Apple Pie Recipe – Easy And Homemade

I love making Grandma’s Apple Pie because every slice transports me back to cherished gatherings. I relish the balance of tart apples and aromatic spices paired with a buttery, flaky crust that holds memories of laughter and shared moments. This pie is my way of inviting both friends and family to experience its unique charm.

I’ve always been fascinated by how such simple ingredients can create something so intriguing. My easy homemade apple pie recipe is a perfect blend of everyday flavors with an unexpected twist.

I start by taking 6 medium apples, usually Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, peeling, coring and slicing them thin. I then toss the slices in 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, just a squeeze of lemon juice and a tiny pinch of salt.

Next, I add 2 tablespoons diced unsalted butter right into the mix for a little richness that really pulls everything together. The crust is just as exciting – made with 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 cup cold unsalted butter cut into cubes, working in just 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water until it comes together.

This apple pie hits that spot every time, and I love how it keeps me on my toes in the kitchen!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this apple pie recipe because it’s super easy to follow and makes me feel like a real baker, even if I mess up sometimes. I appreciate how the spices and apple flavors blend together over that 10 minute rest period which gives the pie an extra depth of taste. The crust, even though it can be kind of tricky to get right, always ends up buttery and flaky, which makes me proud every time I pull it out of the oven. Lastly, there’s just something about the overall comfort and homey vibe this pie gives off, like it’s made with extra love every single time.

Ingredients

• Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) deliver fiber, natural sweetness and tangy flavor supporting digestion.
• Granulated sugar adds sweetness and energy due to its carbohydrate content but use sparingly.
• Unsalted butter lends rich flavor and creamy texture while keeping the dough delicate and flaky.
• All-purpose flour builds the crust structure, making a hearty base for apple filling.
• Lemon juice brightens flavors imparting a tangy note that balances the sweet apple mixture.
• Ground cinnamon adds warmth and subtle spice that complements apples perfectly in every bite.
• Ground nutmeg introduces a deep aroma and slight earthiness elevating the overall flavor profile.

Ingredient Quantities

• 6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored and sliced thin
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, diced
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour for the crust
• 1 teaspoon salt for the crust
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter (cut into cubes) for the crust
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water (adjust as needed) for the crust

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F. In a big bowl, mix the apple slices, 3/4 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 2 teaspoons lemon juice and 1/8 teaspoon salt.

2. Let the apple mixture sit for about 10 minutes so that all the flavors can blend together.

3. For the crust, in a large bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups flour and 1 teaspoon salt.

4. Add the 1 cup cold butter cubes to the flour mix and work it in with your fingers or a pastry cutter until it looks like coarse crumbs.

5. Slowly drizzle in 1/4 cup ice water at first and mix until the dough starts to come together; add more water if it really needs it.

6. Divide the dough into two pieces. Roll one piece out on a floured surface until it’s about the same size as your pie pan (around 12 inches in diameter) and then place it in your pan carefully.

7. Pour the apple filling into the crust in the pan and then dot the filling with the 2 tablespoons diced butter.

8. Roll out the second piece of dough and lay it on top of the apples.

9. Trim off any extra dough around the edges and crimp the edges to seal. Cut a few slits in the top to let the steam escape.

10. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes until the crust is golden and the apple filling is bubbling. Let it cool for a bit before serving. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven (preheated to 425°F)
2. Two large mixing bowls (one for the apple mix and one for the crust)
3. Measuring cups and spoons
4. Knife (for peeling, coring and slicing the apples as well as dicing the butter)
5. Cutting board
6. Rolling pin (to roll out the dough on a floured surface)
7. Pie pan (approximately 12 inches in diameter)
8. Pastry cutter or your fingers (to blend the butter into the dry ingredients)
9. Spatula (for mixing and dotting the apple filling with butter)

FAQ

Apple Pie Recipe – Easy And Homemade Substitutions and Variations

• For the apples, if you dont have enough Granny Smith, try using Golden Delicious or even a firm pear to mix things up a bit.
• If youre low on granulated sugar, substitute with coconut sugar or a bit of honey, but adjust the liquid measures cause honey is liquid.
• Instead of using 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour in the filling, you can use cornstarch as a thickener – just be careful with the amount since its a bit stronger.
• If you dont have cold unsalted butter for the crust, you can swap it out for shortening or even lard for a different flavor twist.

Pro Tips

1. Chill your dough before rolling it out. Letting it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes makes the butter firm and helps your crust come out flakier, which is a big win for texture.

2. When you mix the apple filling, give it a few extra minutes to sit so all the juices and spices can blend together really well. You’ll notice a better flavor later when everything is baked.

3. Try not to overwork your dough too much when you mix in the butter. If you go overboard, the dough can get tough, and that’s something you dont want in your crust.

4. Mix up the apple types if you can. Using more than one kind of apple, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, can add a cool depth to the flavor and balance out the sweetness and tartness.