Apple Pie Made Easy

This is my ultimate go-to apple pie recipe, the epitome of apple pie perfection. Fresh apples harmonize with sweet sugar and spices, all embraced by a luxurious, buttery crust. And the best part? It’s a breeze to make, with no unnecessary complications.

Everyone needs a good apple pie recipe, especially with the holidays around the corner. Whether you want to serve this as a treat at the next family gathering or are just craving a classic apple pie, this recipe is for you!

The best apples for apple pie

There are many varieties of apples out there, but here are a few that should be readily available to you and make for great pie apples.

• Granny Smith: Known for their tartness and firm texture, Granny Smith apples hold up well during baking. Their acidity balances the sweetness of the pie filling.

• Honeycrisp: Honeycrisp apples offer a wonderful blend of sweet and tart flavors, and their crispness adds a delightful crunch to your pie.

• Cortland: Cortland apples have a rich, complex flavor and hold their shape nicely when baked. They provide a pleasing balance of sweetness and tart.

• Jonagold: Jonagold apples are a hybrid of Jonathan and Golden Delicious apples, offering a well-balanced flavor profile with a crisp texture that softens beautifully when baked.

• Fuji: Fuji apples are sweet and crisp, making them a great choice for those who prefer a sweeter apple pie. They hold their shape and add a pleasant sweetness to the filling.

Which pie crust do I use?

A good apple pie begins with the perfect pie crust. I recommend using my sourdough pie crust recipe, but any homemade or store-bought pie crust will do.

If you do end up using store-bought pie crust, I suggest following the baking instructions on the package.

How to make apple pie

Ingredients & Equipment

• 6-7 cups of peeled and sliced apples
• 3/4 cup of sugar
• 1 tablespoon of flour
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter cut into cubes
• 1 egg and 1 teaspoon of water for the eggwash

You will need:

• 1 9-inch pie plate
• mixing bowl
• rolling pin
• measuring cups and spoons
• pie shield or aluminum foil

Instructions for apple pie made easy

• Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and place the rack in the center of the oven.

• Pull out the pie crust you plan to use and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.

• Peel, core, and slice your apples thinly and place them into a large mixing bowl.

• Add the sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon, and salt and toss until combined.

• On a liberally floured surface roll out the pie crust into a 12-inch circle that is 1/8 inch thick.

• Place the pie crust on the bottom of the dish and press it gently down to fit the dish. Cut any additional crust off that may hang over the dish.

• Poke a few holes in the bottom of the crust using a fork. Then, spoon the apple filling into the pie and spread it around evenly.

• Place the cubed butter on top of the filling.

• On a liberally floured surface roll out the second pie crust into a 12-inch circle that is 1/8 inch thick.

• Place the pie crust over the top of the filling and trim off any excess pie crust.

• Then, crimp the bottom and top pie crust edges together either by using a fork or your fingers until they are both sealed together all the way around.

• Whisk together the egg and water and brush the pie with the egg wash. Use a sharp knife to cut at least 4 vents in the crust.

• To avoid the edges of the pie from browning too much place your pie shield around the pie. Alternatively, you can cut a 38-inch strip of aluminum foil and wrap it around the edges of the pie.

• Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drippings and bake the pie for 25 minutes with the pie shield then reduce the temperature to 375 degrees and bake for 30-35 minutes more without the pie shield. Periodically check the edges for burning.

• You know the pie is done once you see that it is golden brown and bubbling.

Storing apple pie

• Allow the pie to fully cool before slicing and serving, this can take anywhere from 2-4 hours.

• Apple pie stores well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, covered.

More dessert recipes to try:

• No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
• Avocado Chocolate Pudding
• Sourdough Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
• Sourdough Discard Blueberry Muffins