Apple Pie
A classic American dessert featuring a flaky, all-butter crust filled with tender, spiced apples. The warm aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg makes this the ultimate comfort food, perfect for holidays or any special occasion. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
For 8 servings
5 steps.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Make the pie crust
- b.In a large bowl, whisk together 2.5 cups of flour, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tbsp sugar.
- c.Add the cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
- d.Sprinkle 6 tablespoons of ice water over the mixture. Gently mix with a fork until the dough starts to come together. Add more ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, if needed. Do not overmix.
- e.Divide the dough in half, form each half into a flat disc, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the apple filling
- b.Peel, core, and slice the apples about 1/4-inch thick. Place them in a large bowl and toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- c.In a separate small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp flour, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 1/4 tsp salt.
- d.Pour the sugar-spice mixture over the apples and toss gently until all the apple slices are evenly coated.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Assemble the pie
- b.Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- c.On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim any excess dough around the rim.
- d.Pour the apple filling into the bottom crust and spread it out evenly. Dot the top of the filling with the 2 tbsp of small butter pieces.
- e.Roll out the second disc of dough. Place it over the filling. Trim the edges, leaving about a 1/2-inch overhang. Fold the top crust edge under the bottom crust edge and crimp to seal.
- f.Cut 4-5 slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Bake the pie
- b.In a small bowl, whisk the egg with 1 tbsp of water to make an egg wash. Lightly brush the top crust with the egg wash and sprinkle with 1 tbsp of granulated sugar.
- c.Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any potential drips.
- d.Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes.
- e.Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue to bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- f.If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil or a pie shield.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Cool and serve
- b.Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2-3 hours before slicing. This is crucial for the filling to set properly.
- c.Serve warm, either on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the flakiest crust, make sure your butter and water are ice cold. This prevents the butter from melting into the flour.
- 2Using a mix of apples, like tart Granny Smith and sweet Honeycrisp, provides a more complex flavor and better texture.
- 3Don't overwork the pie dough. Stop mixing as soon as it comes together to avoid a tough crust.
- 4Letting the pie cool completely is the most important step for a clean slice. The filling needs time to thicken and set.
- 5Placing the pie on a baking sheet not only catches drips but also helps the bottom crust cook more evenly.
Adapt it for your goals.
Gluten free
Use a quality 1-to-1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the pie crust. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
veganVegan
Replace the unsalted butter with a high-quality vegan butter or solid coconut oil. For the wash, brush the crust with plant-based milk instead of the egg wash.
quickQuick
To save time, use a store-bought refrigerated double pie crust instead of making it from scratch.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Create a lattice top instead of a solid top crust. Kids love helping weave the strips of dough.
