The BEST Apple Pie Recipe

If you’re searching for The BEST Apple Pie Recipe that hits every note—flaky crust, perfectly spiced filling, and that just-right balance of sweet and tart—then you’re in the right place. I absolutely love how this recipe turns out every single time, and once you try it, I’m betting you’ll feel the same. This pie has become my go-to for family dinners, celebrations, or just because I’m craving that classic comfort dessert. So, let’s dive into what makes this recipe so special and how you can master it in your kitchen!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Choosing your apples and ingredients carefully makes a huge difference in this recipe. Granny Smith apples bring that perfect tart bite, balancing the cinnamon and sugar beautifully. And don’t skip on the fresh butter for the crust and sauce—it’s what gives this pie that luxurious richness.

• Granny Smith Apples: Their tartness cuts through the sweetness for a balanced filling that’s not overly sugary.
• Cinnamon: This warms the filling, adding that classic spiced note we all love in apple pie.
• Unsalted Butter: Use fresh unsalted butter for the sauce and crust to control salt and maximize flavor.
• All-purpose Flour: Besides thickening the filling, it helps create the perfect crust structure.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the filling and caramelizes slightly during baking for extra depth.
• Double Pie Crust: A homemade or quality store-bought crust works, but chilling it well is key.
• Egg: Mixed with water for an egg wash that gives your crust a gorgeous golden sheen.
• Water: Used both in the filling sauce and for the egg wash, it helps with texture and finishing.

Variations

I like keeping this recipe classic, but sometimes I mix it up based on what we’re craving or what’s in season. Don’t be afraid to tailor it—apple pie is a forgiving friend!

• Using Other Apple Varieties: I’ve swapped in Honeycrisp or Braeburn apples for a sweeter pie that still has structure—just reduce the sugar slightly.
• Gluten-free Crust: I tried a gluten-free crust once with this filling and it worked surprisingly well with a blend of almond and oat flours.
• Adding Nuts: Tossing in chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling adds a lovely crunch that my whole family enjoyed.
• Seasonal Twists: A splash of vanilla extract or a bit of fresh grated ginger gives this pie an exciting new note without overcomplicating.

How to Make The BEST Apple Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pie Crust and Filling

First, make your double pie crust and let it chill in the fridge while you prep the filling. This chilling step is crucial—it keeps the dough firm so it doesn’t shrink or get tough when baking. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 425˚F because you’ll want it hot to start baking the pie.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling Sauce

Melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a smooth roux and let it simmer for about a minute—this step cooks out the raw flour taste. Next, whisk in the water and sugar and bring this to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, whisking frequently for 3 minutes. This sauce will thicken beautifully and coat your apples perfectly.

Step 3: Prepare the Apples

While the sauce simmers, peel, core, and slice your apples thinly—you’ll need about 7 cups for this recipe. Toss the sliced apples with cinnamon, then pour the warm sauce over them and stir to coat every piece evenly. The filling looks glossy and fragrant at this point—it’s magical!

Step 4: Assemble Your Pie

Dust your work surface with flour and roll out the bottom crust to about a 12″ circle. Carefully wrap it around your rolling pin and lay it into a 9″ pie plate. Fill the crust with your apple mixture, mounding the center slightly but keeping the filling away from the edges to make sealing easier.

Step 5: Weave the Lattice Top

Roll out the second crust to an 11″ circle and slice into 10 strips with a pizza cutter. This is where the fun begins—lay half the strips evenly across the pie, then weave the remaining strips over and under to form a beautiful lattice. It’s easier than it sounds and looks stunning!

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touch

Beat 1 egg with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash, then brush the entire lattice top generously. This gives your pie that golden, shiny finish that everyone admires before you even cut into it!

Step 7: Bake It to Perfection

Bake the pie at 425˚F for 15 minutes to get a nice crust set and some caramelization going. Then reduce the heat to 350˚F and bake for another 45 minutes. You’re looking for bubbling filling through the vents and soft apples—this means your pie is ready. Let it rest at room temperature for an hour before slicing to let the filling set beautifully.

How to Serve The BEST Apple Pie Recipe

Garnishes

I love serving this pie with a scoop of rich vanilla ice cream—the contrast of warm pie and cold ice cream is unbeatable. If I want to add a little flair, a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on the ice cream makes it feel extra special.

Side Dishes

For a comforting fall dinner, I pair this apple pie with roasted turkey or pork and maple-glazed vegetables. The pie always rounds out the meal beautifully and leaves everyone satisfied.

Creative Ways to Present

One time, I made mini versions of this pie using muffin tins—perfect for parties and easier to serve. Another idea is topping the lattice crust with a light sprinkle of sanding sugar before baking for a bit of sparkle and crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Apple pie leftovers are honestly even better! I usually cover the pie with foil or plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge; it stays fresh and the flavors deepen over a day or two.

Freezing

Want to prep ahead? Freeze the unbaked pie wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. This trick saved me during busy holidays!

Reheating

I reheat slices in a 350˚F oven for about 15 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked warmth and re-crisp the crust—microwaving just doesn’t do the pie justice.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This recipe for The BEST Apple Pie Recipe has been a true game-changer in my baking adventures. I used to struggle finding a foolproof apple pie recipe that balanced flaky crust with tender, flavorful filling, but this one nailed it perfectly. I’m confident you’ll love how it looks, smells, and tastes fresh from your own oven. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite pie, just like I did!

Print