Easy Apple Pie Recipe

I absolutely love how this Easy Apple Pie Recipe turns out every single time—there’s just something magical about biting into a perfectly flaky crust filled with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples. When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed how simple it was to create a classic dessert that feels like it came from a grandma’s kitchen rather than a complicated cookbook. You’ll find that this pie works beautifully for everything from cozy fall evenings to festive holiday dinners where everyone is craving a slice of warmth and nostalgia.

What makes this Easy Apple Pie Recipe truly special is how it balances the tartness of Granny Smith apples with just the right amount of sweetness and spice, topped off with a golden, buttery crust that practically melts in your mouth. If you’ve ever struggled with soggy bottoms or bland fillings, I discovered some tricks here that really help the pie shine. By the end, you’ll have a show-stopping dessert that’s not only delicious but genuinely easy to make from scratch.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together so well because they balance sweetness, spice, and tartness with a buttery crust that holds everything neatly without turning soggy. When shopping, look for firm Granny Smith apples for great texture and acidity that brightens the filling.

• Pie crusts: Homemade or store-bought works; homemade tends to be flakier and richer.
• Granny Smith apples: Their tartness cuts through the sweetness and holds shape while baking.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps thicken the juice slightly.
• Light brown sugar: Brings a subtle molasses flavor that deepens the filling taste.
• All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the filling, keeping it from being watery.
• Ground cinnamon: A classic spice that pairs perfectly with apples.
• Ground nutmeg: Adds warmth and complexity in small amounts.
• Lemon juice and zest: Brightens the flavor and prevents apples from browning.
• Egg (for egg wash): Gives the crust a glossy, golden finish.
• Sanding sugar (optional): Adds a pretty sparkle and slight crunch on top.

Variations

I love to shake things up sometimes by adding a twist to this Easy Apple Pie Recipe. Don’t hesitate to customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs—the pie is very forgiving and still turns out amazing with slight changes.

• Spiced Up: Try adding a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom for a festive spice note I discovered that pairs beautifully with apples.
• Sweetener Swap: Replace brown sugar with maple syrup or honey for natural sweetness—I’ve done this when I ran out of sugar, and it adds lovely depth.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pie crust and substitute flour in filling with cornstarch; the pie still bakes wonderfully.
• Apple Mix: Combine Granny Smith with Fuji or Honeycrisp apples to get varied textures and sweetness.

How to Make Easy Apple Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pie Crust

Start with chilled dough for your pie crust, whether homemade or store-bought. I like to let mine rest for about 5-10 minutes at room temperature before rolling it out so it’s more pliable and easier to handle without tearing. Roll one disc into about a 12-inch circle, ensuring it’s around ⅛ inch thick for that classic flaky texture. Gently lay it into your deep dish pie plate, pressing down carefully without stretching.

Step 2: Mix the Apple Filling

In a large bowl, toss your peeled and sliced Granny Smith apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Be generous with the lemon zest—it really brightens the flavor in a way I didn’t expect the first time I made this pie. Make sure your apples are evenly coated so the filling cooks uniformly and stays perfectly spiced.

Step 3: Fill and Assemble the Pie

Pour your apple mix into the crust-lined pie plate, but remember to discard any excess juices at the bottom of the bowl—that’s a trick I learned to avoid a soggy crust. Then roll your second pie dough disc and carefully place it over the apples. Trim the edges cleanly, fold them under, and crimp to seal. Don’t forget to cut at least four slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape which helps keep your crust crisp and prevents bubbling over.

Step 4: Bake with Care

Brush the top crust with beaten egg for a beautiful golden sheen and sprinkle with sanding sugar if you like a bit of sparkle and added crunch—my family always looks forward to this final touch. Protect the edges of your pie with a foil shield during the first 25 minutes of baking at 400°F to prevent burning, then reduce heat to 375°F and bake for another 30-35 minutes. You’ll want to bake until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly—this step always makes me anxious, but watching the juices bubble is my favorite sign that it’s almost ready.

Once out of the oven, patience is key—let the pie cool at least 3 hours for the filling to set so slices cut cleanly and hold their shape.

How to Serve Easy Apple Pie Recipe

Garnishes

I love serving this apple pie just as it is or with a scoop of classic vanilla ice cream—there’s nothing like the cream melting over a warm slice. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce to take it over the top, which everyone raves about at family gatherings.

Side Dishes

Apple pie pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. For a cozy dessert spread, I’ll also serve it alongside whipped cream or even a sharp cheddar cheese slice, a classic that’s surprisingly delicious and adds a savory contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For Thanksgiving or special occasions, I’ve decorated the top crust with leaf-shaped cutouts or a lattice pattern to make the pie extra festive. You could also use mini pie dishes to make individual portions that are adorable and perfect for serving guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying a few slices, I wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 4 days, and the flavors actually deepen overnight. Just be sure to keep it covered to prevent the crust from drying out.

Freezing

I sometimes freeze leftover pie by wrapping it carefully in foil and placing it in a freezer-safe container. It freezes well for up to 2 months, and when I’m ready, I let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To warm up leftover pie while keeping the crust crisp, I heat it in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve texture because it can make the crust soggy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Apple Pie Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because of how effortlessly it delivers that classic, comforting flavor we all crave. I encourage you to give it a try—it’s a recipe you’ll return to year after year and impress everyone at your table. Baking this pie feels like sharing a little piece of home, and then tasting it makes the whole experience incredibly rewarding. Trust me, once you master this easy recipe, you’ll feel so proud serving up those golden slices full of sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples.

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