A No-Fail Apple Pie Recipe That Everyone Will Love
Apple pie is a timeless classic, the ultimate comfort dessert that fills your kitchen with warmth and the irresistible scent of cinnamon. In this recipe, I’ll walk you through making a delicious apple pie using tart Granny Smith apples, a buttery and flaky pie crust, and a perfectly balanced filling. This recipe will have everyone asking for seconds!
Let’s dive into this cozy dessert—perfect for fall, holidays, or anytime you’re craving a nostalgic treat!
Recipe for Classic Apple Pie
Bake Temp: 350°F
Bake Time: 60 minutes
Ingredients:
- 7 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- ½ cup butter (melted)
- 4 tbsp flour
- ¼ cup water
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 pie crusts (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Prepare the apples: Start by peeling, coring, and slicing the Granny Smith apples into thin, even slices. Set aside.
- Make the sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Add water, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Stir continuously until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the pie: Place one pie crust in your pie dish and fill it with the sliced apples. Pour the sauce evenly over the apples, making sure they are well coated.
- Top the pie: Cover with the second pie crust. You can use a full crust, create a lattice design, or cut fun shapes to place on top for decoration. Crimp the edges to seal the crust, and cut a few small slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
- Bake: Place the pie in the oven and bake for 60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Cool and serve: Let the pie cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This will help the filling set and make it easier to cut clean slices.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are a favorite for their tartness and ability to hold their shape during baking, you can experiment with other varieties like Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or even a mix of different apples for more complex flavors.
Q: Do I have to use both granulated sugar and brown sugar?
A: You can certainly adjust the sugars to your liking. Brown sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like sweetness, while granulated sugar offers a straightforward sweetness. Feel free to adjust the ratio or use one type of sugar depending on your taste preferences.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can make the pie in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it before or after baking (more on that later).
Q: How can I prevent a soggy bottom crust?
A: To avoid a soggy bottom, you can blind bake your bottom crust for about 10 minutes before adding the apples. Additionally, try to avoid overfilling the pie with excess liquid from the apples.
Recipe Variations
While the classic apple pie is perfect as is, you can easily tweak this recipe to suit your preferences or to change things up for different occasions. Here are some delicious variations you can try:
- Caramel Apple Pie: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce over the apples before placing the top crust for a rich, decadent twist.
- Crumble-Topped Apple Pie: Instead of using a second pie crust, sprinkle a mixture of oats, flour, brown sugar, and butter on top for a crumbly, streusel-like finish.
- Cheddar Apple Pie: For a savory-sweet combo, mix shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the crust or sprinkle it on top of the pie before baking. The savory cheese pairs beautifully with the sweet-tart apples.
- Maple-Spiced Apple Pie: Replace the granulated sugar with pure maple syrup for a richer, earthier sweetness, and add a pinch of cloves or allspice for extra warmth.
- Bourbon Apple Pie: Add a splash of bourbon to the apple filling for an adults-only dessert with a depth of flavor.
- Gluten-Free Apple Pie: Swap out the traditional pie crust with your favorite gluten-free pie crust. The filling remains naturally gluten-free, making this a perfect option for gluten-sensitive guests.
Pairing Suggestions
Apple pie is versatile and can be served with a variety of accompaniments depending on the season or occasion. Here are some perfect pairings to elevate your apple pie experience:
- Classic Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of cold, creamy vanilla ice cream is a traditional and unbeatable pairing with warm apple pie. The contrast of temperatures and textures is divine.
- Whipped Cream: Light, fluffy whipped cream adds a lovely richness without overpowering the flavors of the pie.
- Cheese Pairing: If you’re feeling adventurous, try a slice of sharp cheddar cheese alongside your apple pie. It may sound unusual, but the combination of sweet and savory is a favorite for many!
- Hot Beverages: A warm slice of apple pie pairs wonderfully with coffee, spiced chai tea, or hot apple cider. These drinks enhance the warm spices in the pie.
- Wine Pairings: For a special occasion, consider pairing apple pie with a light dessert wine like Riesling or Moscato. Their fruity notes complement the apple filling. You can also try a sparkling wine or even a bourbon cocktail for something different!
Storing and Freezing Options
Apple pie is a great make-ahead dessert, and it stores beautifully. Here’s how to store and freeze it so you can enjoy it later:
Storing:
Once baked, apple pie can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, lightly covered with foil or plastic wrap. If you want it to last longer, place the pie in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to 5 days. Just let it come to room temperature before serving, or warm it up in the oven for a few minutes.
Freezing Before Baking:
To freeze the pie before baking, assemble it as instructed but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, you can bake the pie straight from the freezer—just add an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time.
Freezing After Baking:
You can also freeze a fully baked pie. Once it’s cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the pie in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20-30 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked texture.
Freezing Individual Slices:
If you don’t want to freeze the entire pie, you can freeze individual slices. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and foil or store in an airtight container. To reheat, simply microwave for about 30 seconds or warm in the oven.
Final Thoughts
This classic apple pie recipe is a staple that everyone should have in their baking repertoire. It’s simple, delicious, and versatile, with endless ways to make it your own. Whether you prefer it plain, with a crumble topping, or paired with a generous scoop of ice cream, there’s no wrong way to enjoy apple pie. Plus, with the option to freeze it, you can always have a slice ready to go!
Give this recipe a try, and let me know your favorite variations and pairings in the comments below! Happy baking!
Classic Apple Pie
Ingredients
- 7 Granny Smith apples peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/2 cup butter melted
- 4 Tbsp flour
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 pie crusts store-bought or homemade
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Peel, core, and slice apples.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux. Add water, sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Stir until slightly thickened.
- Place one pie crust in a dish. Fill with apples and pour sauce over them. Cover with the second crust, crimp edges, and cut slits in the top.
- Bake for 60 minutes or until crust is golden and apples are tender. Cool before serving.