This homemade apple pie features a flaky crust that’s simply irresistible! It’s filled with sweet, spiced apples that bring a warm, cozy feeling to any day.
Honestly, there’s nothing better than the smell of baking pie wafting through the house. I usually find it hard to resist sneaking a piece while it cools down—yum!
Making the crust is easier than you might think, and it really makes the pie special. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you’ve got a dessert that’s a total winner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose Flour: This is the main base for the crust. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but adjust the water as needed since these blends can vary in absorbency.
Butter: Cold, unsalted butter gives the pie crust its flaky texture. If you need a dairy-free option, you can substitute it with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative, although the flavor will differ.
Apples: For the filling, a mix of tart and sweet apples adds complexity. If you can’t find granny smith, go for tart cherries or pears as replacements, but keep the flavor profile in mind.
Spices: The recipe includes cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Feel free to adjust according to your taste—some people love adding a pinch of clove for extra warmth!
How Do You Get a Flaky Pie Crust?
A flaky crust is all about handling the dough properly. Here are some key steps:
- **Keep Everything Cold:** Use cold butter and ice water. This helps create steam during baking, which makes the layers flaky.
- **Don’t Overwork the Dough:** Mix until just combined. Overworking activates gluten, making your crust tough instead of tender.
- **Chill the Dough:** Refrigerate the dough for at least an hour. This firms it up and allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a tender crust.
- **Handle Gently When Rolling:** Roll out the dough carefully, and avoid using too much flour, as this can also toughen the crust.
With these tips, your homemade apple pie will not only taste amazing but also have that delightful flaky crust that everyone loves! Enjoy baking!
Homemade Apple Pie with Flaky Crust
Ingredients:
For the Flaky Pie Crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar (optional)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water
For the Apple Pie Filling:
- 6 cups apples (about 6 medium apples; a mix of tart Granny Smith and sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp ground allspice (optional)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
For Assembly:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp sugar (for sprinkling on top)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious homemade apple pie takes about 2 hours of preparation and assembly, plus about 1 hour for baking. Allow an additional 2 hours of cooling time before slicing. All in all, you’ll need around 5 hours from start to finish, but a lot of that time is just letting the pie cool!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Pie Crust:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar (if using). Next, add the cold butter cubes and cut them into the flour using a pastry cutter, two knives, or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with small, pea-sized pieces of butter. Gradually add the ice water, starting with 1/4 cup, mixing gently with a fork until the dough holds together when pressed. Divide the dough into two equal disks, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to 2 days) to chill.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a large bowl, toss together the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice (if using), lemon juice, and vanilla extract until the apples are evenly coated. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
3. Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) while you roll out the crusts.
4. Roll Out the Bottom Crust:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough into a 12-inch circle, about 1/8 inch thick. Carefully transfer the rolled dough into a 9-inch pie pan, pressing gently to fit the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough, leaving about a 1-inch overhang.
5. Add the Filling:
Pour the apple filling into the crust, spreading it evenly. Dot the filling with the small pieces of butter.
6. Roll Out the Top Crust:
Roll out the second disk of dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. For a classic lattice top, cut the dough into strips about 1 inch wide and weave them over the filling. Alternatively, you can place the whole rolled dough on top and cut vents for steam to escape.
7. Seal and Crimp:
After trimming the top crust to match the bottom, fold the top crust under the bottom crust edge and crimp firmly to seal the pie.
8. Apply Egg Wash and Sugar:
Brush the top crust with the beaten egg for that lovely golden color. Then sprinkle with sugar for a sweet, crunchy finish.
9. Bake the Pie:
Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for another 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
10. Cool:
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving. This helps the filling set, making it easier to slice.
Enjoy your classic homemade apple pie with a flaky, buttery crust! Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat!
Can I Use Store-Bought Pie Crust Instead?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought pie crust is a convenient substitute. Just follow the package instructions for transferring to the pie pan, and fill it with the apple mixture as directed in the recipe!
What Types of Apples Are Best for Pie?
A mix of tart and sweet apples works best! Granny Smith apples provide tartness, while Honeycrisp or Fuji add sweetness. Feel free to experiment with other varieties, keeping the balance of flavors in mind!
Can I Make the Filling Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the apple filling ahead of time! Just toss the sliced apples with the sugar and spices and place in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before filling the pie.
How Do I Store Leftover Apple Pie?
To store leftovers, cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in the refrigerator. It should be good for about 3-4 days. You can reheat individual slices in the microwave or enjoy them cold!