Easy Apple Pie Recipe

Baking an apple pie always brings me joy because it’s simple, comforting, and full of flavor. I first made this recipe when I wanted something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen. The smell of cinnamon and apples baking makes the whole house feel warm and inviting.

This version is easy, doesn’t need fancy tools, and works for both beginners and experienced bakers. If you’ve ever wanted a go-to apple pie recipe, this is the one I keep coming back to every single time.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Servings: 8 slices

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 prepared pie crusts (store-bought or homemade)
• 6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and sliced
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon water

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Roll out one pie crust and place it into a 9-inch pie dish. Press gently into the bottom and sides. Trim any extra dough hanging over the edges.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

Pour the apple filling into the prepared crust. Dot the top with butter cubes. Place the second pie crust over the apples. You can lay it whole or cut strips for a lattice design. Seal and crimp the edges with a fork.

Step 4: Egg Wash

Whisk together the egg and water. Brush this over the top crust to give the pie a golden finish. Cut 3–4 small slits in the top if not using a lattice design.

Step 5: Bake

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake for 15 minutes, then lower the heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 35–40 minutes until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.

Step 6: Cool Before Serving

Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before slicing. This helps the filling set properly.

Helpful Tips

• Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for balanced flavor.
• If your apples are very juicy, add an extra tablespoon of flour to thicken the filling.
• Cover the edges with foil halfway through baking if they brown too quickly.
• For extra shine, sprinkle a little sugar over the egg wash before baking.

Variations

• Caramel Apple Pie: Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples before adding the top crust.
• Dutch Apple Pie: Replace the top crust with a crumb topping made of butter, sugar, and flour.
• Mini Pies: Make individual servings using a muffin tin for a fun twist.
• Spiced Apple Pie: Add cloves or allspice for a stronger spice flavor.

How to Serve

Serve slices warm or at room temperature. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream makes it even better. For a cozy dessert, pair it with hot coffee, tea, or apple cider.

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: Cover and keep for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat, warm slices in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Slice)

• Calories: ~320
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 30g
  (Values are approximate and may vary depending on crust and apples used.)

FAQs

Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the pie a day before and keep it covered in the fridge. Bake it the next day.

Q2: What apples are best for apple pie?
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Golden Delicious work best. They hold their shape and balance sweetness with tartness.

Q3: Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling gives a softer filling, but you can leave the skin on for extra texture.

Q4: Can I use frozen apples?
Yes, but thaw them first and drain excess liquid to prevent a soggy pie.

Q5: How do I stop the bottom crust from getting soggy?
Sprinkle a tablespoon of breadcrumbs or crushed graham crackers on the bottom crust before adding the filling.

Conclusion

This easy apple pie recipe is one I rely on whenever I want a dessert that feels both simple and special. With a flaky crust, warm spices, and juicy apples, it’s the kind of pie that never lasts long on the table. Whether you serve it plain, with ice cream, or topped with caramel, it’s always a hit. Try it once, and you’ll keep this recipe close for every season.