If you’ve been hunting for the ultimate, melt-in-your-mouth dessert, look no further because I’m about to share The BEST Apple Pie Recipe you’ll ever make at home. This pie has that perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a golden flaky crust that I’m obsessed with. I promise, once you try this, pie night will never be the same. So, grab your rolling pin and let me walk you through every step of making this fan-freaking-tastic apple pie that’s become my family’s go-to for every celebration!

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flaky, Buttery Crust: I mastered this crust recipe myself and your crust will be tender, flaky, and golden every single time.
Perfectly Spiced Filling: The blend of cinnamon with tart Granny Smith apples hits just the right cozy notes for full flavor.
Easy-to-Follow Technique: Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned baker, the step-by-step instructions make success inevitable.
Showstopper Presentation: The woven lattice top isn’t just pretty — it adds that classic touch that’ll impress anyone at your table.

A piece of apple pie sits on a white plate with a silver fork resting beside it. The pie has a golden-brown lattice crust on top, with visible layers of soft, spiced apple slices underneath that appear juicy and tender. The crust edges are slightly crimped and have a flaky texture. Behind the pie, there are two green apples slightly out of focus. The plate is placed on a red and white checkered cloth, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - The BEST Apple Pie, apple pie recipe, homemade apple pie, flaky apple pie crust, easy apple pie dessert

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a key role for this pie to turn out just right — the tart Granny Smith apples keep the flavor bright while the butter and flour in the filling create a luscious sauce that clings perfectly to every slice.

Flat lay of a small stack of rolled-out double pie crust dough circles, a large white ceramic bowl filled with thinly sliced green Granny Smith apples, a small white bowl of ground cinnamon, a small white bowl with cubes of unsalted butter, a small white bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of granulated sugar, a small white bowl of clear water, and one whole uncracked brown egg placed beside a small white bowl with a beaten egg wash mixture, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - The BEST Apple Pie, apple pie recipe, homemade apple pie, flaky apple pie crust, easy apple pie dessert

Double Pie Crust: Homemade or store-bought, just make sure it’s cold for that flaky texture.
Granny Smith Apples: Their tartness balances the sweetness, and peeling them thin ensures tender bites.
Cinnamon: A classic spice that warms the filling without overpowering the apples.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness to both crust and filling — don’t skip it!
All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the filling so it’s perfectly saucy, not runny.
Water: Helps in making the filling sauce smooth and consistent.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the pie just right — not too much, not too little.
Egg (plus water for egg wash): Helps your crust get that beautiful golden shine.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this recipe is a solid foundation you can easily tweak based on your mood or what you have on hand. Feel free to get creative and make it your own!

Spice it Up: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves for deeper autumnal warmth — it’s a flavor twist my family adores during Thanksgiving.
Sweetener Swap: For a richer caramel-like note, swap half the granulated sugar for brown sugar. It adds a gorgeous depth I discovered on a whim and never looked back.
Gluten-Free Crust: Use a gluten-free pie crust if you’re avoiding gluten; I’ve had great results with store-bought options that maintain the flaky texture.
Mix of Apples: Combine Granny Smiths with a sweeter apple variety, like Fuji or Honeycrisp, to get a balanced sweet-tart flavor.

How to Make The BEST Apple Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pie Crust and Filling Sauce

Before anything else, make your double pie crust and pop it in the fridge to chill—it needs that rest to stay flaky when baked. While that’s chilling, melt your butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Adding the flour and whisking it into a smooth paste will thicken your filling sauce—trust me, this step makes all the difference. Once you stir in the sugar and water and let it boil, you’ll have a glossy, sweet sauce that’s going to coat each apple slice beautifully. Just be sure to whisk frequently so nothing sticks or burns.

Step 2: Slice and Spice the Apples

Peeling, coring, and slicing the apples thinly is where you’ll set the stage for that tender yet flavorful filling. When I first tried thicker slices, the apples came out undercooked and too crunchy, so I recommend thin slices for even cooking. Toss those apple slices with cinnamon and the sauce you just made, stirring gently so every piece gets a sweet, spiced coating. This mix is pure magic—I can’t get enough of how the flavors meld as it bakes.

