If you have been searching for the ultimate crowd-pleaser for your dessert table, this Delicious Apple Pie Recipe is exactly what you need. Crisp apple slices, enveloped in a perfectly flaky homemade pie crust, are lovingly spiced with warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of cardamom that elevates this classic to something truly special. Whether it’s for a holiday feast or a cozy weekend treat, every bite offers delightful comfort and that magical taste of home. You’re about to discover just how easy and rewarding it is to make a pie that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Delicious Apple Pie Recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create its signature flavor and texture. Each element is carefully chosen to bring balance and richness, from the tartness of fresh apples to the aromatic spices and our flaky pie crust foundation.
- Double pie crust (2 sheets of pie dough): This provides the buttery, flaky base and top that hold your filling perfectly.
- Lemon zest and juice: Adding brightness to cut through the sweetness and prevent your apples from browning.
- Apples (5 pounds): The star ingredient — choose a mix of tart and sweet varieties for the best flavor and texture.
- Brown sugar (3/4 cup, packed): Adds deep molasses notes and moistness to the filling.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Balances the tartness with clean sweetness.
- All-purpose flour (5 tablespoons): Helps thicken the apple juices so your pie slices beautifully.
- Kosher salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors subtly without overpowering.
- Cinnamon (1 1/2 teaspoons): The quintessential spice for apple pie warmth.
- Nutmeg (3/4 teaspoon): Adds a cozy, nutty undertone that complements cinnamon perfectly.
- Cardamom (1/2 teaspoon, optional): A fragrant spice that brings an exotic twist if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Vanilla (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the spice mixture with sweet floral notes.
- Milk (1 tablespoon): Used to brush the crust, helping it brown beautifully.
- Beaten egg (1 tablespoon, optional): Gives an even richer golden finish when added to the egg wash.
- Raw sugar (1 tablespoon): Sprinkled on top to create sparkle and a slight crunch.
How to Make Delicious Apple Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
Start by peeling, coring, and slicing your apples into thin, uniform 1/4-inch slices. This ensures they cook evenly and meld into a luscious filling. Toss the apples gently with the lemon zest and juice to maintain their fresh brightness. Next, mix in the brown and granulated sugars, flour, salt, and the warm spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom if you’re using it—along with vanilla. Let this mixture sit for 15 to 30 minutes; this maceration step lets the apples soften slightly and creates the perfect juicy base for your pie.
Step 2: Preheat Oven and Prepare Bottom Crust
While the filling rests, preheat your oven to 425°F. Place a rack in the lower third to ensure the crust cooks crisp and golden. On a lightly floured surface, roll one sheet of your double pie crust to about a 12-inch circle with a delicate 1/8-inch thickness. Gently transfer it to your 9-inch pie plate, trim the edges leaving a half-inch overhang, then fold under. This creates a sturdy rim to hold your filling and top crust later on.
Step 3: Fill the Pie
Pour your beautifully spiced apple filling into the prepared bottom crust. It’s okay to mound the apples slightly in the center—this helps give the pie a lovely domed look once baked. Spread the filling evenly without packing it down too much to preserve airiness and juicy pockets.
Step 4: Add Top Crust and Seal
Roll out the second pie dough sheet into an 11-inch circle. You can opt to place it as a whole cover or get creative with a lattice pattern to peek at the filling bubbles beneath. Remember to cut slits for steam to escape, which prevents soggy crusts. Trim the edges to align with the bottom crust, then crimp them together to create a beautiful, sealed edge that locks in all those wonderful juices.
Step 5: Apply Egg Wash and Sugar
Whisk together the milk and optionally the beaten egg to create a shiny egg wash. Brush this evenly over the top crust, which will give it a gorgeous golden finish. Sprinkle a tablespoon of raw sugar generously across the top. This not only adds sparkle but also creates a delightful crunch that contrasts perfectly with the tender filling.
Step 6: Bake the Pie
Place your pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake in the 425°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes to set the crust edges. Then lower the heat to 375°F and continue baking for 40 to 50 minutes until the crust turns deeply golden and the filling bubbles thickly through the vents. To avoid over-browning the edges, cover them loosely with foil if they start to get too dark.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, transfer your pie to a wire rack and let it cool completely for 3 to 4 hours. This waiting time might test your patience, but it is crucial for the filling to thicken and slice neatly. When ready, serve warm with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent finish. Enjoy at room temperature too—it’s delicious either way!
How to Serve Delicious Apple Pie Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation and enhance flavors, garnish slices with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a pinch of grated nutmeg. Fresh mint leaves add a lovely color contrast and a mild refreshing note. A drizzle of caramel sauce or a dollop of rich whipped cream will delight guests and bring out the spices in the pie.
