Simple Apple Pie Recipe

I recently crafted my own version of Grandma’s Apple Pie using simple ingredients like Granny Smith apples, cinnamon, and a hint of lemon. The filling bursts with natural sweetness, paired perfectly with a buttery crust. It truly reminds me of cherished family recipes, inviting you to savor every bite of this delightful creation.

I always get excited to whip up my Simple Apple Pie because its straightforward and the filling really steals the show. I use 2 store-bought pie crusts so you don’t have to worry about making them from scratch.

Start with 6 to 8 medium apples, using Granny Smith or a mix depending on what you like, then peel, core and slice them nice and thin. I toss the apples with 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/8 teaspoon salt to build that classic flavor.

I add a tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice to brighten things up. The final touch is adding 2 tablespoons unsalted butter cut into small pieces and topping it off with a beaten egg for the perfect egg wash.

This pie reminds me of those double crust apple pies from back in the day and is sure to impress everyone you share it with.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe for so many reasons. First, it’s really easy to make since I can just use store-bought dough and save myself a ton of time in the kitchen. Second, the mix of tart apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a little lemon juice gives it a sweet and tangy kick that I just can’t get enough of. Third, the pie always comes out with a beautifully golden crust from that egg wash, making it look as good as it tastes. Lastly, the whole process feels like a fun, no-fuss way to end up with a homemade dessert even if I’m not a pro cook every day.

Ingredients

• Apples give you lots of fiber and vitamins plus a nice tart-sweet kick that brighten the pie
• Sugar is the main sweetener here, adding carbohydrates that make it super tasty
• Pie crusts are a handy source of carbs and fats, giving the dish a crisp texture
• Lemon juice adds a bit of sour tang that perfectly balances out the sweet flavors
• Unsalted butter enriches the filling with creaminess and helps make the crust extra flaky
• The egg, used for a glaze, adds protein and that lovely brown finish on top

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 store-bought pie crusts (one for the bottom and one for the top)
• 6 to 8 medium apples (Granny Smith or a mix, peeled, cored, and sliced)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)
• 1 egg (beaten for egg wash)

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F and get your pie dish ready by laying in one of the store-bought crusts as the bottom layer.

2. In a big bowl, toss the sliced apples with 3/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice until the apples are well coated.

3. Pour the apple mixture into the crust evenly and scatter 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter (cut into small pieces) over the apples.

4. Place the second store-bought crust on top of the apples and press the edges together really well so the filling is sealed.

5. Cut a few small slits in the top crust so the steam can escape during baking.

6. Brush the top with a beaten egg to give it a nice golden shine.

7. Place the pie in the oven and bake for about 45 to 55 minutes or until the crust is golden and the apple filling is bubbling.

8. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool a bit before slicing and serving.

Equipment Needed

1. An oven – you’ll need it preheated to 425°F
2. A pie dish to hold the crust and filling
3. A large mixing bowl to toss the apple slices with the spices and sugar
4. A cutting board for slicing the apples (and any other prep work)
5. A sharp knife to slice the apples and cut the butter into small pieces
6. Measuring cups and spoons to accurately measure out the sugar, flour, spices, lemon juice, and butter
7. A pastry brush to apply the beaten egg on the top crust
8. A mixing spoon or spatula to combine the apple mixture evenly

FAQ

Simple Apple Pie Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you dont have store-bought crusts, you can whip up a simple homemade crust or even try using phyllo dough for a different crunch
• You can swap out Granny Smith apples with a mix of other apple varieties like Gala, Fuji, or Pink Lady if that’s what you got at home
• If you’re low on granulated sugar, brown sugar can work nice too, this gives the pie a bit of a caramel vibe
• No unsalted butter? Use a bit of margarine or even coconut oil instead, they’ll still add that lovely richness
• Don’t have an egg for the wash? Just brush with milk or a little water, it makes a good shiny finish for the crust

Pro Tips

Here’s a few juicy pro tips that might help ya out:

1. Try letting your sliced apples marinate in the sugar and cinnamon mix for like 10 minutes or so before you toss ’em onto the crust. It really helps bring out the juices and cranks up the flavor a bit.

2. You could pre-bake the bottom crust for just a couple minutes before adding the apple mixture. That little trick makes the crust a bit firmer so it holds up better against all that filling.

3. When you seal the edges, don’t rush it. Make sure the top and bottom crust get pressed together really well. If they’re not sealed tight, you’ll end up with leaks and a messy pie.

4. After you bake it, let your pie rest for a few minutes. This gives the filling time to set which makes slicing and eating way easier and less gooey.