The BEST Apple Pie Recipe

If you’ve been on the hunt for the coziest, most classic dessert around, then you absolutely need The BEST Apple Pie Recipe. Imagine a buttery, golden crust brimming with tender cinnamon-spiced apples and just the right amount of sweet, caramel-like sauce. This recipe captures everything you love about homemade apple pie, from the comforting scent wafting through your kitchen to that first warm, perfect bite. Trust me, there’s a reason this one vanishes fast at every gathering — it’s nostalgic, impressive, and endlessly crave-worthy!

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes The BEST Apple Pie Recipe truly shine is its simple list of ingredients, each one chosen for its distinct role in flavor and texture. Take a peek below and see how the magic happens bite by bite!

• Double pie crust: This flaky, buttery pastry is the ultimate base and finishing touch for sealing in all the luscious apple filling.
• Granny Smith apples (2 1/4 lbs, about 6-7 apples, 7 cups thinly sliced): Essential for their perfect tartness and ability to hold their shape during baking.
• Cinnamon (1 1/2 tsp): Adds deep warmth and that telltale spiced flavor essential to every memorable apple pie.
• Unsalted butter (8 Tbsp): Gives the sauce its silky richness and encourages that golden crust color.
• All-purpose flour (3 Tbsp): Thickens the luscious apple filling so every slice is just the right amount of gooey.
• Water (1/4 cup): Helps bring the sauce together without thinning it too much — just the secret balance here!
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the apples and helps create the dreamy, caramel-like sauce in every layer.
• Egg (1, plus 1 Tbsp water): Used for an egg wash that makes the crust gorgeously glossy and golden after baking.

How to Make The BEST Apple Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pie Crust

Start with your favorite double pie crust recipe (homemade or store-bought, no judgment here!), then cover and chill it according to your recipe instructions. While it sits in the fridge, you’ll prep the irresistible spiced apple filling.

Step 2: Cook the Buttery Sauce

Next, melt your unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and let it simmer for just a minute, ensuring it gets slightly toasty and loses any raw flavor. Pour in the water and granulated sugar, whisking everything together, and bring it to a gentle boil. Lower the heat and let it bubble away for 3 minutes, whisking frequently until it turns glossy and thick — this is the secret to the luscious filling!

Step 3: Prep and Toss the Apples

Peel, core, and thinly slice those tart Granny Smith apples, aiming for about 7 cups (your mountain of apple slices will shrink down as they bake!). Sprinkle them with cinnamon and toss to coat them evenly — this ensures every bite will be fragrant and full of cozy flavor. Pour the warm sauce over the apples and stir until every slice glistens.

Step 4: Roll Out Bottom Crust and Add Filling

Lightly flour your work surface and roll the bottom dough round into a 12-inch circle. Using your rolling pin, gently lift and lay it into your pie plate, letting the edges hang slightly over. Pour in that heaping, glossy apple mixture, mounding it slightly in the center for that classic domed look. Try to keep the edges clean for an easier seal.

Step 5: Create a Lattice Top and Egg Wash

Roll the second dough disc to about 11 inches, then cut into 10 strips for a woven lattice. Lay half in one direction, then weave the others horizontally for a classic pattern. Beat an egg with a splash of water, then gently brush it all over the lattice and edge — this is the trick for a show-stopping, shiny crust.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake your pie at 425°F for 15 minutes in the center of the oven to set the crust. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and bake for another 45 minutes. Peek through the lattice: when the filling bubbles and the apples are tender, you’re done. Let the pie cool at room temperature for one hour so everything sets before serving — waiting’s the hardest part!

How to Serve The BEST Apple Pie Recipe

Garnishes

The BEST Apple Pie Recipe shines all on its own, but a few easy garnishes make every slice even more magical. Try a dusting of powdered sugar, a swirl of lightly sweetened whipped cream, or a classic scoop of vanilla bean ice cream melting gently across the warm pie.

Side Dishes

If you’d like to round out your dessert spread, pair with bold, creamy sides like cinnamon ice cream, caramel sauce for drizzling, or even a salty nut brittle for crunch. These complimentary flavors bring out the best in your apple pie without overpowering its cozy simplicity.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to really wow your guests? Serve slices in mini cast iron skillets, stack them up slightly overlapping for buffet-style elegance, or cut your pie into petite wedges and arrange on a rustic wooden board for easy sharing — all while keeping The BEST Apple Pie Recipe center stage!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover pie (if you’re lucky enough to have any!) should be covered lightly with foil or plastic wrap and stored at room temperature for up to two days. After that, pop it in the fridge where it will stay fresh for another two to three days while still tasting deliciously homemade.

Freezing

To freeze, let The BEST Apple Pie Recipe cool completely, then wrap tightly in two layers of foil or plastic wrap. You can freeze the whole pie or individual slices for up to three months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and serving.

Reheating

For those seeking that straight-from-the-oven freshness, gently reheat leftover pie in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the crust re-crisps. For single slices, a quick zap in the microwave will do, but oven reheating preserves the beautiful texture best!

FAQs

Should I use only Granny Smith apples?

Granny Smith apples are the classic choice because they stay firm and have a lovely tartness, but feel free to mix in a sweeter variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a nuanced flavor in The BEST Apple Pie Recipe.

Can I make the pie crust ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make and chill your pie crust dough up to two days ahead or freeze it for up to three months. This actually allows the butter to get extra cold and results in a flakier crust for The BEST Apple Pie Recipe.

How can I prevent a soggy bottom crust?

Roll your bottom crust slightly thick, make sure your filling isn’t too watery, and bake on the center rack. If you’re especially concerned, place your pie plate on a preheated baking sheet to help crisp up the bottom as The BEST Apple Pie Recipe bakes.

Do I need to peel the apples?

For the traditional texture and look of The BEST Apple Pie Recipe, it’s best to peel the apples so the filling is soft and pleasant in every bite, but if you like a more rustic texture, you can leave some peel on.

Can I use store-bought crust?

Definitely! While homemade crust is unbeatable, a quality store-bought double crust will still deliver amazing results. What matters most is the delicious filling and the love that goes into making The BEST Apple Pie Recipe.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve seen how truly simple and rewarding homemade pie can be, I hope you’re inspired to try The BEST Apple Pie Recipe. Your kitchen will smell incredible and every forkful will taste like the best part of the season. Happy baking and happy sharing!

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