The BEST Apple Pie Recipe

If you’re searching for a classic, show-stopping dessert that never fails to impress, look no further than The BEST Apple Pie Recipe. This iconic recipe wraps tender, cinnamon-spiced apples in a flaky homemade pastry, filling your kitchen with the mouthwatering aroma of bubbling fruit and butter as it bakes. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or craving a cozy, old-fashioned treat, this tried-and-true pie delivers comfort and nostalgia with every slice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for The BEST Apple Pie Recipe are delightfully simple, but each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and buttery flavors. Here’s how every component adds a touch of magic to your pie:

• Double Pie Crust: Homemade or store-bought, this is the foundation of your pie—expect rich, flaky layers that hold everything together.
• Granny Smith Apples (2 1/4 lbs): Their tartness cuts through the sweetness and keeps the filling from becoming mushy, offering delightful texture and flavor.
• Cinnamon (1 1/2 tsp): Warm spice that instantly makes your kitchen smell like home and pairs perfectly with apples.
• Unsalted Butter (8 Tbsp): Adds richness and helps create the delicious sauce that shops the apples in luxury.
• All-Purpose Flour (3 Tbsp): Thickens the apple filling so every slice is perfectly gooey and never watery.
• Water (1/4 cup): Helps bring the sauce together for the apple filling.
• Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the pie and caramelizes in the oven for that irresistible golden top.
• Egg (1, plus 1 Tbsp water): For a glossy, bakery-worthy finish when brushed over the lattice crust.

How to Make The BEST Apple Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

Begin by making your double pie crust—homemade really takes this pie over the top but store-bought will do in a pinch. Follow your favorite recipe, then wrap and chill the dough as you prep the filling. Preheating the oven to 425°F will ensure your pie crust starts off crisp and golden.

Step 2: Make the Buttery Sauce

Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour, constantly whisking for about a minute to cook out any raw taste. Add water and sugar to make a luscious sauce, bringing it to a gentle boil. Let it simmer for three minutes until rich and glossy—you’ll be amazed by how this step amplifies the flavor and texture of the pie.

Step 3: Slice and Spice the Apples

Peel, core, and slice your Granny Smith apples thinly (about 7 cups’ worth). Place them in a big bowl and toss them with cinnamon for that signature apple pie warmth. Next, pour that gorgeous sauce you just made over the apples, stirring until every slice is deliciously coated.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

Dust your work surface with flour and roll out the bottom crust to a 12-inch circle. Gently wrap it around the rolling pin and lay it into a 9-inch pie plate. Scoop in your mound of saucy apples, concentrating most in the center. Be sure not to let any filling slip onto the pie edges, as it can prevent the crust from sealing.

Step 5: Lattice the Top and Brush with Egg Wash

Roll out your second crust into an 11-inch round, then use a pizza cutter to slice it into 10 even strips. Carefully weave them in a lattice pattern over the apple mountain—this classic look is easier than it seems and bakes up beautifully. Beat one egg with a splash of water and brush it all over the crust for that glorious, shiny finish.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake the pie at 425°F for 15 minutes, then drop the temperature to 350°F and continue baking for another 45 minutes, or until the apples are tender and juicy bubbles are bursting through the lattice. Let the pie rest for about an hour before cutting in—this lets the filling set for clean, picturesque slices of The BEST Apple Pie Recipe.

How to Serve The BEST Apple Pie Recipe

Garnishes

The crowning touch can be as simple as a dusting of sugar or as decadent as a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting into the warm filling. Try adding a few curls of lemon zest or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon for a gourmet touch. No matter how you finish it, The BEST Apple Pie Recipe always shines.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs wonderfully with coffee, spiced chai, or a refreshing glass of cold milk. For true comfort, serve alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce that plays perfectly against the tart apples. A handful of toasted pecans on the side also adds delightful crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a memorable dessert, slice your pie and serve à la mode on individual plates with a sprig of mint or caramel drizzle. You could also cut smaller pieces and layer them in jars for a cute, portable pie parfait at picnics. For a holiday table, arrange the lattice with decorative pastry leaves to make the pie center stage.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover slices of The BEST Apple Pie Recipe can be covered with foil or plastic wrap and stored at room temperature for a couple of days. If you want to keep pie fresher longer, store it in the fridge—it’ll last up to four days and makes a delightful cold treat or quick breakfast.

Freezing

Planning ahead? Bake the entire pie and let it cool completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and foil. You can freeze it for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature, then reheat to restore its just-baked glory.

Reheating

To enjoy The BEST Apple Pie Recipe warm, pop individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds, or reheat the whole pie in a 350°F oven covered loosely with foil for about 15-20 minutes. This refreshes the crust and revives the full, fragrant flavor of the filling.

FAQs

What makes this The BEST Apple Pie Recipe different from others?

It’s all about the method: simmering the sugar and butter into a rich sauce gives the apples unparalleled flavor and an irresistibly glossy filling. Combined with a tender homemade crust, every bite is pure comfort.

Can I use other types of apples?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples bring that signature tartness and firm texture, blending in a few Honeycrisp or Fuji apples adds depth and extra sweetness. Just be sure to keep the total weight the same for best results.

What’s the best way to ensure a crispy bottom crust?

Bake the pie on the lowest oven rack and make sure your filling isn’t too wet. You can even preheat your pie plate for a few minutes before assembling for a jump-start on crispiness.

Can I make The BEST Apple Pie Recipe gluten-free?

Yes—simply swap the all-purpose flour in both the crust and sauce for your favorite gluten-free blend. The rest of the recipe remains the same, and you’ll still have all that classic apple pie flavor.

How do I keep my lattice crust from sinking into the filling?

Make sure your pastry is chilled before weaving it on top of the apples, and don’t skip resting the pie before slicing. This helps the crust hold its structure and gives the perfect finish.

Final Thoughts

Nothing brings people together quite like a homemade pie, and I truly believe The BEST Apple Pie Recipe earns a spot in everyone’s recipe box. Don’t wait for a special occasion—gather your apples, roll out that crust, and savor the delicious tradition in every bite!

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