Name: Classic Apple Pie
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 lbs (about 6 cups) peeled, cored, and sliced apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or mix); 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/4 tsp salt; 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small cubes; 1 egg (for egg wash); 2 pie crusts (store-bought or homemade)

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A quintessential American dessert, this Classic Apple Pie features a golden, flaky crust encasing a warm, spiced apple filling that evokes comfort and nostalgia. With its blend of tart and sweet apples and hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, it’s a must-have at holiday dinners, weekend gatherings, or simply when you’re craving a traditional treat. Best served slightly warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, this pie never goes out of style.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Classic Apple Pie offers everything a comforting dessert should—flaky crust, tender apples, and warm spices. Its well-balanced sweetness and tartness make it appealing to a wide range of palates. Whether you use homemade or store-bought crust, the pie comes together beautifully with simple ingredients. It’s a timeless dessert that brings warmth to any table, perfect for celebrations, holidays, or a quiet family dinner.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced
Granulated sugar
Light brown sugar, packed
All-purpose flour
Lemon juice
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg
Salt
Unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
Egg (for egg wash)
Two pie crusts (store-bought or homemade)

directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a baking sheet on the lower rack to catch any drips during baking.
Roll out one pie crust and gently place it into a 9-inch pie dish, letting the edges hang over the sides slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Let this mixture sit for 10 minutes to draw out the juices.
Spoon the apple mixture into the prepared pie crust and evenly dot the filling with cubes of butter.
Roll out the second pie crust and lay it over the filling. Trim and seal the edges, then crimp them for a decorative finish. Cut slits into the top crust to allow steam to escape while baking.
Beat the egg and brush it over the top crust to give the pie a golden, glossy finish.
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the edges start browning too quickly, cover them with foil.
Remove from the oven and let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before slicing. This allows the filling to set properly.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Calories: Approximately 395 kcal per slice

Variations

Dutch Apple Pie: Replace the top crust with a crumbly streusel topping made of butter, flour, and sugar.
Maple Apple Pie: Substitute part of the granulated sugar with maple syrup for a deeper flavor.
Caramel Apple Pie: Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples before placing the top crust.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pie crust and flour alternatives.
Vegan Version: Use a vegan crust, plant-based butter, and omit the egg wash or use almond milk for brushing.
Spiced Up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves for an extra flavor twist.
Mini Pies: Make individual pies using a muffin tin or mini pie pans for easy serving.
Cheddar Crust: Add shredded cheddar cheese to the crust for a sweet-savory combination.

storage/reheating

To store, cover the apple pie loosely with foil or plastic wrap and keep at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. To freeze, wrap tightly and store for up to 3 months. Reheat slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Reheating in the oven helps maintain the crust’s texture.

FAQs

What are the best apples to use for apple pie?

A mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp works best for a well-balanced flavor and good texture after baking.

Can I use store-bought pie crust?

Yes, store-bought pie crusts are a convenient and reliable option, though homemade crust can offer a more buttery, flaky texture.

How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?

Blind baking the crust is optional but can help. More importantly, ensure the apple mixture isn’t too watery and use a baking sheet on the lower rack to help cook the bottom evenly.

Should I peel the apples?

Yes, peeling the apples gives the pie a smoother texture. Apple peels can become tough and chewy after baking.

Can I make apple pie ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can make the pie a day ahead and store it at room temperature or in the fridge until ready to serve.

What does lemon juice do in apple pie?

Lemon juice adds brightness to the flavor and helps prevent the apples from browning before baking.

Can I freeze the unbaked pie?

Yes, you can assemble the pie and freeze it unbaked. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding extra time as needed.

How can I tell when the pie is done?

The crust should be golden brown, and the filling should be bubbling through the slits. This indicates the apples are tender and cooked through.

What if the pie crust edges brown too fast?

Cover the edges with strips of foil or a pie crust shield midway through baking to prevent burning.

Can I reheat a whole pie?

Yes, reheat the entire pie in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, covering loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.

Conclusion

Classic Apple Pie remains a beloved dessert for good reason—it’s simple, comforting, and endlessly satisfying. Whether baked for a holiday celebration or a casual weekend dessert, its warm, spiced apple filling and buttery crust deliver timeless flavor. With a few variations and helpful tips, you can make this pie truly your own while preserving its traditional charm.