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If you have ever dreamed of creating a pie so comforting, so delightful, and so perfectly balanced that it feels like a warm hug from your oven, then you are in for a treat. This is The BEST Apple Pie Recipe from Scratch Recipe — a timeless classic made with love, simple ingredients, and just the right amount of spice and sweetness. From tender, cinnamon-kissed apples to golden, flaky crust, this pie brings together every element to create an unforgettable dessert that will become your new favorite for family dinners, special occasions, or a soul-soothing weekend bake.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of The BEST Apple Pie Recipe from Scratch Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays its own crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture that sing together in harmony. From crisp apples to a buttery crust, these elements blend to create a pie that feels both homemade and indulgent.
- 6 large apples (Granny Smith, Pink Lady, or Honeycrisp): Tart and sweet varieties add complexity and ensure your filling is perfectly balanced.
- â…” cup sugar: Sweetens the apples naturally, enhancing their flavor without overpowering.
- 2-3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Acts as a thickening agent for the filling, capturing the luscious juices.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Adds a fresh brightness to the apples and prevents browning.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest: Brings a fragrant citrus note that wakes up the entire pie.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Warm and aromatic, cinnamon is the spice that makes apple pie irresistible.
- â…› teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavors.
- 1 recipe double pie crust: The foundation of this pie, flaky and buttery, it holds the filling with perfect crispness.
- 1 large egg (for egg wash): Gives the crust a gorgeous golden shine when baked.
- 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash): Helps the egg wash spread easily and browns the crust evenly.
- Raw sugar (for sprinkling): Adds a sparkling crunch and a touch of rustic sweetness to the crust.
How to Make The BEST Apple Pie Recipe from Scratch Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
Start by peeling, coring, and slicing your apples into uniform ¼-inch thick pieces—this ensures every bite is tender and cooks evenly. Toss the apples in a large bowl with fresh lemon juice and zest to keep them bright and flavorful. Then, sprinkle sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt over the apples and mix gently until each slice is beautifully coated. Let the mixture rest for 15 minutes so juicy apple magic can happen, softening the apples and thickening the filling with its natural juices.
Step 2: Roll Out and Place the Bottom Crust
Roll your double pie crust dough out to a 12-inch circle—the ideal size for a 9-inch pie plate. Carefully transfer this bottom crust to your pie plate, allowing the edges to hang over slightly. This crust acts as a sturdy, buttery base, ready to cradle the luscious apples you’ll soon add.
Step 3: Add the Apple Filling and Butter
Pour the apple mixture into the crust, spreading it out evenly. Dot the top with small pats of butter—you’ll get a richer flavor and beautiful bubbling pockets as the butter melts into the filling throughout baking.
Step 4: Create the Top Crust
If you’re feeling creative, use the top crust to weave a classic lattice pattern by rolling it out and cutting into strips, then weaving those over and under in a timeless design. Otherwise, simply cover the apples with the second crust, trimming any excess dough and sealing the edges with the bottom crust for a neat finish.
Step 5: Apply Egg Wash and Sugar
Whisk together the egg and milk to make an egg wash, then brush it generously over the top crust. This step ensures your pie will bake to a gorgeous golden color. Finally, sprinkle raw sugar over the top to add that delightful, sparkly crunch that brings the entire pie to life visually and texturally.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 425°F and bake the pie for 15 minutes to jump-start that crisp crust. Then reduce the temperature to 350°F and continue baking for 40 more minutes, until the filling bubbles and the apples are tender yet intact. Keep an eye out for that irresistible aroma filling your kitchen—that’s success!
How to Serve The BEST Apple Pie Recipe from Scratch Recipe
Garnishes
Keep it simple with a scoop of classic vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for creamy contrast to the warm spiced apples. A light dusting of ground cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce takes it to decadent heights, making every bite a celebration.
Side Dishes
This apple pie shines most brightly as a standalone dessert, but if you want to amp up your meal, consider pairing it with a cup of hot cinnamon tea, freshly brewed coffee, or even a glass of cold milk. These drinks complement the pie’s sweetness beautifully and round out the experience wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Imagine serving mini versions in individual ramekins for a charming twist, or layering thin apple slices on top before baking to showcase their natural beauty. You can even dust the top crust with colored sugar crystals for festive occasions—The BEST Apple Pie Recipe from Scratch Recipe is versatile enough to be effortlessly transformed into a show-stopper for any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your leftover pie loosely with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. This keeps the filling fresh and the crust delightfully crisp when reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze The BEST Apple Pie Recipe from Scratch Recipe either before or after baking. Wrap the unbaked pie tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to avoid freezer burn, and store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking. Alternatively, freeze baked pie wrapped well and reheat when ready to enjoy!
