How to Make Easy Homemade Apple Pie

Learn how to make an easy homemade apple pie with tender cinnamon-spiced apples baked inside a buttery, flaky crust. This classic apple pie recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for beginners and family gatherings. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream for a comforting homemade dessert.

Complete Recipe at a Glance

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 50–60 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 50 minutes
Yield: 8 slices
Oven Temperature: 375°F (190°C)
Pie Dish: 9-inch pie dish

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• 6–8 tbsp ice water

For the Apple Filling

• 6 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt

For the Top

• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp milk
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar, for sprinkling

How to Make Apple Pie From Scratch

1. Make the Pie Dough

Add the flour, sugar, and salt to a large bowl and whisk to combine.

Add the cold butter and cut it into the flour using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with a few pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.

Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing just until the dough comes together.

Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each into a flat disk. Wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Apple Filling

Place the sliced apples in a large bowl.

Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, vanilla, and salt. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.

Let the filling sit for about 10 minutes so the apples begin releasing some of their juices.

3. Roll Out the Bottom Crust

Lightly flour your work surface.

Roll one chilled dough disk into a circle about 12 inches wide, turning it occasionally so it does not stick.

Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie dish. Gently press it into the bottom and sides without stretching the dough.

Trim any excess dough around the edges, leaving about 1 inch hanging over the rim.

4. Add the Apple Filling

Pour the prepared apple filling into the crust.

Arrange the apples into an even mound, pressing them down gently so there are not large empty spaces.

Pour any remaining juices from the bowl over the apples.

5. Add the Top Crust

Roll out the second dough disk into a 12-inch circle.

Place it over the apples. Trim the edges if necessary, then fold the top crust underneath the bottom crust edge and press to seal.

Crimp the edges with your fingers or a fork.

Cut several small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.

6. Brush With Egg Wash

Whisk the egg and milk together.

Brush the mixture lightly over the entire top crust, then sprinkle with granulated sugar.

The egg wash helps the crust bake into a glossy golden brown finish.

7. Bake the Apple Pie

Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any bubbling filling.

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 50–60 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling through the vents.

If the edges begin browning too quickly, loosely cover them with aluminum foil.

8. Cool Before Slicing

Remove the pie from the oven and place it on a cooling rack.

Let it cool for at least 2 hours before slicing.

This allows the apple filling to thicken so the slices hold together instead of becoming too runny.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Pie

This homemade apple pie combines a crisp, buttery crust with soft apples, warm cinnamon, and a lightly sweet filling. The contrast between the flaky pastry and tender fruit makes it a classic dessert that works for holidays, family dinners, or an ordinary weekend baking project.

Ingredient Notes

Apples: Use firm apples that hold their shape during baking. A combination of sweet and slightly tart apples can give the filling more depth.

Cold butter: Cold butter is essential for a flaky pie crust. Small pieces remain in the dough and create layers as they melt during baking.

Lemon juice: Adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the apples.

Cinnamon and nutmeg: Give the filling its classic warm spice flavor.

Flour: Helps absorb some of the apple juices and creates a thicker filling.

Tips for a Flaky Apple Pie Crust

• Keep the butter cold until you are ready to use it.
• Add ice water gradually rather than all at once.
• Do not knead the dough like bread; mix only until it comes together.
• Chill the dough before rolling it out.
• If the dough becomes soft while shaping, refrigerate it for a few minutes.
• Avoid stretching the dough when placing it into the pie dish.

How Do You Keep Apple Pie From Getting Runny?

The biggest factors are using enough thickener, avoiding excessive liquid in the filling, and allowing the finished pie to cool completely.

The filling will continue to set as it cools. Cutting into the pie while it is still very hot can make the juices spread across the plate.

What Are the Best Apples for Apple Pie?

Firm apples that maintain their texture during baking work well for apple pie. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Braeburn, and similar baking apples are commonly used.

Using a combination of apples can create a balance between sweetness, tartness, and texture.

Can You Make Apple Pie Ahead of Time?

Yes. Apple pie can be baked a day ahead and kept covered at room temperature.

For longer storage, refrigerate it once cooled. Before serving, warm individual slices in the microwave or reheat the whole pie gently in the oven.

How to Store Homemade Apple Pie

Cover leftover apple pie loosely and store it at room temperature for up to 2 days.

For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 4 days. Reheat slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.

What to Serve With Apple Pie

Warm apple pie pairs especially well with:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream
• Caramel sauce
• Powdered sugar
• A drizzle of maple syrup
• A cup of coffee or tea

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to peel the apples for apple pie?

Peeling is recommended for a softer, smoother filling, but you can leave the skins on if you prefer more texture.

Why is my apple pie crust tough?

Overworking the dough can develop too much gluten, resulting in a tougher crust. Mix and handle the dough as little as possible.

Why does my apple pie have a gap under the crust?

Apples naturally shrink as they bake. Slicing the apples evenly and arranging them firmly in the crust can help reduce the space that develops.

Can I freeze homemade apple pie?

Yes. A fully baked apple pie can be cooled completely, wrapped tightly, and frozen. Thaw it in the refrigerator and reheat it in the oven before serving.

About Recipe

A homemade apple pie is one of those classic desserts that never goes out of style. With a buttery crust, tender cinnamon-spiced apples, and a golden baked topping, this easy apple pie recipe gives you everything you want from a traditional homemade dessert. Give it enough time to cool, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and enjoy it warm.