfecting your apple pie does involve some trial and error. Ensure you achieve the right balance of sugar and acid for a flavorful filling. Don’t be afraid to taste the apple mixture before it goes into the crust.

Watch the pie closely as it bakes. If the crust begins to brown too quickly, consider covering the edges with foil to prevent burning while allowing the filling to cook through.

An instant-read thermometer is a valuable tool; the pie is done when the filling bubbles and reaches about 200°F (93°C).

Troubleshooting/variations

If the apples seem overly juicy, consider using a thickener such as additional flour, or opt for a mix of add-ins like rolled oats or breadcrumbs to soak up excess moisture. If you want to experiment, try adding a splash of vanilla extract or almond extract to the apple mixture for unique flavor profiles.

For a twist on the classic, add cranberries, raisins, or a handful of nuts for texture. The beauty of apple pie lies in its versatility; put your personal touch on it!

Serving and Storing Apple Pie

Serving/presentation

When serving the best homemade apple pie, presentation matters. Allow the pie to cool for at least an hour before slicing to set the filling. Use a serrated knife for clean cuts, and serve slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.

Consider placing a few extra apple slices on top or sprinkling ground cinnamon for a decorative touch.

Pairings/storage

Apple pie pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve it alongside vanilla ice cream or custard for a comforting dessert. Pair it with a warm beverage like apple cider or a hot cup of coffee.

When storing leftover pie, cover it loosely with foil or plastic wrap at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices or the entire pie wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil to maintain freshness.

Baking can create beautiful memories, especially when it comes to sharing delicious apple pie with loved ones. Each bite embodies the richness of tradition and the essence of home.

Best Homemade Apple Pie

---

• Author: emma
• Total Time: 65 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A delicious and nostalgic recipe for homemade apple pie made with Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples, balanced with spices for a perfect autumn treat.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 1/2 pounds of apples (such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 package of pie crusts (or homemade pie crust)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

---

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Peel, core, and slice apples into thin slices. In a large mixing bowl, combine apples, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and flour. Mix well and let sit for about 15 minutes.
3. Roll out one pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie dish.
4. Fill the crust with the apple mixture and dot with butter.
5. Roll out the second pie crust and place it over the filling. Crimp the edges to seal and cut slits in the top crust for ventilation.
6. Brush the top with beaten egg for a golden finish.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and apples are tender.
8. Let cool before serving.

Notes

For a golden crust, brush the top with beaten egg. Allow the pie to cool for at least an hour before slicing.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: apple pie, dessert, baking, fall recipes, homemade