Reheating
To relish that just-baked warmth, reheat slices in a 350°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes. This brings back a flaky crust and warm, bubbly filling without sacrificing texture. Microwaving can work in a pinch but may soften the crust too much.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! Granny Smith, Pink Lady, or Honeycrisp are excellent because of their tartness and firmness, but feel free to mix your favorites for a personalized flavor and texture balance.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling enhances the pie’s smooth texture and prevents any toughness in the filling. While some people enjoy the rustic chew of peels, for The BEST Apple Pie Recipe from Scratch Recipe, peeling is a classic touch that yields the best results.
How can I prevent my crust from getting soggy?
Sprinkling a little flour or cornstarch on the bottom crust before adding the filling helps absorb excess moisture. Also, baking at a high initial temperature sets the crust quickly, keeping it crisp and golden.
Is it okay to make a double crust pie without a lattice?
Definitely! Covering the pie fully with a top crust seals in all those wonderful apple juices. Just be sure to cut slits for steam to escape, preventing a soggy or burst crust.
What’s the best way to store leftover pie?
Store it loosely covered in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days to keep the filling fresh and the crust flaky. For longer storage, freezing is your friend.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like biting into a piece of The BEST Apple Pie Recipe from Scratch Recipe: warm, fragrant, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings comfort and joy with every slice. Don’t hesitate—grab your apples, roll up those sleeves, and create a pie that will become a treasured family favorite.
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The BEST Apple Pie Recipe from Scratch Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic apple pie recipe from scratch features a flaky double crust filled with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples. Using Granny Smith, Pink Lady, or Honeycrisp apples, it delivers the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, enhanced by lemon juice and zest. Topped with a traditional lattice or full crust and a sparkling raw sugar finish, it’s an all-time favorite dessert perfect for any season.
Ingredients
Filling
- 6 large apples (Granny Smith, Pink Lady, or Honeycrisp)
- â…” cup sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- â…› teaspoon salt
Crust & Topping
- 1 recipe double pie crust
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
- Raw sugar (for sprinkling)
Optional
- Small pads of butter (for dotting on filling)
Instructions
- Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into ¼-inch thick slices. Place them in a large bowl, then add the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest to prevent browning and enhance flavor.
- Mix Filling: Sprinkle the sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and salt evenly over the apples. Gently toss the mixture until the apple slices are evenly coated with the sugar and spice blend.
- Rest the Mixture: Let the apple mixture sit for 15 minutes. This resting period allows the apples to release their juices and become slightly tender, helping the filling achieve the perfect texture during baking.
- Prepare Pie Crust: Roll out the bottom pie crust to a 12-inch diameter and carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie plate. Allow the dough to hang over the edges to accommodate trimming and sealing with the top crust.
- Add Filling: Pour the apple filling into the prepared crust. Dot the filling with small pads of butter to add richness and help the filling stay moist and flavorful as it bakes.
- Top the Pie: If making a lattice crust, roll out the second pie crust and cut it into strips. Weave the strips over the pie filling to create a lattice pattern. Otherwise, cover the pie with the second crust, trim any excess dough, and seal the edges properly for a full crust top.
- Apply Egg Wash: Whisk the large egg with milk to create an egg wash. Brush this evenly over the entire top crust to promote browning and give the crust a shiny, golden finish. Sprinkle raw sugar generously on top for added sweetness and texture.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the pie for 15 minutes at this high temperature to set the crust, then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for another 40 minutes. Bake until the apple juices are bubbling and the apples are tender, indicating the pie is done.
Notes
- Choosing tart apples like Granny Smith helps balance the sweetness of the pie.
- Allowing the filling to sit before baking enhances flavor and prevents a soggy crust.
- Use chilled pie dough for easier handling and a flakier crust.
- Cover pie edges with foil if they brown too quickly to prevent burning.
- Let the pie cool before slicing so the filling sets properly.