Step 3: Assemble with Lattice Love

Flour your work surface and roll out the bottom crust to about 12 inches, then carefully transfer it to your pie plate. Don’t overfill—pile the apple mixture slightly in the center, but keep it away from the edges so the top crust seals tightly. Roll out your top crust and cut into strips to create a lattice pattern; it’s easier than it looks, especially if you use a pizza cutter. The woven strips not only look gorgeous but allow steam to escape, keeping your pie from getting soggy. Brush the entire surface with an egg wash to get that golden, shiny finish everyone notices.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake at a high temperature of 425˚F for 15 minutes to set the crust and start caramelizing the filling, then lower the heat to 350˚F for about 45 minutes. You’re looking for bubbly filling visible through the lattice and golden crust edges. Don’t rush the resting step—letting the pie cool for at least an hour at room temp helps the filling to thicken and makes slicing easier. I learned this the hard way with a messy pie the first time!

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making The BEST Apple Pie Recipe

Chill Your Dough: Always chill your pie dough before rolling to prevent shrinking and tough crust.
Use a Sharp Knife: Slicing apples thin and evenly lets them cook uniformly without mushiness or crunch.
Egg Wash Magic: The egg wash gives your crust that irresistible golden glow—don’t skip it, even if you’re in a hurry.
Avoid Soggy Bottoms: Keep the apple filling off the crust edges to ensure the top and bottom crusts seal tight and stay crisp.

How to Serve The BEST Apple Pie Recipe

The image shows a slice of apple pie on a white plate with a silver fork on the side. The pie has a golden brown, flaky crust on top with a braided lattice pattern, and the edges are wavy and slightly crimped. Inside, there are roughly four layers of soft, cooked apple slices coated in a light brown cinnamon-spiced sauce. The filling looks tender and juicy, and you can see a little shine from the glaze. The background has a white marbled texture, and there are two green apples and a white ceramic dish with more pie behind the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - The BEST Apple Pie, apple pie recipe, homemade apple pie, flaky apple pie crust, easy apple pie dessert

Garnishes

I love topping each slice with a scoop of classic vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream—the cold and creamy contrast takes the pie to a whole new level. You can also sprinkle a pinch of powdered sugar on the lattice for a pretty finishing touch, especially if you’re serving it for company.

Side Dishes

Serve this with warm spiced cider or even a sharp cheddar cheese slice on the side if you’re feeling adventurous. Trust me, that salty-sweet combo is a revelation! A simple cup of hot coffee or tea works beautifully too, making it a full-on cozy experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays, I like to get fancy and dust the pie with cinnamon sugar before baking for a sparkling finish. You can also cut mini apple pies in ramekins for individual servings—makes a cute and personalized presentation when hosting. Another fun idea: Serve slices alongside caramel drizzle or a sharp caramel sauce for the ultimate indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cover leftover pie loosely with foil or plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the crust crisp and the apples fresh tasting. If your kitchen is warm, stash it in the fridge and let it come back to room temp before slicing for the best texture.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! Before baking, assemble the pie, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to three months. When ready to bake, just thaw in the fridge overnight and proceed with the egg wash and bake as normal. I’ve found this trick a lifesaver for holiday prep.

Reheating

To reheat, warm slices at 350˚F for about 10-12 minutes. This refreshes the crust and filling without drying it out. If you’re short on time, a quick zap in the microwave (30 seconds) works, but you’ll lose some crispness. I prefer the oven method because you get that fresh-baked feel every single time.

FAQs

Can I use other apple varieties for The BEST Apple Pie Recipe?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples bring tartness that balances the sweetness perfectly, mixing them with sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp works great too, giving your pie a more complex flavor profile. Just be sure to keep the total volume the same for consistent filling amounts.
How do I prevent my pie crust from becoming soggy?

Keep the edges clean when filling your pie so the crust seals tightly. Also, pre-chilling your dough and using the thickened sauce made with butter and flour helps absorb excess juices. Letting the pie cool before slicing also helps the filling set, reducing sogginess.
Do I have to make a lattice top?

You don’t have to, but the woven lattice not only looks stunning but allows steam to escape while baking, preventing your pie from getting soggy or overflowing. If lattice isn’t your thing, a solid top crust with vent slits works just fine.
Can I make The BEST Apple Pie Recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare and assemble the pie a day in advance and keep it in the fridge until baking. Just cover tightly to prevent drying out. Freezing the unbaked pie is another great option for last-minute desserts.

Final Thoughts

This is one of those recipes I keep coming back to — The BEST Apple Pie Recipe feels like a warm hug every time I bake it. It’s approachable, satisfying, and truly delivers on flavor and texture. Whether you’re baking it for family dinners, holidays, or just because, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and make it your own — trust me, you’re going to love every flaky, juicy, cinnamon-kissed bite!