This homemade apple pie features a flaky crust that’s buttery and crisp. The sweet and spiced apples inside make every bite feel like a warm hug!
Honestly, there’s nothing like a fresh apple pie cooling on the counter. I find the flaky crust hard to resist, and I may or may not steal a slice before dinner! 😄
Making this pie is super easy! Just mix, roll, and bake. Enjoying a slice with a scoop of ice cream on top makes it even better—trust me, it’s a treat you don’t want to miss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is essential for structure. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may vary slightly.
Unsalted Butter: Cold butter is key for a flaky crust. If you don’t have unsalted, you can use salted butter but skip the added salt in the crust. For a dairy-free option, coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute works well.
Apples: A mix of tart and sweet apples provides the best flavor. Granny Smith offers tartness, while Honeycrisp adds sweetness. Feel free to substitute with Fuji, Braeburn, or even pears for a unique twist.
Spices: Ground cinnamon and nutmeg enhance the flavor. If you prefer, you could omit nutmeg or substitute with allspice, or pumpkin pie spice for a different zing.
How Do You Achieve a Flaky Pie Crust?
Getting that flaky crust takes some technique, but it’s easier than you think! Here’s how to do it:
- Use very cold butter. The colder it is, the better your crust will puff up.
- Cut the butter into the flour until it’s crumbly. You should still have a few pea-sized pieces of butter visible, as they create flaky layers.
- Add ice water gradually. Mixing gently prevents gluten from forming, keeping the crust tender.
- Don’t overwork the dough. Mix until just combined, then chill it. This gives the butter time to firm up again, which adds to the flakiness!
- When rolling out, try to use as little flour as possible. Excess flour can toughen the crust.
With these tips, you’re set for a perfectly flaky crust in your homemade apple pie!
Homemade Apple Pie with Flaky Crust
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the flaky crust:
- 2 1/2 cups (320g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, very cold and cut into small cubes
- 6-8 tbsp ice water
For the apple filling:
- 6-7 medium apples (about 3 lbs), a mix of tart and sweet, peeled, cored, and sliced (e.g., Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
For finishing:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 20 minutes for preparation. After assembling, you’ll need to bake the pie for about 1 hour. Also, it’s best to cool it for at least 2 hours before slicing, so plan ahead and enjoy the delicious aroma wafting through your kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the crust:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar until well combined. Next, add the cold butter cubes. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs, with some pea-sized pieces still visible. This is where the flakiness comes from!
Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just comes together—be careful not to overwork it. Once combined, divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disk, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps firm up the butter and makes rolling easier.
2. Prepare the filling:
In another large bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice. Mix well until the apples are fully coated. Set this mixture aside to let the flavors blend.
3. Preheat the oven:
While the filling sits, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This will create that initial blast of heat needed for a beautifully baked crust.
4. Assemble the pie:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one dough disk into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. Carefully place it in a 9-inch pie dish, allowing the excess dough to hang over the edges. Pour the apple filling into the crust, spreading it evenly and dotting with small pieces of butter over the top.
Now, roll out the second dough disk to the same size. Place it over the apple filling. Trim any excess dough, then crimp the edges together to seal the pie. Cut slits or create a lattice top to allow steam to escape during baking.
5. Egg wash and sugar:
Brush the top crust with the beaten egg for a nice golden color as it bakes. If you like a Little sparkle, sprinkle coarse sugar over the top.
6. Bake:
Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes at 425°F (220°C). After that, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly. If the edges begin to brown too quickly, cover them gently with foil.
7. Cool and serve:
Once baked, let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before slicing. This waiting time allows the filling to set, making it easier to cut clean slices. Serve it warm or at room temperature, and don’t forget to top it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for that extra special touch. Enjoy your classic homemade apple pie!
Can I Use Store-Bought Pie Crust?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought pie crusts are a great alternative. Just follow the package instructions for rolling and baking, then fill with the apple mixture as directed in the recipe.
What Type of Apples Are Best for Apple Pie?
A mix of tart and sweet apples is ideal for balanced flavor! Granny Smith offers tartness, while Honeycrisp or Fuji adds sweetness. You can also experiment with Braeburn or Jonagold for a different taste.
Can I Make the Pie Filling Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the apple filling a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the pie. If you choose to do this, feel free to toss the apples in a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
How Should I Store Leftover Apple Pie?
Leftover pie can be covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place individual slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
