Simple Apple Pie Recipe: Easy, Classic, Perfect

When cravings strike for a cozy, classic dessert, this Simple Apple Pie Recipe delivers golden crust, jammy apples, and warm spice with minimal fuss.

It’s the kind of pie you can pull off on a weeknight but pretty enough for holidays—and it tastes like home.

Why This Pie Works Every Time

Great apple pie is about balance: tender fruit, gentle acidity, and a thick, glossy filling that slices clean.

Here, we toss crisp apples with sugar, lemon, and spice, then thicken with flour and a touch of cornstarch so the juices set without turning pasty.

Keeping technique simple is key to an Easy Apple Pie. We chill everything—dough, filling, even the pie plate—so the butter stays cold, creating flaky layers while the apples soften to perfect tenderness.

If you’re hunting for the Best Apple Pie for family gatherings, start here. It’s forgiving, adaptable, and reliably impressive, whether you serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or at room temp for the dessert table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the crust (double): 2½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp fine salt, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 cup (225 g) cold unsalted butter (cubed), 6–8 tbsp ice water.

For the filling: 6–7 medium firm apples (Granny Smith + Honeycrisp mix), ¾ cup sugar, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1½ tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp nutmeg, ¼ tsp salt, 3 tbsp flour, 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tsp vanilla, 2 tbsp cold butter (diced).

To finish: 1 egg + 1 tsp water for egg wash, coarse sugar (optional).

Simple Apple Pie Recipe (Step-by-Step)

Make the dough: Pulse flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in butter until pea-size. Add ice water just until the dough clumps. Divide into two disks, wrap, and chill 1 hour. This straightforward method embodies an Apple Pie Recipe Easy approach without sacrificing flake.

Mix the filling: Peel and slice apples ¼-inch thick. Toss with sugars, lemon, spices, salt, flour, cornstarch, and vanilla. Let rest 10 minutes so the fruit releases a little juice—essential for a Fresh Apple Pie Recipe feel and balanced sweetness.

Assemble: Roll one disk, line a 9-inch pie plate, and mound in the apples. Dot with butter. Top with the second crust (or lattice), trim, crimp, brush with egg wash, and sprinkle sugar.

Bake: 20 minutes at 425°F (220°C), then 35–45 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until deeply golden and bubbling in the center. Cool at least 2 hours so the filling sets—non-negotiable for tidy slices.

Crumb Topping Option

Craving a bakery-style finish? Swap the top crust for a buttery streusel to create an Apple Pie With Crumb Topping. Mix ¾ cup flour, ½ cup brown sugar, ½ tsp cinnamon, and 6 tbsp cold butter to coarse crumbs. Pile it on before baking.

This variation offers a caramelized crunch that pairs beautifully with tart apples. It’s especially good when you want contrast in texture but the same cozy spice profile.

Make It Your Own

Prefer ultra-simple? Use store-bought crusts for an Easy Homemade Apple Pie that still tastes scratch-made thanks to the fresh filling. A drizzle of cream over the apples adds richness without extra effort.

For a truly Diy Apple Pie, shape decorative leaves from dough scraps, or weave a bold lattice. These small touches elevate presentation while keeping technique accessible for bakers of any level.

If you love tradition, stick to a double crust and you’ve got a classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe that never goes out of style.

Tips For the Best Results

Keep it cold: Warm dough melts butter before it hits the oven, losing flake. Chill at every stage. That’s the difference between average and the Best Apple Pie texture.

Mix apples: Combining tart and sweet varieties ensures structure and flavor depth, the hallmark of standout Apple Pie Desserts.

Vent well: Cut generous slits or use a lattice so steam escapes. This protects the crust and prevents a soupy interior.

Serving & Storing

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or sharp cheddar. For clean slices, cool the pie fully, then rewarm individual pieces. The spices bloom overnight, making leftovers even better.

Store covered at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerate up to 4 days. Reheat at 300°F (150°C) to revive flakiness without drying.

Want dependable results for holidays? This Apple Pie Recipe Homemade can be made a day ahead. Recrisp in the oven just before serving.

FAQ: Your Apple Pie, Simplified

Can I pre-cook the apples? Yes—briefly sauté to reduce juices if your apples are very watery. It speeds cooling and ensures an Apple Pie Recipe Easy to slice cleanly.

How do I avoid soggy bottoms? Bake on a preheated sheet and keep the initial high heat. A dusting of fine breadcrumbs beneath the filling also helps.

Which sugar? A mix of white and brown adds depth and color without overpowering the fruit.

Keep Baking With Urbaki

If you loved this Simple Apple Pie Recipe, explore more pies and cozy bakes on Urbaki Cooking. From foolproof crusts to seasonal twists, we’ve got guides that help you master the classics—one slice at a time.

James Morgan

James is a kitchen enthusiast who enjoys preparing fresh, flavorful meals. He loves experimenting with seasonal ingredients and creating delicious dishes to share with his family. For him, cooking is more than a task; it’s a passion that connects him with others.

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