Easy Apple Pie Recipe

A classic, comforting dessert featuring tender, spiced apples baked inside a buttery, flaky crust. This easy apple pie recipe is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weekend treat.

Portions: Serves 8
Preparation time: 30–45 minutes (plus chilling for crust)
Cooking time: 60–70 minutes

Ingredients

For the Filling

• 6–8 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (about 8 cups)
• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

For the Pie

• Double crust for a 9-inch pie (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
• Coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional)

Homemade Pie Crust (makes double crust)

• 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
• 1 cup (226 g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 6–8 tablespoons ice water

Instructions

Make the Crust (if homemade)

1. Mix flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl.
2. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until dough just comes together.
4. Divide dough in half, flatten into disks, wrap in plastic, and chill 30–60 minutes.

Prepare the Filling

5. Toss sliced apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice.

Roll Out Dough

6. On a floured surface, roll one disk into a 12-inch circle.
7. Place in a 9-inch pie dish, leaving an overhang.

Assemble the Pie

8. Pile apple filling into the bottom crust, mounding slightly in the center.
9. Dot with butter pieces.
10. Roll out the second crust and place on top. Trim excess and crimp edges to seal.
11. Cut several slits in the top crust for steam to escape.
12. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar.

Bake

13. Place pie on a baking sheet to catch drips.
14. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, then reduce to 375°F (190°C) and bake another 40–50 minutes until crust is deep golden and filling bubbles.
15. If edges brown too quickly, cover with foil or a pie shield.

Cool and Serve

16. Cool at least 2–3 hours before slicing to let filling set.
17. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Tips

• For extra flavor, mix in a pinch of ground ginger or a splash of vanilla extract into the filling.
• Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a more complex taste.
• If using store-bought crust, chill it briefly before baking for flakier results.