Easy Apple Pie Recipe

There’s something truly magical about a homemade apple pie, and this Easy Apple Pie Recipe is my go-to whenever I want that perfect balance of sweet and tart with a flaky, buttery crust. I absolutely love how this pie turns out golden and bubbling with just the right amount of cinnamon and nutmeg to warm up every bite. It’s a classic that never fails to impress guests or make a cozy night in feel extra special.

When I first tried this recipe, I was surprised by how simple it was to pull together, even if you’re not an experienced baker. You’ll find that the combination of Granny Smith apples and a hint of lemon zest really makes the filling pop with fresh flavor. Whether you’re making this for a holiday dessert or just to enjoy with your family any weekend, this Easy Apple Pie Recipe is one you’ll want to keep in your recipe box forever.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Easy Apple Pie Recipe plays a vital role—from the crisp Granny Smith apples to the special touch of lemon zest that brightens the filling. Knowing what to look for can make your pie taste even better, so I’ll share a few tips along the way.

• Pie crusts: You can use homemade or store-bought; I love making my own for extra flakiness but store-bought works great to save time.
• Granny Smith apples: These tart apples hold their shape and balance sweetness perfectly—avoid softer varieties to prevent a mushy pie.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a nice syrupy texture to the filling.
• Light brown sugar: Adds depth and a subtle caramel note.
• All-purpose flour: Acts as a thickener to keep your filling from getting watery.
• Ground cinnamon: The quintessential spice in apple pie that brings warmth and comfort.
• Ground nutmeg: Just a pinch adds complexity without overpowering.
• Lemon juice and zest: Fresh lemon cuts through sweetness, keeping your pie bright and fresh-tasting.
• Large egg: Used for an egg wash to give the crust a beautiful golden color.
• Sanding sugar (optional): Sprinkled on top, it adds a pretty sparkly crunch.

Variations

I’m a big fan of making this Easy Apple Pie Recipe my own depending on the season or what I have on hand. Feel free to experiment with add-ins or tweaks—it’s a forgiving recipe that always turns out delicious.

• Add nuts: Toasted walnuts or pecans mix in beautifully for extra texture and a nutty flavor.
• Spice it up: Sometimes I add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger for a spicier, holiday-inspired twist.
• Sugar swap: If you want to cut down on refined sugar, try using coconut sugar or maple syrup, but adjust the liquid accordingly.
• Gluten-free crust: I’ve used gluten-free pie crusts with great results, making this easy apple pie accessible for everyone.

How to Make Easy Apple Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Apples and Oven

Start by peeling, coring, and slicing your Granny Smith apples into ½ inch slices. Toss them in a large bowl with both sugars, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and lemon zest until every slice is nicely coated. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and place the oven rack in the center position—this helps the pie bake evenly.

Step 2: Roll and Fill the Crust

Take your chilled pie dough out of the fridge and let it rest at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes—that’ll make rolling much easier. Roll one disc into a 12-inch circle on a floured surface, then carefully lay it into your pie plate. Spoon the apple filling into the crust, making sure to discard any excess juices from the bowl so the filling doesn’t get soggy.

Step 3: Top Crust and Seal

Roll out the second disc of dough to the same thickness and size, then gently lay it over the apples. Trim the overhanging dough with a sharp knife. I like to lift the edges where the top and bottom crusts meet, pinch them together, then fold under for a neat, sturdy crust edge. Don’t forget to cut four slits in the top to let steam escape—that keeps the crust from getting soggy or bursting.

Step 4: Egg Wash and Bake

Brush your pie’s surface with the beaten egg wash to give it that gorgeous golden shine. If you have sanding sugar, sprinkle it on top for a little sparkle and crunch. Use a pie shield or foil strips around the edges to prevent them from over-browning during the first 25 minutes of baking. Bake at 400°F for 25 minutes, remove the shield, then reduce the oven to 375°F and bake for another 30-35 minutes until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly. The smell wafting through your kitchen as it cooks? Absolutely unbeatable.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

This part is the hardest—the pie needs to cool at room temperature for at least 3 hours to set properly. I know it’s tempting to cut in right away, but trust me, giving it this time makes slicing clean and the filling perfect every time.

How to Serve Easy Apple Pie Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping my apple pie slices with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream—the contrast between warm pie and cold cream is heavenly. Occasionally, I sprinkle a little ground cinnamon or drizzle caramel sauce over the top for a little extra indulgence.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or spiced tea. For a full dessert spread, consider serving alongside roasted nuts, caramel popcorn, or a simple green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes cut the top crust into fun shapes like leaves or hearts before baking—this personal touch makes the pie feel festive and unique. You can also make mini apple pies using muffin tins for individual servings, which are perfect for parties or gifts!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cover leftover pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in the fridge. The filling stays delicious, and the crust maintains a nice texture for up to 4 days. Just bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

Freezing

I’ve frozen unbaked pies before by wrapping them tightly in plastic and foil, then baking straight from frozen (adding extra bake time). It’s a lifesaver when you want to prep ahead for holidays or unexpected guests.

Reheating

To reheat leftover pie, I pop slices in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes. This refreshes the crust’s crispness without drying out the filling like a microwave does. Just watch the crust edges so they don’t get too dark.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Apple Pie Recipe has become a true staple in my home because it’s dependable, straightforward, and always a crowd-pleaser. I love recommending it to friends because it’s just one of those recipes that delivers comfort and homemade goodness without stress. Give it a try—you might find yourself making apple pie from scratch more often than you ever imagined!

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