Name: Best Recipe for Apple Pie Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 5 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 homemade double pie crust (2 sheets of pie dough); 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest; Juice from half a lemon (2 tablespoons); 5 pounds apples (about 11 large, preferably a mix of Granny Smith, Gala, and Golden Delicious); 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; 1 tablespoon milk (for brushing on pie); 1 tablespoon beaten egg (optional, for brushing on pie); 1 tablespoon raw sugar (for topping pie)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 73 reviews

If you are searching for the Best Recipe for Apple Pie Recipe, you have just found a true masterpiece that will quickly become a beloved classic in your kitchen. This pie boasts a perfectly flaky homemade crust wrapped around tender, spiced apple slices cooked to apple al dente perfection. The thoughtful balance of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of cardamom, along with the rich sweetness of brown sugar and a touch of vanilla, creates a taste sensation that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you enjoy it warm or cooled down, each slice tells a delicious story of timeless tradition and homemade love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two scenes side by side on a white marbled surface. On the left, a peeled apple with a small red core on top is placed on a wooden cutting board, and a knife is cutting into it vertically. Behind the apple are several green apples arranged in the background. On the right side, a woman's hand is holding a peeled apple while the knife is cutting it vertically again, with pieces of the apple lying on the board nearby. The wood texture of the cutting board contrasts with the smooth green apples and the peeled pale yellow apple. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting ready to make this pie involves gathering a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that work harmoniously to deliver incredible flavor, texture, and a beautiful golden color. From tart apples to warming spices and a touch of citrus, each ingredient plays its part in making the pie unforgettable.

Homemade double pie crust (2 sheets of pie dough): This flaky base is the foundation of your pie and can make all the difference in texture and flavor.
Lemon zest (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle brightness that enhances the apple’s natural flavors.
Juice from half a lemon (2 tablespoons): Keeps apples from browning and adds a fresh tangy note.
Apples (5 pounds): A mix of varieties is best to balance sweetness and tartness.
Brown sugar (3/4 cup, packed): Infuses warmth and deep caramel flavors.
Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the filling while helping to create a perfect glaze.
All-purpose flour (5 tablespoons): Thickens the filling so it holds together beautifully.
Kosher salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Cinnamon (1 1/2 teaspoons): Classic warming spice that’s key to apple pie flavor.
Nutmeg (3/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle nutty warmth to complement cinnamon.
Cardamom (1/2 teaspoon, optional): A unique twist that elevates the spice profile with floral notes.
Vanilla (1 teaspoon): Rounds out flavors with a sweet, fragrant depth.
Milk (1 tablespoon): For brushing the crust and helping it brown beautifully.
Beaten egg (1 tablespoon, optional): Adds shine and glossy finish to the crust.
Raw sugar (1 tablespoon): Sprinkled on top for a crunchy, sparkling finish.

How to Make Best Recipe for Apple Pie Recipe

Step 1: Choose and Prepare Your Apples

The heart of this Best Recipe for Apple Pie Recipe lies in the apples. Using about 5 pounds ensures your pie is filled with plenty of comforting fruit. Mix varieties like Granny Smith, Gala, and Golden Delicious for a perfect harmony of tartness and sweetness. Peel and slice each apple thinly, about 1/8 inch thick, working one at a time dipped in lemon juice. This prevents browning while letting the lemon infuse flavor and maintain freshness.

Step 2: Cook the Filling

Place the zested lemon peel and lemon juice into a large, high-sided skillet. Stir the sliced apples in gently and add your sugars, flour, salt, and spices. Cook the mixture over medium heat with the lid on, stirring every few minutes for about 20 minutes until the apples are tender but still keep their shape. This stage is vital—the apples won’t soften any further during baking, so aim for that lovely balance between softness and structure. Finish by stirring in vanilla for a fragrant finish.

Step 3: Chill the Filling

Transfer your filling, complete with its rich, caramel-like juices, to a baking pan and spread evenly. Cooling it fully in the fridge or freezer allows the flavors to meld and thickens the filling, which helps it bake up perfectly and slice cleanly.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

Roll out one sheet of your pie dough and ease it into a deep 9-inch pie plate. Use a spatula to scoop every bit of chilled filling inside, making sure not to leave any delicious caramel behind. Top with the second dough sheet—choose between a whole crust or a lattice pattern for that classic look. Seal and crimp the edges to your liking, then vent by poking holes with a knife if not using lattice.

