Classic Homemade Apple Pie

There’s something magical about the aroma of a freshly baked apple pie wafting through your home. This classic recipe creates a showstopping dessert with a gorgeous lattice top and perfectly spiced apple filling, all nestled in a buttery, flaky crust. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart, wrapped in golden-brown perfection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just any apple pie – it’s a carefully crafted tart-style pie that combines traditional flavors with elegant presentation. The fluted edges and lattice top make it beautiful enough for special occasions, while the familiar, comforting taste makes it perfect for any day you’re craving something special.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 8-10
Difficulty Level: Intermediate

Equipment Needed

• 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom
• Large wooden cutting board
• Rolling pin
• Large mixing bowls (2)
• Apple corer/slicer
• Pastry brush
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife
• Pastry wheel or pizza cutter (for lattice strips)
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheet

Ingredients

For the Crust

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• ¼ to ½ cup ice-cold water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 large egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)

For the Filling

• 6-7 medium-sized red apples (about 2½ pounds)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Instructions

Making the Perfect Crust

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar
   • Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs
   • Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until dough just comes together
   • Divide dough into two portions (60% for bottom, 40% for lattice)
   • Shape into disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour
2. Roll the Bottom Crust:
   • Roll larger portion on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle
   • Carefully transfer to tart pan
   • Press into corners and trim edges, leaving a slight overhang
   • Refrigerate while preparing filling

Creating the Perfect Filling

1. Prepare the Apples:
   • Peel and core apples
   • Cut into ¼-inch slices
   • Toss with lemon juice in a large bowl
2. Mix the Filling:
   • In a separate bowl, combine sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt
   • Add to apples and toss until evenly coated
   • Let stand for 10-15 minutes to release juices

Assembly and Baking

1. Create the Lattice Top:
   • Roll out remaining dough to ⅛-inch thickness
   • Cut into 10-12 even strips (about ¾-inch wide)
2. Fill and Decorate:
   • Pour apple mixture into prepared crust
   • Dot with butter pieces
   • Arrange strips in a lattice pattern over filling
   • Trim and crimp edges decoratively
3. Final Touches:
   • Whisk egg with milk
   • Brush lattice and edges with egg wash
   • Sprinkle with additional sugar if desired
4. Bake:
   • Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C)
   • Place pie on a baking sheet
   • Bake for 45-50 minutes until crust is golden brown and filling bubbles
   • Cover edges with foil if browning too quickly
   • Cool on wire rack for at least 1 hour before serving

Pro Tips for Success

• Keep everything cold! Cold butter = flaky crust
• Let the filled pie rest in refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before baking
• Place a sheet of foil on the bottom rack to catch any drips
• Use firm, tart apples that hold their shape when baked

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: Covered with foil up to 2 days
• Refrigerated: Up to 5 days in an airtight container
• Freezer: Up to 3 months when well-wrapped

Perfect Pairings

Serve your masterpiece:

• Warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
• With freshly whipped cream
• Drizzled with caramel sauce
• Alongside a sharp cheddar cheese (for traditionalists!)

Nutritional Information

Per serving (1/8 of pie)

• Calories: 320
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 3g
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 240mg

Recipe created with love for your perfect baking adventure. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!