Side Dishes
Complement your Delicious Apple Pie Recipe with classic sides like smooth vanilla ice cream or velvety whipped cream. For an adult twist, serve with a glass of warm apple cider or a cup of chai tea that echoes the pie’s spiciness. Cheese lovers might appreciate a slice of sharp cheddar on the side—this old-time favorite adds a savory balance that’s simply irresistible.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual gatherings, serve the pie family-style on a rustic wooden board with individual plates for a warm, inviting feel. If you want to wow at a dinner party, slice the pie neatly and top each piece with a quenelle of homemade whipped cream or ice cream, then dust lightly with cinnamon. To make individual desserts, bake mini pies in ramekins or muffin tins using the same filling and crust—these single servings are adorable and perfect for portion control.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Delicious Apple Pie Recipe can be stored at room temperature, loosely covered, for up to two days. Beyond that, refrigeration is best to keep the filling fresh and prevent the crust from becoming overly soft. Wrap the pie or slices loosely with foil or plastic wrap to maintain moisture without trapping condensation.
Freezing
You can freeze your homemade pie either before or after baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to protect it from freezer burn. When prepared in advance, freeze prior to the final bake, then bake from frozen, adding extra baking time. Baked pies freeze well too and thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in a 350°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes to revive the crispness of the crust and warm the filling. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy. Adding a few minutes of broiling at the end can help re-crisp the top.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pie crust for this recipe?
Absolutely! While homemade dough offers the best flavor and texture, quality store-bought pie crust can save time and still produce a delicious result with this recipe.
What kinds of apples are best for this pie?
Mixing tart apples like Granny Smith with sweeter varieties such as Honeycrisp or Fuji creates a perfect balance of flavor and texture that holds up well during baking.
Is cardamom necessary in the recipe?
Cardamom is optional but recommended if you want an extra layer of aromatic warmth. If you don’t have it on hand, the pie will still taste fantastic without it.
How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?
Make sure to pre-bake the bottom crust slightly if you’re worried about sogginess, or bake the pie on a lower oven rack to help the bottom crust cook thoroughly.
Can I make this pie gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free pie crust and substitute the all-purpose flour in the filling with cornstarch or a gluten-free blend to keep the filling thick and delicious.
Final Thoughts
Baking a Delicious Apple Pie Recipe is an experience full of warmth, comfort, and the joy of sharing something homemade with loved ones. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at pie for the first time, this recipe will reward you with heartfelt smiles and full bellies. Trust me, once you try it, this pie will become a cornerstone of your baking repertoire. Go ahead—grab your rolling pin and get ready to delight in something truly special!
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Delicious Apple Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic homemade apple pie features a double crust filled with a perfectly spiced apple mixture. With a tender, flaky pie crust and a luscious filling made from fresh apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of lemon, this dessert is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. The pie is baked to golden perfection and cooled to allow the filling to set, resulting in a slice that’s both delicious and visually appealing.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 homemade double pie crust (2 sheets of pie dough)
Apple Filling
- 5 pounds apples (before peeling and coring), sliced to 1/4-inch thickness
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (from half a lemon)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 5 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 3/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- 1 tablespoon milk (for brushing on pie)
- 1 tablespoon beaten egg (optional, for brushing on pie)
- 1 tablespoon raw sugar (for topping pie)
Instructions
- Prepare Apple Filling: Peel, core, and slice the apples into 1/4-inch thick slices. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with lemon zest, lemon juice, brown sugar, granulated sugar, all purpose flour, kosher salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom (if using), and vanilla extract. Toss gently until the apples are evenly coated with the mixture. Let the filling sit for 15 to 30 minutes to macerate, allowing the juices to develop and enhance the flavor.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Bottom Crust: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place a rack in the lower third of the oven. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one sheet of pie dough into a 12-inch circle, about 1/8 inch thick. Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim any excess dough, leaving a 1/2-inch overhang, then fold the edges under to create a sturdy border.
- Fill the Pie: Pour the prepared apple filling into the bottom pie crust, mounding it slightly in the center to accommodate the volume of filling as it bakes.
- Add Top Crust and Seal: Roll out the second sheet of pie dough into an 11-inch circle. Place it gently over the apple filling. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking, or create a decorative lattice pattern if preferred. Trim the excess dough to match the bottom crust edges, then crimp the edges firmly to seal the pie and prevent leakage.
- Apply Egg Wash and Sugar: In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and optional beaten egg to make an egg wash. Brush the top crust evenly with the egg wash to achieve a golden finish. Then, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of raw sugar over the top for added sparkle and a pleasant crunch.
- Bake the Pie: Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15 to 20 minutes to set the crust. Then reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for an additional 40 to 50 minutes, until the crust is deeply golden brown and the filling is bubbling thickly. If the crust edges brown too quickly, cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely for at least 3 to 4 hours at room temperature; this step is essential for the filling to fully set and slice cleanly. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream, or enjoy at room temperature. Store any leftovers loosely covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 4 days.
Notes
- Use a mix of apple varieties such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for balanced tartness and sweetness.
- Making the pie a day ahead is recommended for best slicing and flavor development.
- Cover pie edges with foil or a pie shield halfway through baking to avoid over-browning.
- Allowing the filling to macerate before baking helps to develop a juicy, flavorful interior.
- For a vegan option, omit the egg wash and brush the crust with plant-based milk instead.