Step 5: Chill and Prepare for Baking

Pop the fully assembled pie into the fridge or freezer for 20-30 minutes. This step helps create an irresistibly flaky crust by ensuring the butter stays cold when it hits the hot oven.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven with a baking sheet inside at 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Brush the crust with a milk and egg wash combo for gloss and browning, then sprinkle with raw sugar for sparkle and texture. Bake the pie on the hot sheet for 15 minutes, then lower the heat to 350 degrees. Add an ingenious foil shield to prevent the crust edges from burning and bake another 40-45 minutes until the crust is golden and the filling bubbles through the vents or lattice.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Patience is key! Let the pie cool on a wire rack for about 4 hours for the filling’s juices to set perfectly. This step transforms your pie from good to sublime when you slice into that beautifully set filling and flaky crust.

How to Serve Best Recipe for Apple Pie Recipe

A golden-brown apple pie with a lattice crust sits on a white plate, the crisscrossed strips of dough showing the filling underneath through the woven gaps. The crust is brushed with sugar, giving it a slight sparkle. Around the pie, there are whole green and red apples resting on a white marbled surface. A silver fork is placed next to the plate on a white and red striped cloth. The pie crust looks flaky and thick with a textured edge photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Some delightful garnishes can take your apple pie from lovely to show-stopping. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is classic and irresistible, melting into the warm crust and apples. Drizzle caramel sauce on top to add extra decadence, or sprinkle some chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for a satisfying crunch contrast.

Side Dishes

When serving apple pie, think simple and cozy. A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a cup of hot coffee or spiced tea makes for a harmonious pairing. For a festive twist, warm spiced cider or a creamy latte with cinnamon enhances the pie’s warm spices beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation can elevate the experience even more. Try serving your pie slices on rustic wooden boards for a cozy vibe or place individual wedges on pretty dessert plates with a dusting of powdered sugar and a cinnamon stick alongside. For gatherings, cut the pie into smaller squares and top each with a mini scoop of ice cream or whipped cream for delightful single servings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your pie is baked and cooled, you can store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. After that, transfer it to the fridge to maintain freshness and keep the crust from turning soggy. Proper covering is important to keep it from drying out or picking up fridge odors.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, the Best Recipe for Apple Pie Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the whole pie tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil or place slices in airtight containers. Frozen pie can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat your apple pie slices in a low oven at around 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes to warm the filling without drying the crust. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it tends to make the crust soggy rather than flaky and crisp.

FAQs

What types of apples are best for the Best Recipe for Apple Pie Recipe?

Using a mix of apples such as Granny Smith, Gala, and Golden Delicious provides a balanced flavor combination of tartness, sweetness, and texture. Granny Smith adds tang and holds shape well, while Gala and Golden Delicious bring natural sweetness and softness.

Can I use store-bought pie crust instead of homemade?

Yes, store-bought pie crust can be a convenient option, especially if you’re short on time. While homemade crust adds extra flakiness and flavor, a good quality store-bought crust will still yield a delicious pie.

Why do I need to chill the pie before baking?

Chilling the assembled pie helps keep the butter in the crust cold, which results in a flakier texture once baked. It also helps the filling thicken slightly, preventing a watery pie bottom.

How can I prevent the crust from burning before the filling is done?

Making a simple foil shield or using a pie crust guard protects the edges of your pie from over-browning while the filling slowly bakes through. This little trick keeps your crust perfectly golden.

Why should I wait 4 hours before slicing the pie?

Cooling the pie allows the filling to set fully and the juices to thicken. Cutting too soon can lead to a runny slice that doesn’t hold its shape well, which affects both presentation and texture.

Final Thoughts

The Best Recipe for Apple Pie Recipe is more than just a dessert—it’s a warm embrace on a plate that invites you to savor each bite with joy. This pie’s combination of perfectly cooked apples, enveloped in a flaky, golden crust, creates magic you don’t want to miss. So gather your ingredients, summon your patience, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of homemade heaven that will keep you coming back for more.