Our classic Apple Pie Recipe with an irresistible homemade apple pie filling always gets glowing reviews from everyone who takes a bite. From the best flaky pie crust to the generous saucy center, this is the pie everyone has to make for Thanksgiving!
With the right recipe, homemade apple pie is easier than you think. This crust comes together fast and requires basic ingredients you probably already have on hand. The filling is scrumptious and equally simple to make.
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Apple Pie RecipeThis easy Apple Pie is a treasure of a recipe. It’s simple to make but looks just like a professional baker spent hours in the kitchen to make it, and it tastes that way too. It’s buttery, flakey, gooey, and sweet, just perfect!
We love apple recipes, from Baked Apples to Apple Turnovers, and let’s not forget Sharlotka Apple Cake. There’s a reason these recipes are crowd-pleasers–they are perfectly seasonal and tasty, but also so simple. If you love apples, this easy apple pie is a must-try!
Our recipe makes both the flakey crust and the homemade apple pie filling that was adapted slightly from the famous Grandma Ople apple pie. The method for this filling is surprising, but it will win you over. It’s well worth the extra 5 minutes and you’ll never want canned apple pie filling again.
Watch How to Make Apple PieWatch Natasha make the best apple pie recipe, and we know you’ll crave it until you make it. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients for Apple PieYou may be surprised to hear you only need pantry staples and some fresh apples to make this apple pie recipe. It’s a simple recipe but creates a delicious dessert you’ll make over and over.
Apples – We use Granny Smith in this pie recipe for the best flavor and texture. See our notes below on the best types of apples to use in pie.
Pie crusts – you’ll need two homemade crusts. You can use storebought, but I really think you should make your own (more on this below).
Pantry Staples – cinnamon, unsalted butter, flour, water, sugar, egg The Best Apples for Apple PieAny sweet/tart and crisp apple will do and you can adjust the sugar accordingly. We use a full cup of sugar for tart Granny Smith and slightly less for a sweeter apple such as Golden Delicious in this apple pie recipe.
Granny Smith – firm, tart, and the gold standard for baking
Golden Delicious – balanced sweet/tart flavor
Jonagold – sweetness amplified by baking
Honeycrisp – ultra-crisp and sweet
Braeburn – crisp and doesn’t get mushy
Pink Lady – sweet and tart apples that hold their shape The Perfect Apple Pie CrustWe love this apple pie crust just as much as we love the filling. Since it’s an all-butter pie crust (no shortening), it’s flaky and tender. The bottom is never soggy but forms a crispness at the edges which doesn’t get any better.
Imagine roasted saucy apples bubbling through that flaky lattice crust. This is the only apple pie recipe you’ll ever need. Click to watch the pie crust video tutorial and make the crusts according to the directions. We use this same crust for Blueberry Pie and Cherry Pie. It’s also perfect for savory pies like Chicken Pot Pie. It’s a keeper!
Our Favorite Tools to Make PieYou don’t need fancy equipment to make an apple pie from scratch. If you don’t have a food processor, you can use a pastry blender to cut the butter into the flour until it forms pea-sized crumbles, then add 6-8 Tbsp ice-cold water, folding it in with a spatula between each addition. It’s easy as pie! Here are our favorite pie-making tools to make the job easier:
Food processor (for the pie crust)
French Rolling Pin (or any rolling pin)
Pizza Cutter (or a knife)
Bench Scraper (optional)
Melon Baller to core apples (or use a small knife)
Pie Plate (9″ wide). If it’s shallow, place a sheet of foil under it to catch drips
Apple Slicer – if you love apple recipes, this makes the job so much easier – it will peel, core, and slice your apples in one swoop! Tips for the Best Apple Pie
Don’t overheat the filling – When making the filling, avoid overheating the sauce or cooking for too long which can cause it to separate or get too thick. If this happens, you can still toss the apples together with the sauce, and it will come together in the oven.
Use the right apples – see our suggestions above. Avoid overripe or mushy apples or your filling will be mushy. Also, adjust the sugar depending on how sweet or tart your apples are.
Chill the Crust – make sure to chill the pie crust according to the instructions or the butter will melt out of the crust and it will go flat.
Let it Cool – allow the pie to cool and set before slicing. If you serve it hot, it will slide apart. To Keep Pie From Browning Too FastIf you find the edges of your pie are browning too quickly, Cut a 3″ circle out of the center of a square sheet of foil and loosely place it with the dull side down over the top of your pie.
How to Serve Apple PieBy now your house smells absolutely amazing, and you’ll want to dive right into the bubbling hot masterpiece you just created, but try to wait an hour or so to allow the apple pie filling to cool and thicken slightly. Then cut using a serrated pie server or knife and serve. If you’re like me, you’ll need a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. I’ve even been known to dust a bit of cinnamon or drizzle caramel sauce on top. It’s just perfect.
Make-AheadWith all the hustle of the holiday, it’s nice to know you can check this pie off your list early. The pie stores well and stays fresh covered on the counter for a day or two, but then must be refrigerated.
To Refrigerate: cool completely to room temperature, cover, and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Freezing: cool and store in a freezer-friendly airtight container for up to 6 months
To Reheat: thaw in the fridge or on the counter and then reheat in a 350°F oven until warm This is the best apple pie recipe ever since it’s an easy homemade dessert that looks and tastes amazing! Our easy pie features a homemade crust and an unbeatable apple pie filling recipe that’s simple and tasty, making it perfect for your holiday table or any time!
More Fall Baking RecipesFall always puts me in the mood for baking. All of these recipes are on our regular rotation. These recipes are easy to make and are so good, they are our go-to Thanksgiving recipes!