Classic American Apple Pie Recipe

Introduction

Apple pie is an iconic American dessert loved for its flaky crust and sweet, spiced apple filling. This classic recipe captures the warm, comforting flavors that have made apple pie a staple at family gatherings and holiday celebrations across the United States.

Ingredients

• 6–7 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
• ¾ cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons flour or cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 cup cold butter (cut into cubes)
• 6–8 tablespoons ice-cold water

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the cold butter cubes and rub them into the flour mixture until it looks crumbly. Gradually add the ice-cold water, stirring until a soft dough forms. Divide the dough into two parts, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
2. Step 2: Peel and slice the apples. In a separate bowl, combine the apples with sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, flour, and vanilla extract. Toss well to evenly coat the apples.
3. Step 3: Roll out one portion of dough and place it into a pie dish. Pour the apple filling over the crust. Roll out the second dough portion and place it on top. Seal the edges, then cut small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
4. Step 4: Bake the pie at 375°F (190°C) for 45–50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
5. Step 5: Allow the pie to cool for at least 1 hour before serving. Enjoy warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of sweet and tart apples to achieve the best flavor balance.
• Always use cold butter when making the crust to ensure a flaky texture.
• Include lemon juice in the filling to balance sweetness and enhance flavor.
• Let the pie cool completely before slicing to allow the filling to set.

Storage

Store leftover apple pie loosely covered at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerated for up to four days. To reheat, warm slices in a low oven or microwave until heated through. Avoid storing pie at room temperature for too long to maintain freshness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen pie crust instead of making my own?

Yes, frozen pie crusts work well and can save time, though homemade crust offers the best texture and flavor.

What type of apples are best for apple pie?

Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or balanced varieties like Honeycrisp hold their shape during baking and provide ideal flavor.

Classic American Apple Pie Recipe

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4.6 from 92 reviews

Classic American Apple Pie is a beloved dessert known for its flaky, buttery crust and sweet-spiced apple filling. This traditional pie combines tart and sweet apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for holidays and family gatherings, this recipe brings together comforting flavors that celebrate the essence of American baking.

• Author: Elias
• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Filling

• 6–7 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• ¾ cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons flour or cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Crust

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 cup cold butter (cut into cubes)
• 6–8 tablespoons ice-cold water

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust: In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough comes together. Divide the dough into two equal parts, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
2. Make the Filling: Peel, core, and slice the apples. In a separate bowl, combine the sliced apples with sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, flour (or cornstarch), and vanilla extract. Toss the mixture until the apples are evenly coated with the spices and sugar.
3. Assemble the Pie: Roll out one portion of the chilled dough into a circle slightly larger than your pie dish. Carefully place it into the pie dish, pressing it to fit the bottom and sides. Pour the apple filling evenly over the crust. Roll out the second dough portion and lay it over the filling. Trim any excess dough and seal the edges by pressing them together. Cut small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
4. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the assembled pie on the middle rack and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the vents.
5. Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least one hour to set the filling. Serve warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Notes

• Use a combination of tart (Granny Smith) and sweet (Honeycrisp) apples for balanced flavor.
• Ensure the butter is very cold to achieve a flaky crust texture.
• Lemon juice balances the sweetness and prevents apple browning.
• Let the pie cool completely before slicing to avoid runny filling.
• You can substitute flour with cornstarch in the filling for a clearer filling.

Keywords: apple pie, classic apple pie, American dessert, homemade pie, holiday dessert, apple recipe, baked pie