Nothing says comfort quite like a warm Apple Pie fresh out of the oven. This Easy Apple Pie recipe is perfect for those looking for a simple, classic dessert without a lot of fuss. It has a flaky, buttery crust and a delicious apple filling that’s sweet, spiced, and perfectly tender. This apple pie is a staple for family gatherings, holidays, or whenever you’re craving a traditional homemade treat. Let’s get started with this easy, crowd-pleasing recipe!
Table of Contents
- Ingredients for Easy Apple Pie
- Instructions for Easy Apple Pie
- Tips & Notes
- Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Ingredients for Easy Apple Pie
Crust
- 2 ready-made pie crusts (store-bought or homemade)
Filling
- 6 cups apples (about 5-6 medium apples), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Optional Topping
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, for sprinkling
- 1 egg, lightly beaten, for egg wash
Instructions for Easy Apple Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Roll out one pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish, allowing the edges to hang over slightly. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Apple Filling
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and lemon juice. Toss well to coat all of the apples evenly.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
- Pour the apple filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly.
- Dot the top of the filling with the small pieces of butter.
- Roll out the second pie crust and place it over the apples. Trim any excess crust, then crimp the edges together to seal.
- Cut 4-5 small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches
- Brush the top of the pie with the egg wash for a golden finish. Sprinkle with granulated sugar for added sweetness and sparkle.
Step 5: Bake the Pie
- Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for another 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing to let the filling set. Serve warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips & Notes
- Apple Variety: Use a mix of apples for the best flavor—Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp or Fuji for sweetness.
- Prevent Soggy Bottom: To avoid a soggy bottom crust, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of flour or breadcrumbs over the bottom of the pie crust before adding the apple filling.
- Keep Crust Cold: Keeping the pie crust cold helps it stay flaky. Chill the assembled pie in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before baking.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Caramel Apple Pie: Drizzle 1/4 cup of caramel sauce over the apple filling before adding the top crust for a caramel twist.
- Dutch Apple Pie: Replace the top crust with a streusel topping made of flour, sugar, and butter for a Dutch-style pie.
- Spiced Apple Pie: Add 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger or cardamom for an extra layer of warm spice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make the pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the pie up to 2 days in advance. Store it at room temperature covered with foil or plastic wrap. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes before serving if desired.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover apple pie covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze baked pie for up to 3 months; let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
3. Can I use a different type of fruit?
Absolutely! You can substitute the apples with pears, peaches, or even a mix of berries for a different fruit pie variation. Adjust the sugar levels based on the sweetness of the fruit.
Serving Suggestions
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate classic pairing.
- Whipped Cream: A generous dollop of whipped cream adds lightness and complements the warm spices in the filling.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra decadent touch.
This Easy Apple Pie is a timeless dessert that brings comfort and joy to any occasion. With its flaky crust, tender spiced apples, and simple preparation, it’s a recipe that even beginner bakers can tackle with confidence. Whether enjoyed on its own, with ice cream, or topped with whipped cream, this apple pie will become a go-to favorite for holidays, gatherings, or simply when the craving for a classic dessert hits.
Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite of this classic apple pie!
