Homemade Apple Pie

If you’re looking for a classic dessert that brings warmth and nostalgia to any gathering, look no further than this Homemade Apple Pie. There’s something truly special about the way the sweet aroma of apples and cinnamon fills the air as it bakes. This beloved recipe has been passed down through family generations, often serving as a centerpiece for family gatherings, cozy dinners, or just a comforting treat on a busy weeknight. Every bite is like a warm hug!

What makes this pie extra special is its simplicity. With just a few wholesome ingredients, you can create something that tastes like it came straight from Grandma’s kitchen. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this Homemade Apple Pie is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal prep time, this pie is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Family Favorite: Everyone loves apple pie! It’s a treat that brings smiles and happy memories to the table.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize it based on what’s in your pantry or your personal taste preferences.
• Make Ahead: This pie can be prepared in advance, making it a great option for gatherings or meal prep.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet apples and warm spices creates an irresistible flavor that will leave everyone wanting more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! This Homemade Apple Pie uses simple, wholesome components that you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Filling

• 6 cups apples (about 6 medium peeled, cored and cut into 1/4 inch thick slices)
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Crust

• 1 pastry for double pie crust
• 2-3 tablespoons butter (cut into small pieces and scattered evenly over the apples before adding the top crust)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with different flavor profiles or add-ins. Here are some fun variation ideas:

• Add Different Fruits: Mix in some sliced pears or cranberries for a unique twist.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices like cardamom or ginger to give your pie a different flavor profile.
• Use Pre-Made Crusts: Save time by using store-bought pie crust if you’re short on time.
• Try Sweeteners: Substitute sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness.

How to Make Homemade Apple Pie

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. This initial high temperature helps create a beautifully flaky crust.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

Line your 9-inch pie plate with the bottom crust and trim it even with the edge. Set it aside while we prepare our delicious filling.

Step 3: Mix the Filling

In a large bowl, combine your sliced apples with all remaining filling ingredients—sugar, flour, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Mixing these together ensures each apple slice is coated with flavor!

Step 4: Fill the Pie Plate

Spoon that delightful apple mixture into your prepared crust. Then, sprinkle those small pieces of butter evenly over the apples to add richness.

Step 5: Top It Off

Roll out your second pie crust and place it over the top of the filling. Press both crust edges together gently to seal them well; crimping adds a lovely touch too!

Step 6: Vent & Brush

Cut slits in several places on top of the crust to allow steam to escape while baking. Then brush your top crust with an egg wash—this gives it that beautiful golden color—and sprinkle with additional sugar for some sparkle.

Step 7: Bake Your Pie

Pop your pie into the preheated oven at 425°F for 15 minutes. After that time, lower the temperature to 375°F and bake for another 30 minutes until you see that gorgeous golden brown color and smell those tender apples.

Step 8: Cool & Serve

Once baked, let your Homemade Apple Pie cool on a rack before serving. This cooling time allows flavors to meld beautifully.

Enjoy every slice of this delightful Homemade Apple Pie—it’s sure to bring joy and comfort to any occasion!

Pro Tips for Making Homemade Apple Pie

Baking the perfect homemade apple pie is all about technique and a little bit of love! Here are some pro tips to help you achieve that golden, flaky crust and perfectly spiced filling.

• Choose the right apples: Opt for a mix of tart and sweet apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. This combination brings depth to the flavor and ensures a balanced sweetness.
• Don’t skip the lemon juice: Adding lemon juice not only brightens the flavors but also prevents the apples from browning too quickly, keeping your filling fresh and vibrant.
• Chill your dough: If you’re making your own pie crust, be sure to chill it before rolling out. Cold dough rolls out more easily and helps achieve that desired flakiness in the crust.
• Use an egg wash for shine: For an appealing finish, brush the top crust with egg wash before baking. It creates a beautiful golden color while sealing in moisture for a tender pie.
• Let it cool before slicing: Allowing your pie to cool on a rack for at least 30 minutes after baking helps set the filling, making it easier to slice without spilling.

How to Serve Homemade Apple Pie

Serving homemade apple pie can be just as delightful as baking it! Consider these ideas to make your presentation as mouth-watering as the taste.

Garnishes

• Whipped cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy contrast to the rich flavors of apple pie.
• Caramel drizzle: Drizzling warm caramel sauce over each slice elevates the dessert with an indulgent touch.
• Cinnamon sugar sprinkle: A light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top not only enhances flavor but also adds visual appeal with its sparkling finish.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A classic pairing, vanilla ice cream melts beautifully over warm apple pie, creating a comforting combination of flavors and textures.
• Cheddar cheese: A slice of sharp cheddar cheese complements the sweetness of apple pie in a surprisingly delightful way—it’s a traditional favorite!
• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad balances out the richness of pie, providing a light contrast that enhances your dessert experience.
• Coffee or tea: Serving apple pie with a hot cup of coffee or tea makes for a cozy dessert experience, perfect for winding down after dinner.

Now that you have all these delightful tips and serving suggestions, I hope you feel inspired to bake your very own homemade apple pie. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Homemade Apple Pie is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy a slice of comfort any day of the week. Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering or simply want to treat yourself, this pie can be made ahead of time and stored with ease.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the pie to cool completely before storing.
• Cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Allow the pie to cool completely.
• Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
• For individual slices, wrap each slice separately.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Remove any wrapping from the pie or slices.
• Place the pie on a baking sheet and warm for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
• For individual slices, heat for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Homemade Apple Pie.

What apples are best for homemade apple pie?

For a delicious Homemade Apple Pie, opt for tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet varieties like Honeycrisp. A mix of both will give you a well-balanced flavor!

Can I make homemade apple pie without eggs?

Yes! You can brush your crust with a mixture of milk or plant-based milk instead of an egg wash. This will give your crust a lovely golden color without using eggs.

How do I prevent my homemade apple pie from being watery?

To prevent your Homemade Apple Pie from being watery, toss your sliced apples with flour and sugar before placing them in the crust. This helps thicken the juices as they bake.

How long does homemade apple pie last?

Homemade Apple Pie will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days when stored properly. If frozen, it can last up to 3 months!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Homemade Apple Pie as much as I do! It’s not just a recipe; it’s a tradition that brings warmth and comfort to any gathering. The sweet smell wafting through your kitchen will surely bring smiles all around. So roll up your sleeves, grab those apples, and let’s get baking! Your perfect slice awaits!