Nothing says comfort like a warm slice of homemade pie, and this Classic American Apple Pie Recipe truly captures that feeling perfectly. With its buttery, flaky crust and a luscious filling bursting with tender Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples, spices, and just the right touch of sweetness, this pie is a timeless dessert that brings a cozy, nostalgic charm to any table. Baking this pie is a rewarding journey from crisp crust to bubbling, golden finish, making it a heartfelt centerpiece for family gatherings or sweet moments of self-indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple, everyday ingredients are the building blocks of a truly memorable apple pie. Each one plays a key role in balancing flavors and textures, from the tart apple blend to the warm spices and flaky crust that bring the whole pie together beautifully.
- 2 discs pie crust: Essential for that flaky, buttery base and top that hold in all the delicious filling.
- 4 Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced: Their tartness adds a bright contrast that keeps the sweetness in check.
- 2 Honeycrisp apples, peeled and sliced: Sweet and crisp to complement the Granny Smith apples for a perfect balance.
- 1/3 cup brown sugar: Offers deep, caramel notes that enrich the filling’s flavor.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Provides the classic sweetness that makes every bite irresistible.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds brightness and helps prevent the apples from browning.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest: Enhances the fresh citrus aroma for added complexity.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon: The warm spice that defines apple pie’s signature flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: Just a pinch to give a cozy depth without overpowering.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Thickens the filling to keep it luscious and not runny.
- 2 tablespoons butter, cubed: Dotting the filling with butter creates pockets of richness as it bakes.
- 1 egg: Whisked into an egg wash to give the crust a spectacular golden shine.
- 1 tablespoon milk: Mixed with egg for a perfect glaze.
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for topping): Adds a delightful crunch and sparkle to the crust’s surface.
How to Make Classic American Apple Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Dough
The foundation of this Classic American Apple Pie Recipe is the pie dough, and making it from scratch truly elevates the final result. Combine flour, salt, chilled butter, and ice water to create a tender, flaky dough. Divide it into two discs, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and chill for at least an hour to ensure it holds up perfectly when rolled out.
Step 2: Preheat and Roll Out Bottom Crust
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready once the pie is assembled. Roll out one dough disc on a lightly floured surface, shaping it into a circle larger than your pie dish. Gently press it into the dish for a smooth, even base, then chill the second disc for the top crust while you move on to the filling.
Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling
In a large bowl, toss the Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples with the brown and granulated sugars, lemon juice, lemon zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. This mixture creates a perfectly spiced, balanced filling that will thicken beautifully in the oven. Let it rest briefly as you get ready to assemble the pie.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Pour the apple filling into the prepared crust, spreading evenly. Dot the filling with small cubes of butter to add richness and a luscious finish. Roll out the second dough disc and create a full or lattice top crust, then carefully seal and crimp the edges to keep all the flavor inside while baking.
Step 5: Apply Egg Wash and Sugar Topping
Whisk together the egg and milk, then brush this egg wash generously over the top crust to achieve a beautiful, golden-brown color. For an extra touch of sparkle and texture, sprinkle coarse sugar on top if you’d like—this little step really makes your pie stand out.
Step 6: Bake the Pie
Place the pie in the oven at 400°F for 20 minutes to jump-start the crust’s golden color, then reduce heat to 350°F and bake for an additional 35–40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the crust is deeply golden and the filling bubbles up invitingly through the vents or edges.
Step 7: Cool Before Serving
This is a crucial step in making this Classic American Apple Pie Recipe truly shine. Let the pie cool for at least three hours to allow the filling to set perfectly—cutting too soon might leave you with a runny mess. Patience here pays off with clean, luscious slices.
How to Serve Classic American Apple Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Top each pie slice with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream to create that heavenly taste combination everyone loves. A sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce adds a fancy touch that elevates each bite into something special.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with hot beverages like spiced apple cider or a robust cup of coffee, especially during festive gatherings. Serve alongside a cheese platter with sharp cheddar for a surprising yet classic complement to the sweet and spicy flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your guests by serving this pie in mini tartlet forms or individual ramekins for personal portions. Alternatively, a lattice crust created with varying widths of strips adds a visually charming design that shows off the bubbling filling and golden crust beneath.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Proper storage keeps the crust from becoming soggy while maintaining the filling’s tantalizing texture.
Freezing
You can freeze this Classic American Apple Pie Recipe after baking or before. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to protect from freezer burn, and store it for up to two months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place pie slices on a baking sheet and warm in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 15 minutes. This method crisps the crust back up and warms the filling evenly without drying it out, bringing your pie back to fresh-from-the-oven deliciousness.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples in the Classic American Apple Pie Recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp provide the ideal balance of tart and sweet, feel free to experiment with varieties like Fuji, Pink Lady, or Gala for different flavor nuances and textures.
Do I have to make the pie crust from scratch?
Not at all. You can use store-bought pie crusts to save time, but making your own dough adds a wonderful homemade touch and buttery flavor that elevates the pie to the next level.
How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Chilling the dough before baking and using cornstarch in the filling helps create a barrier and thickens juices, ensuring the crust remains flaky, not soggy.
Can I prepare the pie ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the pie a day before and keep it refrigerated. Before baking, let it come to room temperature and follow the baking instructions for fresh-baked results.
Why does the filling need to rest before baking?
Resting allows the spices to meld and the cornstarch to start absorbing moisture, which ensures the filling thickens perfectly and is bursting with flavor once baked.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making the Classic American Apple Pie Recipe from scratch. It’s not just about the delicious combination of flaky crust and spiced, tender apples—it’s about creating moments filled with warmth, tradition, and a little bit of magic in your own kitchen. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a beloved classic at your own table.
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Classic American Apple Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes plus 3 hours cooling
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Classic American Apple Pie features a buttery, flaky double crust filled with a spiced mixture of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples. Sweetened with brown and granulated sugar and enhanced with cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and zest, this pie is baked to golden perfection and perfect for traditional dessert occasions.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 2 discs pie crust (for top and bottom)
- Flour (for dough preparation, quantity to make dough)
- Salt (pinch, for dough)
- Butter (for dough, quantity to make dough)
- Ice water (for dough)
Filling
- 4 Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
- 2 Honeycrisp apples, peeled and sliced
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons butter, cubed
Topping
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare Pie Dough: Combine flour, salt, butter, and ice water to form a smooth dough. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap them in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour to firm up.
- Preheat Oven and Roll Dough: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out one disc of dough and line your pie dish with it. Keep the second disc chilled until ready to use for the top crust.
- Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples with brown sugar, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Let the filling rest to meld the flavors while you prepare the top crust.
- Assemble Pie: Pour the apple filling into the prepared pie crust and dot the filling with cubed butter. Roll out the second dough disc to create either a lattice or a full top crust. Seal or crimp the edges securely to enclose the filling.
- Apply Egg Wash and Sugar: Beat the egg with milk to make an egg wash. Brush this over the top crust to give it a golden color when baked. Sprinkle coarse sugar on top if you desire a sweet, crunchy topping.
- Bake the Pie: Place the pie in the oven and bake at 400°F for 20 minutes. Then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and continue baking for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool for at least 3 hours to let the filling set properly. Serve slices with ice cream or whipped cream for a classic American dessert experience.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is essential for a flaky crust and easier handling.
- Use a mix of tart Granny Smith and sweet Honeycrisp apples for balanced flavor and texture.
- Letting the pie cool thoroughly prevents the filling from spilling when sliced.
- Optional coarse sugar topping adds a nice crunch and sparkle.
- Lemon juice and zest enhance the apples’ flavor and keep them from browning.
