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The BEST Apple Pie Recipe from Scratch Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4 from 86 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.