Homemade Apple Pie Recipe (2024)

Our favorite homemade apple pie recipe! This pie is easy to make and paired with our buttery, flaky crust. We’re sharing our secret ingredients and tips for making it perfect too!

The apple pie is an absolute staple inAmerican desserts, but it hasn’t always been that way. In fact, in the19th century, people used to enjoy fruit pies for breakfast!

No matter when you eat it though, a great recipe can make or break your apple pie experience. Luckily, we’ve got the only recipe you’ll ever need.

Years ago, I took a pie-making class that was so informative. I learned a lot about the easy process of making pie and the perfect crust.

I also went home with the most gorgeous artesian apple pie and was beyond proud of myself! In addition to learning some basics, I realized how many options there are when making an apple pie. I’m also a picky apple pie person and I don’t like the apples cut into chunks, rather than thinly sliced.

I also prefer a crumble top, but since we’re making a classic homemade apple pie we did a pretty lattice top for this recipe which is also delicious.

Overall I like a super buttery crust, thinly sliced apples, lots of spices, and a hint of orange which is exactly what you get with this apple pie recipe.

This is one of our favorite recipes and techniques for making apple pie. Before you start baking, we’re answering all of your apple pie recipe questions and more below!

Also, try our apple cake recipe too! It’s topped with an apple cider glaze, yum!

History of the Apple Pie

“As American as Apple Pie”? Not quite!

The first apple pie recipe actuallyoriginated in England.It included raisins, figs, pears, and saffron with the apples.

However, over time, Americans have taken the recipe and made itour own. Today, it’s become the all-American dessert we all know and love.

Do You Cook Apples Before Putting Them in a Pie?

Whether you precook the apples in your apple pie recipe is a matter of preference. It can be done both ways, but each method will yield a different consistency.

If you don’t precook the apples, they will have a bit of a bite to them. This is the most common way to make an apple pie. As you cook the pie, the sugar and juices from the apples will soften them up.

If you choose to precook your apples, then you will get a softer, gooier filling. If you prefer a soft, falling-apart texture of the apples in your apple pie, then it is advisable to precook your apples before you put them into your pie.

Here’s how to precook the apples in your apple pie filling:

1. Slice your apples uniformly for even cooking
2. Add your precut apples, sugar, orange zest, and spices to a pot or dutch oven
3. Cook over medium heat until fork tender (about 15 minutes)

Precooking your apples has the benefit of allowing you to test your filling before it goes into the apple pie. You can add more spices and sugar to taste, or add cornstarch to thicken it up.

Why Are My Apples Hard in My Apple Pie?

If the apples in your apple pie recipe turn out to be too hard, then this could be due to a few reasons.

Here are the possible reasons why the apples are too hard in your apple pie:

• The apple pie was not cooked long enough
• The apples used were not sliced thinly enough

If you prefer more tender apples in your apple pie filling, then you can always precook your apples to make sure they soften up enough.

Tips for Making Your Apple Pie Recipe Better

As with all recipes, taste is subjective! If you want to improve your apple pie recipe, then you can adjust sugar and spices according to your personal preference.

Here are a few other tips to improve your apple pie recipe:

• Precook your apples to ensure they are tender – You do not have to do this but if you really like tender apples this can be achieved.
• Choose the right variety of apples (Granny Smith and Honeycrisp both work great, whereas varieties like Red Delicious aren’t as tasty)
• Toss your apples with the spices, flour, and sugar, letting them sit overnight to tenderize the apples
• Brush the top of your pie crust with butter or egg wash to get it golden brown

Don’t be discouraged if your pie doesn’t come outspectacular the first time. By experimenting and making adjustments, you can perfect your apple pie recipe.

Can Apple Pie Be Frozen?

If you have leftovers from your apple pie, the remaining slices can be frozen if desired. Simply place the pie in the freezer and wrap it with plastic wrap after it is frozen. It should keep for up to 4 months in the freezer.

How Long Should a Pie Sit?

To help ensure your pie keeps its structure and isn’t too hot, you should let it cool for at least 4 hours before cutting and serving.

Will Apple Pie Thicken as It Cools?

Yes, your apple pie filling will thicken a little as it cools. This usually happens within a couple of hours after baking.

What Apples Do You Use to Make an Apple Pie?

Different apple varieties are more tart or sweet. Depending on what you like, you can choose accordingly.

Here aresome apple varieties that work great in this apple pie recipe:

• Granny Smith
• Honeycrisp
• McIntosh
• Golden delicious
• Braeburn
• Cortland

As a general rule, avoid Red Delicious varieties for your apple pie filling. These often have a somewhat bitter flavor and mealy texture that isn’t ideal for pie.

Can You Mix Apples for Apple Pie?

Yes! Again, this is a matter of personal preference. Experiment with different ratios until you find whichever you like best.

Serve this delicious, warm apple pie with classic vanilla ice cream!

What Is Apple Pie Spice?

Apple pie spice contains the right ratios of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, and cardamom. This makes it perfect for any apple pie recipe. Or, if you prefer, you can always mix these spices up yourself.

Apple Pie Variations

This apple pie recipe is endlessly versatile. If you’re looking to change things up, there are lots of ways to do it.

Here are a few ideas for variations:

• Add caramel sauce to the filling for a caramel apple pie
• Bake the apples without a crust for a gooey baked apple desserttopping
• Add cheddar cheese to the filling or slices of cheddar to the top of the crust
• Use the filling to make ourcaramel apple crumble bars

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your apple pie recipe. Variety is the (apple pie) spice of life, after all!

How Do You Keep the Bottom Crust From Getting Soggy?

No one wants a soggy pie crust! Luckily, this can be avoided.

Here are a few ways to help prevent a soggy crust:

• Bake the pie on a lower rack in your oven
• Increase the thickness of your bottom crust
• Place the pie on a hot cookie sheet while baking

Baking the Perfect Homemade Apple Pie

Apple pie is the perfect crowd pleaser for any occasion. It’s easy, delicious, and versatile to suit any taste preference. Now that you have the ultimate apple pie recipe, you’ll be ready to make your perfect apple pie!

Tools You’ll Need

Here are a few items you’ll need that will help with making a homemade apple pie.

• Rolling Pin
• Deep Dish Pie Pan
• Mixing Bowls
• Measuring Cups
• Parchment Paper
• Spatula
• Pastry Brush
• Peeler
• Apple Corer

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