Homemade Apple Pie

If you’re looking for a comforting dessert that brings the warmth of home into your kitchen, look no further than this Homemade Apple Pie. There’s something truly special about the aroma of fresh apples and cinnamon filling the air while this pie bakes. It’s a recipe that has been passed down through generations, making it perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners.

Whenever I make this pie, it instantly transports me back to my childhood, surrounded by loved ones and laughter. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or simply want a sweet treat after dinner, this Homemade Apple Pie is sure to delight everyone at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious pie ready to share with friends and family.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves apple pie! It’s a classic dessert that appeals to all ages.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling in advance or even freeze the pie for later. It’s great for busy days!
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of sweet apples and warm spices creates an irresistible flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
• Customizable: Feel free to play around with different types of apples or add your favorite spices for a personal touch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Let’s gather what we need to create this delightful Homemade Apple Pie!

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

One of the best things about this Homemade Apple Pie is its flexibility! You can easily adapt it to suit your taste preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand.

• Mix up the Apples: Try using a combination of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for added depth of flavor.
• Add Nuts: For an extra crunch, toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans with your apple filling.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with additional spices such as cloves or allspice to create a unique twist on the traditional flavor.
• Make it Crumble: Swap out the top crust for a crumb topping made from oats and brown sugar for a delightful change.

How to Make Homemade Apple Pie

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. This high temperature will help create a beautifully golden crust right from the start.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pie Plate

Line a 9-inch pie plate with the bottom crust and trim any excess dough that hangs over the edges. This sets the stage for filling it with our delicious apple mixture.

Step 3: Mix Your Filling

In a bowl, combine your sliced apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Mixing these ingredients together not only flavors the apples but also helps thicken any juices released during baking.

Step 4: Assemble Your Pie

Spoon the apple mixture into your prepared crust-lined pie plate. Dot the top with small pieces of butter; this adds richness and helps keep your filling moist.

Step 5: Add the Top Crust

Roll out your second pie crust and place it on top of the apple mixture. Don’t forget to press down around the edges to seal both crusts together – crimp them if you’d like!

Step 6: Vent for Baking

Cut slits in several places in the top crust. This allows steam to escape while baking, helping prevent sogginess in your pie.

Step 7: Brush and Sprinkle

Brush the top crust with an egg wash (a simple mix of beaten egg with water) and sprinkle some additional sugar on top. This step gives your pie that beautiful golden shine!

Step 8: Bake Away!

Bake in your preheated oven at 425°F for 15 minutes. Then lower the temperature to 375°F and continue baking for another 30 minutes or until you see that lovely golden brown color on top.

Step 9: Cool Before Serving

Once done baking, let your homemade apple pie cool on a rack before serving. This waiting period helps set everything nicely inside so each slice holds together perfectly when cut!

Enjoy sharing this delightful homemade apple pie recipe with those you love!

Pro Tips for Making Homemade Apple Pie

Making a perfect homemade apple pie is all about the little details that can elevate your dessert to a whole new level. Here are some handy tips to ensure your pie turns out delicious every time!

• Choose the right apples: Using a mix of tart and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, will give your pie a balanced flavor and texture.

• Don’t skip the lemon juice: Adding lemon juice not only enhances the flavor but also helps prevent the apples from browning before baking.

• Chill your dough: Keeping your pie crust chilled before baking ensures a flakier texture. If the dough gets too warm while rolling it out, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes.

• Use an egg wash substitute: If you prefer not to use eggs, brushing your crust with milk or plant-based milk before baking will still give it a lovely golden color.

• Let it cool: Allowing your pie to cool for at least 30 minutes after baking lets the filling set properly, making for cleaner slices when serving.

How to Serve Homemade Apple Pie

Serving homemade apple pie is just as important as making it! With a little creativity, you can elevate this classic dish into something truly special.

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream: This dairy-free alternative adds a light and fluffy texture that complements the warm spices in the pie beautifully.
• Caramel sauce: Drizzling some caramel over each slice adds an extra layer of sweetness and richness that pairs perfectly with apple.
• Cinnamon dust: A sprinkle of cinnamon on top gives your pie an inviting aroma and enhances its flavor profile.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream is a timeless choice that melts beautifully over warm apple pie, creating an indulgent treat.
• Cheddar cheese: For those who enjoy savory pairings, sharp cheddar cheese complements the sweetness of apple pie wonderfully, adding depth to each bite.
• Fresh fruit salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad provides a crisp contrast to the warm pie and balances out the meal nicely.
• Coffee or spiced tea: Serving your pie with a steaming cup of coffee or spiced tea can enhance its flavors and create a cozy atmosphere at dessert time.

Now that you’ve got all the tips and serving ideas, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get baking! Enjoy every moment of creating this delightful homemade apple pie.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Homemade Apple Pie is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare it in advance and store it, ensuring you always have a delicious dessert ready for any occasion.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• Cool the pie completely before freezing.
• Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, consider slicing the pie before freezing for easier thawing.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Remove any wrapping and place the pie on a baking sheet.
• Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. If desired, cover with foil to prevent over-browning.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Homemade Apple Pie.

Can I use different types of apples for Homemade Apple Pie?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are popular for their tart flavor, you can mix them with Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn apples for a delightful blend of sweetness and tartness.

How do I know when my Homemade Apple Pie is done?

Your pie is done when the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the slits on top. The apples should be tender but still hold their shape.

Can I make Homemade Apple Pie without an egg wash?

Yes! If you prefer not to use an egg wash, you can brush the crust with milk or a dairy-free alternative. This will still give you a lovely golden finish.

How long does it take to make Homemade Apple Pie?

The total time for this recipe is about 65 minutes, including prep and baking time. It’s a quick dessert that delivers big flavor!

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 warm hug from your kitchen that brings back fond memories. Whether you’re sharing it with family or savoring a slice all to yourself, this pie is bound to spread joy. Happy baking!