Simple Homemade Apple Pie Recipe with a Flaky, Golden Crust

Simple Homemade Apple Pie Recipe with a Flaky, Golden Crust

A fresh, handmade apple pie is the ultimate traditional treat. The flaky, golden crust combined with the warm, sweet apple filling is perfect comfort food. And, guess what? You don’t need to be an expert baker to prepare it from scratch!

This simple recipe will teach you how to make an apple pie that tastes like it came directly from Grandma’s kitchen. We’ll show you how to produce a buttery, flaky crust, a sweet and tangy apple filling, and the ideal golden brown finish. Whether it’s a festive must-have or a weekend baking effort, this apple pie recipe will become your new favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple substances: No need for sophisticated instruments or unusual ingredients.
• Perfectly Flaky crust: No more store-bought crusts—this buttery, handmade crust is a game changer.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or whenever you want something sweet.
• Beginner-Friendly: This recipe is ideal for first-time pie bakers, as it has simple stages.

Ingredients You Will Need

For the Flaky Pie Crust (creates a double crust):

• 2 1/2 cups (315 grams) All-purpose Flour
• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water (as required)

For the Sweet Apple Filling:

• 6-7 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or mixed)
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (50g) Brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to avoid browning)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (cut into small cubes to dot the filling)

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon milk

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing Bowls
• Rolling pin and 9-inch pie plate
• Pastry cutter (or fork)
• Pastry brush, knife, or apple peeler/corer

How to Make a Simple Homemade Apple Pie: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare the Flaky Pie Crust.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and chilled butter cubes.
Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, combine the butter and flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add 1 tablespoon ice water at a time, mixing gently until the dough clumps together.
Divide the dough into two equal discs, wrap each with plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Pro Tip: For a flaky crust, keep everything as cold as possible, including butter, water, and your hands!

Step 2: Prepare the apple filling.
Peel, core, and cut the apples into 1/4-inch pieces.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the apple slices, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice. Toss the apples until they are well covered.
Pro Tip: Combine different apples (such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp) to get a sweet and tart balance.

Step 3: Roll out the dough.
On a floured surface, roll out one of the dough discs to a 12-inch circle (approximately 1/8 inch thick).
Carefully transfer it to the pie plate, allowing the borders to dangle over the sides. Trim any surplus dough.

Step 4: Add the apple filling.
Pour the apple filling into the crust and distribute it evenly.
To enhance richness, dot the top of the filling with tiny butter cubes (approximately 1 tablespoon total).

Step 5: Roll out and place the top crust.
Roll out the second dough disk to create another 12-inch circle.
Put it on top of the apple filling. Cut openings into the top crust to allow steam to escape, or go for a more elaborate lattice design.
Seal the bottom and top crusts by pinching and crimping their edges together.

Step 6: Brush and bake the pie.
In a separate bowl, mix together the egg and milk to make an egg wash.
Brush this mixture over the top of the pie to create a golden, beautiful crust.
Sprinkle some sugar on top for sparkle and sweetness.
Cut 4-5 tiny holes in the top crust to let steam to escape.
Pro Tip: If the edges of the pie crust brown too rapidly, cover them with aluminum foil or a pie crust shield.

Step 7: Bake the pie.
Preheat the oven to 425° Fahrenheit (220° Celsius).
Bake the pie at 425°F for 15 minutes, then reduce to 375°F (190°C) and bake for another 35-40 minutes.
The pie is done when the crust is golden brown and the apple filling bubbles.

Step 8: Let cool and serve.
Let the pie cool for two hours before slicing. This allows the filling time to thicken.
Serve warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Pro Tip: Patience is crucial! Allowing the pie to cool produces clean slices with a precisely thickened filling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Which apples work best for apple pie?
   Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Braeburn apples perform best. A combination of sweet and sour apples will add extra flavor.
2. How can I avoid a soggy crust?
   To avoid a soggy bottom crust, pre-bake (or “blind bake”) it for 10-15 minutes prior to adding the filling. Another alternative is to put some flour or breadcrumbs on the bottom before adding the apples.
3. Can I prepare the crust ahead of time?
   Yes! Prepare the pie crust ahead of time, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for up to three days or freeze for three months.
4. How should I preserve leftover apple pie?
   Leftover pie may be kept at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerated for up to five. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to get that “fresh-baked” flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic Vanilla Ice Cream: The cool creaminess complements the heated pie.
• Homemade whipped cream: Light and fluffy, making it the ideal accompaniment to pie.
• Caramel Drizzle: Add a little caramel sauce on top.

Nutrition Information (Per Slice)

• Calories: 450
• Fat: 20g
• Carbs: 60g
• Protein: 5g

(Nutritional figures are approximate and will differ based on the components.)

It’s time to bake your dream pie!

That’s it—a simple handmade apple pie with a flaky, golden crust and a delicious, spiced apple filling. Ideal for holidays, family feasts, or whenever you crave some handmade sweetness.

So, gather your apples and prepare to create something wonderful. Your kitchen will smell great, and your taste buds will thank you.

If you loved this recipe, please share it with your friends and family. Please leave your questions or tips in the comments section; we enjoy hearing from you!