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The Best Homemade Apple Pie Recipe – Easy, Flaky, and Full of Flavor!

Now, I’ll be the first to admit—there was a time I thought making a homemade apple pie was way too much work. I mean, why not just grab one from the store and call it a day? But let me tell ya, once I figured out an easy apple pie recipe that actually tasted like something out of a bakery, I never looked back. This is the best apple pie recipe ever, and the good news? It’s simple enough that even the kids can help.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make an apple pie easy without sacrificing that homemade taste, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re looking for easy pie recipes, a pie recipe easy enough for a weeknight, or just the best homemade apple pie to impress your family, I’ve got you covered. Let’s get baking!

What You’ll Need

For the Crust

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 6-8 tbsp ice water

For the Filling

  • 6-7 apples (I like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp together)
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp butter, cut into small pieces
  • 1 egg, beaten (for brushing the crust)

How to Make Apple Pie

Step 1: Make the Pie Dough

Now, I’ll be honest—I used to buy pre-made pie crust. And you totally can. No shame in that game. But once I realized how easy homemade crust was (and how much better it tasted), I never looked back.

  1. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt.
  2. Add the cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your hands to mix until it looks like coarse crumbs. If you’ve got kids around, this is a fun step for them to help with.
  3. Add ice water one tablespoon at a time, stirring gently, until the dough holds together. You don’t want it sticky—just enough moisture for it to come together.
  4. Split the dough into two balls, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and pop them in the fridge for at least an hour.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

Here’s where the magic happens. The key is to use a mix of apples—some sweet, some tart. That balance makes all the difference.

  1. Peel, core, and slice your apples about ¼ inch thick. If you’ve got little helpers, they love to toss the peels into the trash like a game.
  2. In a large bowl, toss the apples with sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch.
  3. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes while you roll out your dough. The apples will release some juices, which is exactly what we want.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Rolling out dough is one of those things that feels harder than it actually is. A little patience (and flour on the counter) goes a long way.

  1. Take one dough disc out of the fridge and roll it into a circle about 12 inches wide.
  2. Carefully place it in a 9-inch pie pan, pressing it down gently.
  3. Trim the edges so there’s about an inch hanging over the sides.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

Now, for the fun part.

  1. Pour the apple filling into the crust, making sure to spread it out evenly.
  2. Dot the top with small pieces of butter (this helps create that rich, gooey filling).
  3. Roll out the second dough disc and place it over the apples. You can do a full crust or get fancy with a lattice. If you’re going with a full crust, cut a few small slits in the top so steam can escape.
  4. Crimp the edges together to seal the pie. A fork works great for this if you want a simple design.
  5. Brush the top with a beaten egg to give it that golden brown finish.

Step 5: Bake and Let It Cool

This is where patience comes in. And if you have kids, you’ll need to brace yourself for the endless “Is it done yet?” questions.

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
  2. Place the pie on a baking sheet (because trust me, bubbling apple juice will find a way to drip).
  3. Bake for 50-60 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the apples are soft.
  4. Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before slicing. I know, I know—it’s hard to wait. But if you cut too soon, the filling will be a runny mess.

FAQs About Apple Pie

What are the best apples to use for apple pie?

A mix of apples works best! I love using Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp for sweetness. Other good options are Fuji, Braeburn, or Golden Delicious. Avoid Red Delicious—they get too mushy.

Can I use store-bought pie crust?

Absolutely! While homemade crust gives that extra flaky goodness, a store-bought one is totally fine if you’re short on time. No shame in making an easy apple pie even easier!

How do I keep my apple pie from getting soggy?

A few tricks:
Toss the apples with sugar and let them sit for 10-15 minutes, then drain the excess liquid before adding them to the crust.
Use cornstarch or flour in the filling to thicken up the juices.
Bake the pie on a lower oven rack so the bottom crust gets crispy.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Technically, no—but I recommend it. Apple skins can get a little tough when baked, and peeling makes for a smoother filling.

Do I have to use an egg wash on top?

No, but it does help give the crust that golden, bakery-style finish. If you don’t want to use an egg, brushing with milk or cream works too.

The Best Homemade Apple Pie Recipe Card

Apple Pie

This classic homemade apple pie features a flaky, buttery crust and a perfectly spiced apple filling. It’s easy to make, full of warm cinnamon flavor, and perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or just a cozy night in.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 slices

Ingredients
  

For the Crust:
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter cold cut into cubes
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 6-8 tbsp ice water
For the Filling:
  • 6-7 apples Granny Smith + Honeycrisp recommended
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp butter cut into small pieces
  • 1 egg beaten (for brushing the crust)

Method
 

Make the Pie Dough
  1. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt.
  2. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
  4. Divide into two discs, wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Prepare the Apple Filling
  1. Peel, core, and slice apples.
  2. Toss them with sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Let sit for 10 minutes.
Assemble the Pie
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Roll out one dough disc and place it in a 9-inch pie pan.
  3. Pour in apple filling and dot with butter.
  4. Roll out the second dough disc and place over the filling. Seal edges and cut slits for steam to escape.
  5. Brush the top with beaten egg.
Bake & Cool
  1. Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake for 50-60 minutes until golden brown.
  2. Let it cool for at least 2 hours before slicing.

Notes

  • Store: Keep at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
  • Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.
  • Serve: Best enjoyed warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream!

Whether you’re looking for an easy apple pie recipe, a pie recipe easy enough to make on a weeknight, or just a good apple pie recipe to impress your family, this one’s a keeper. I’ve tried a lot of apple pie recipes, but this is the one my kids always ask for, so I know it’s the real deal.

So next time you’re craving a dessert pie or searching for easy pie recipes, give this one a try. It’s homemade, it’s delicious, and it’s the kind of recipe that turns into a family tradition. And hey, if the crust ends up a little wonky or the filling bubbles over, who cares? That just means it’s homemade with love.

Now go make yourself a warm slice of homemade apple pie and enjoy every bite. You deserve it.

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