There’s something so comforting about a warm homemade apple pie baking in the oven. It smells like fall, feels like home, and honestly… it tastes like pure love. This is the apple pie recipe I come back to every single year. It has a buttery flaky crust, tender cinnamon apples and the perfect amount of sweetness.

In the photo below, I added a cute pie-crust bow on top (it’s easier than it looks and makes the whole pie feel extra special). Whether you’re baking for Thanksgiving, a cozy weekend dinner, or just because you want your kitchen to smell incredible, this apple pie recipe never disappoints.

Let’s make the most delicious, classic apple pie from scratch!

Ingredients

For the crust (makes a double crust):

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp granulated sugar
1 cup 2 sticks very cold unsalted butter, cubed
6-8 tbsp ice water

For the apple filling:

6 large apples Granny Smith + Honeycrisp is my favorite combo
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
2 tbsp lemon juice
¼ cup all-purpose flour or 2 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
¼ tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the finishing:

1 egg for egg wash
1 tbsp milk
Coarse sugar optional but so good!

Instructions

1. Make the pie crust
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
Add the cold butter cubes and cut them into the flour using a pastry cutter or your fingers. You want pea-sized chunks. Don’t overwork it.
Add ice water 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough holds together when squeezed.
Divide the dough in half, shape into discs, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight is even better).
2. Make the apple pie filling
Peel and slice your apples about ¼-inch thick.
Add the sugars, lemon juice, flour (or cornstarch), cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla.
Toss everything together and let it sit for 10 minutes. This pulls out the juices and helps the pie bake evenly.
3. Assemble the pie
Roll out your bottom crust and lay it into a 9-inch pie dish.
Fill with the apple mixture, making sure to pour in all the juices.
Roll out the second crust and cut into strips for a lattice. Weave them over the filling.
Optional: Use leftover dough to cut out strips for a bow! Bring the ends together and pinch the center. Place on top of the lattice.
Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
4. Bake
Bake at 425°F for 20 minutes
Reduce heat to 375°F and bake for 35–45 more minutes
If the edges brown too quickly, cover lightly with foil
Let it cool at least 2 hours before slicing… (I know, it’s torture.)

Tips & Tricks for a Perfect Apple Pie

1. Use two types of apples.
A mix of tart (Granny Smith) and sweet (Honeycrisp, Pink Lady) gives the best flavor.

2. Don’t skip chilling the crust!
Cold butter = flaky layers.

3. Bake your pie on a baking sheet.
Saves you from sticky oven messes.

4. Add a touch of lemon juice.
It brightens the filling and keeps it from being too sweet.

5. Let it cool fully.
The filling thickens as it cools…cutting too early makes it soupy.

MY baking essentials:

Fun Ways to Spruce Up Your Apple Pie

You can easily make this recipe feel holiday-ready, gift-worthy, or just extra pretty:

1. Add decorative pie crust shapes

Use cookie cutters to make leaves, stars, flowers, pumpkins… anything!

2. Add a caramel drizzle

Warm caramel over the top before serving = magical.

3. Mix in berries

Blackberries or raspberries pair beautifully with apples.

4. Add a cheddar cheese twist

A super thin layer under the top crust… trust me, it’s a thing.

5. Brown butter the filling

Swap regular butter for browned butter for deeper flavor.

Apple Pie FAQs

What are the best apples for apple pie?

Granny Smith + Honeycrisp is the best mix. You want firm apples so they don’t turn mushy.

Can I make the pie crust ahead of time?

Yes! It keeps in the fridge for 3 days or the freezer for 3 months.

Why is my apple pie soggy?

Usually too much liquid. Let the apples sit with sugar before baking, or use cornstarch instead of flour.

Should apple pie be refrigerated?

After 24 hours, yes. Before that, it’s fine at room temperature.

Can I make this as a crumble instead?

Absolutely! Skip the top crust and add a butter/flour/brown sugar crumble.

Serving Ideas

A scoop of vanilla ice cream

Fresh whipped cream

A drizzle of salted caramel

Maple whipped cream

A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar

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If you make this apple pie recipe, let me know how you like it!

Homemade Apple Pie