There’s nothing quite like a slice of homemade apple pie. With a flaky, buttery crust and a perfectly spiced filling, this dessert brings warmth and nostalgia to any table. Whether it’s a special holiday gathering or a cozy evening at home, this apple pie recipe promises to impress with its rich flavors and crisp texture.
Using fresh apples and a from-scratch crust, you’ll create a pie that’s not only delicious but also deeply satisfying to make. Ready to bake the best apple pie you’ve ever had? Let’s get started!
Ingredients for the Ultimate Apple Pie
For the Apple Pie Filling
- 6–7 cups thinly sliced and peeled apples (about 1.5–1.75 lbs / 700–800 g): Use Granny Smith or local varieties for the best results
- 2 tablespoons flour (20 g)
- 1/2 cup white sugar (100 g)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (50 g)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (2 g)
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (0.5 g)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (15 ml)
- 2 teaspoons butter (10 g): cut into small chunks
For the Pie Crust
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (300 g)
- 1 teaspoon salt (5 g)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (85 g): chilled and cut into small chunks
- 3/4 cup vegetable shortening (150 g): chilled and cut into small chunks
- 1/3–1/2 cup ice water (80–120 ml)
How to Make the Best Apple Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Stir to mix.
- Add the chilled butter and shortening. Using a fork or pastry blender, cut them into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough starts to clump together. Avoid overmixing.
- Divide the dough into two even disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 days before using.
Step 2: Roll Out the Bottom Crust
- Take one dough disk from the fridge and place it between two floured sheets of parchment paper.
- Using a rolling pin, roll the dough from the center outward into a thin, round sheet about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) larger than your pie dish.
- Remove the top layer of parchment and carefully transfer the dough into the pie dish, removing the second layer of parchment once it’s in place. Adjust the dough to fit snugly and trim the edges to match the dish using a butter knife.
Step 3: Make the Apple Pie Filling
- Core, peel, and thinly slice the apples. A 12-section apple slicer works well for this.
- Rinse the apple slices and place them in a large bowl. Add the white sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss until the apple slices are evenly coated.
- Transfer the apple mixture into the prepared pie dish, filling it to the top. Scatter the small butter chunks over the filling.
Step 4: Roll Out the Top Crust
- Take the second dough disk from the fridge and roll it out in the same way as the bottom crust.
- Remove the top parchment layer and gently place the dough over the apples. Peel off the second layer of parchment.
- Trim the edges to match the pie dish, then seal the top and bottom crusts together by pressing with a fork or your fingers. Use a fork to puncture small holes in the center of the pie to allow steam to escape.
Step 5: Bake the Pie
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cover the pie with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
- Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions
Once the pie has cooled, slice and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Its flaky crust and perfectly spiced filling make every bite an irresistible treat.
This ultimate apple pie recipe is a celebration of classic baking at its best. The tender, buttery crust pairs beautifully with the cinnamon-scented apple filling, creating a dessert that feels as comforting as it is delicious.
Perfect for any occasion, this pie is sure to become a family favorite. With its timeless flavors and homemade touch, it’s a dessert you’ll want to make again and again. Happy baking, and enjoy every bite!
