Easy Apple Pie Recipe
This Easy Apple Pie Recipe is filled with tender apples, warm spices, and a generous, saucy filling all tucked inside a flaky, golden crust. It’s perfect for fall, Thanksgiving, or any holiday gathering. The lattice top gives it that classic, homemade look that everyone loves. If you love apple recipes, try my Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars or my Apple Pancakes.
Apple pie is a dessert that fits any season or event. Whether it’s a cozy winter evening or a summer picnic, this pie is always a hit. With a generous filling each slice is packed with a flavorful, thick filling that pairs perfectly with the delicate crust. It’s a versatile recipe that’s perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or just a treat for yourself.
Why you’ll love this Easy Apple Pie Recipe
A Taste of Home: An Irish-American Tradition
Growing up in Ireland, apple pie was a family favorite. My mom used to make a simple apple pie with a plain top crust. The smell of apples and spices baking always brings back wonderful memories. After moving to America, I decided to give it my own twist with a lattice top. I love how apple pie is beloved in both Ireland and America, connecting my past and present in every bite.
Ingredients Needed for Easy Apple Pie
- Pre-made pie crusts: Using store-bought crusts saves time while still providing a flaky, buttery base. Look for high-quality options for the best results.
- Apples: Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor. They hold up well during baking and provide a nice balance to the sweetness
- Granulated sugar and brown sugar: These sugars add sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor, enhancing the apples.
- Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, salt): Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg are essential for that classic apple pie flavor. A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors.
- Flour and cornstarch: These thickeners ensure the filling is nicely saucy and not too runny.
- Lemon juice: Adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness and enhance the apple flavor.
- Vanilla extract: A hint of vanilla adds depth and richness to the filling.
- Egg and water: This simple mixture gives the crust a beautiful golden color and slight shine.
- Coarse sugar: Sprinkle on top of the egg wash for a sweet, crunchy finish.
How to make Easy Apple Pie:
**For more detailed instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card below.**
Combine sliced apples, sugars, spices, flour, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract in a large bowl.
Roll out one pie crust and place it into a 9-inch pie dish. Pour in the filling.
Roll out the second pie crust and cut into 1/2-inch strips.
Create a lattice top by laying strips over the pie and weaving.
Trim and seal the edges, crimping with a fork or your fingers brush the egg wash over the top and edges.
Bake on a baking sheet for 20 minutes. Cover the edges, lower the temperature, and bake for a further 60 minutes.
Cool for two hours and sprinkle with sugar before serving.
Variations
- Nutty Apple Pie:
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for a nutty crunch
- .Caramel Apple Pie:
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the apple filling before adding the top crust for a rich caramel flavor.
- Spiced Apple Pie:
- Increase the spices by adding 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves and allspice for a more intense flavor.
- Raisin Apple Pie:
- Add 1/2 cup of raisins to the filling for a sweet, chewy texture.
- Cranberry Apple Pie:
- Add 1 cup of fresh or dried cranberries for a tart twist.
Serving Suggestions
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combination.
- Whipped Cream: Top with a dollop of freshly whipped cream to add a light and creamy texture.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra layer of sweetness.
- Cheddar Cheese: Pair with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese for a traditional touch that enhances the apple flavor.
- Hot Beverage: Enjoy with a cup of hot coffee or tea to complement the warm spices.
Storage and Freezing
- How should I store Apple Pie?
To store your Apple pie, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. This helps maintain the pie’s texture and flavor, keeping it fresh and delicious for days. - Can I make ahead and freeze this Apple Pie?
To freeze, wrap the baked pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating. To reheat, place the pie in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.
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Tips & Tricks
- Use a mix of apples:
- Combining different apple varieties can enhance the flavor and texture of the filling. Try using a mix of tart and sweet apples for a balanced taste.
- Chill the crust:
- Keep the pie crusts chilled until you’re ready to use them to ensure they stay flaky. A cold crust helps prevent shrinking and keeps the dough easier to handle.
- Prevent soggy bottom:
- Brush the bottom crust with a thin layer of egg white before adding the filling to help seal it. This creates a barrier that prevents the juices from making the crust soggy.
- Slice apples evenly:
- Evenly sliced apples ensure uniform cooking. Use a mandoline slicer for consistent slices, or take your time with a sharp knife.
- Adjust sweetness:
- Taste your apples before adding sugar. If they are particularly sweet, you might reduce the amount of sugar slightly. This ensures your pie isn’t overly sweet.
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FAQ
Easy Apple Pie
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- 9-inch deep-dish pie dish
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 pre-made pie crusts store-bought or homemade
For the Filling:
- 5 cups thinly sliced and peeled apples Granny Smith or your favorite variety (about 2-3 pounds)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch for extra thickening
- 1½ tablespoons lemon juice
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg beaten
- 1 tablespoon water
Topping
- 2 tablespoons corse sugar (or grnulated sugar)
Instructions
Prepare the Filling and Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Combine in a large bowl the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, flour, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Toss until apples are well coated.
- Roll out one of the pie crusts and fit it into a deep 9-inch pie dish. Leave the excess hanging over the edges.
- Pour the apple filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly.
Create the Trellis Top and Bake:
- Roll out the second pie crust. Using a knife or a pizza cutter, cut the dough into 1/2-inch-wide strips.
- Lay half of the strips over the pie, evenly spaced, in one direction.
- Fold back every other strip gently, and lay another strip of dough perpendicular to the ones already on the pie. Unfold the strips over the new strip.
- Repeat this process, alternating strips until the pie is covered with a trellis pattern.
- Trim any excess dough from the strips and press the edges of the crust together to seal. Crimp the edges with a fork or your fingers.
- Whisk together the egg and water in a small bowl. Brush this egg wash over the trellis top and edges of the pie.
- Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 20 minutes.
- Reduce the temperature to 350°F and cover edges with aluminum foil to prevent them from browning too quickly. Continue baking for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. **See notes below**
- Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving. This helps the filling set and ensures a thick, saucy consistency.
- Sprinkle with sugar before serving
Notes
- Cover the Edges: If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, use aluminum foil or a pie Pie Shield to cover them.
- Lower Baking Temperature: Baking at like 400°F to start and then reducing to 350°F helps prevent burning while still cooking the filling thoroughly.
- Use a Baking Sheet: Place the pie on a baking sheet to help distribute the heat evenly and catch any drips.
