Apple Pie Recipes: Easy Homemade Apple Pie Guide

If you love the smell of fresh apples in the oven, you’re in the right place. Apple pie is a classic comfort food that doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few pantry staples and a little patience, you can pull off a pie that looks bakery‑ready and tastes even better. This guide walks you through the basics, gives you a solid recipe, and shares tricks to avoid soggy bottoms and burnt edges.

Basic Ingredients You’ll Need

The core of any good apple pie is simple: apples, sugar, butter, flour, and a bit of spice. Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Pink Lady for a balanced flavor. You'll need about 6 cups of peeled and sliced apples. For sweetness, mix granulated sugar with a pinch of brown sugar; the brown adds depth. Ground cinnamon, a dash of nutmeg, and a splash of lemon juice bring out the fruit’s natural brightness. For the crust, combine all‑purpose flour, cold butter, a pinch of salt, and ice‑cold water – the cold keeps the dough flaky.

Step‑by‑Step Easy Apple Pie

1. Make the crust. Toss flour and salt in a bowl, cut cold butter into tiny pieces, and rub it in until the mix looks like coarse crumbs. Add ice water a tablespoon at a time, just until the dough comes together. Divide into two discs, wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.

2. Prep the filling. In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, ½ cup sugar, 2 Tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp nutmeg, a pinch of salt, 2 Tbsp flour, and lemon juice. Toss everything together so the apples are evenly coated.

3. Assemble. Roll out one dough disc on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9‑inch pie pan. Gently lay it in the pan, leaving a little overhang. Spoon the apple mixture in, then dot the top with small butter pieces (about 1 Tbsp). Roll the second disc, place it over the filling, and trim excess dough. Crimp the edges with your fingers or a fork.

4. Vent and bake. Cut a few slits in the top crust to let steam escape. Brush the surface with a beaten egg or milk for a golden finish. Bake in a pre‑heated 375°F (190°C) oven for 45‑55 minutes, until the crust is deep brown and the filling bubbles.

5. Cool and serve. Let the pie rest for at least 20 minutes before slicing – this helps the filling set and makes clean cuts. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel for extra indulgence.

Quick tips: If the edges brown too fast, cover them with foil halfway through baking. For extra crunch, sprinkle a tablespoon of rolled oats on the top crust before it goes in the oven. And don’t skip the chill time for the dough; it’s the secret to a flaky crust.

There you have it – a straightforward apple pie that tastes like it came from a bakery, but made right in your kitchen. Grab some apples, roll up those sleeves, and enjoy the sweet, comforting aroma that only a fresh apple pie can bring.