There’s something incredibly comforting about a homemade dessert, and this flaky apple pie captures that sentiment perfectly. This classic dessert combines the rich flavors of juicy Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, all tucked within a golden, buttery crust. Whether you’re hosting a gathering for the holidays or simply craving a slice of tradition, this flaky apple pie is easy to whip up and will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that beckons everyone to the table.

Imagine slicing into a freshly baked pie, the crust yielding to reveal tender, spiced apple slices glistening with a hint of glaze. It’s the kind of dessert that brings everyone together, perfect for those cozy fall evenings or festive celebrations where comfort food reigns supreme. You can enjoy it solo, or elevate your experience by serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. No matter how you choose to serve it, this flaky apple pie promises to be a showstopper!

Why You’ll Love This Flaky Apple Pie

Classic flavor profile with the perfect balance of sweet and tart apples.
Simple preparation, making it an accessible dessert for bakers of all levels.
Comforting aroma that fills your kitchen with warmth and nostalgia.
Perfect for any occasion—holidays, family gatherings, or a comforting weeknight treat.
Pairs wonderfully with ice cream, whipped cream, or even plain!

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you start baking, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather all necessary tools. Begin by ensuring you have enough counter space to roll out your dough. A large cutting board or a clean countertop is ideal. Make sure to have measuring cups and spoons, a mixing bowl, and a rolling pin ready. If you have a pastry cutter or food processor, they will greatly speed up the butter cutting process, creating a flaky crust effortlessly.

Have a 9-inch pie dish on hand for assembling your pie and ensure your oven is preheated to the right temperature before baking. For added ease, keep a pastry brush nearby for applying the egg wash to give your crust that beautiful golden finish. As you prep, don’t forget the importance of chilling your dough; this step is crucial for achieving a tender, flaky crust that will hold the delicious filling.

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
6 to 8 tablespoons ice water
1/2 teaspoon salt
6–7 cups apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup light brown sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for filling)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for dotting)
1 egg, beaten
1 tablespoon milk or cream
Coarse sugar (optional, for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

Begin by combining the all-purpose flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Next, cut the cold, cubed unsalted butter into the flour using a pastry cutter or a food processor. Your goal is to break down the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, ensuring that you retain some pea-sized pieces of butter for a flaky texture. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough begins to come together. Be cautious not to overwork it; the dough should just hold its shape. Once ready, divide the dough in half, shape each into a disc, wrap them in plastic, and chill for at least one hour.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

While your dough is chilling, it’s time to make the apple filling. In a large bowl, toss together the sliced apples with lemon juice to prevent browning. Then, add the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, your flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until the apples are fully coated, then let this mixture sit for about 20 minutes. This resting allows the sugars to draw out the natural juices from the apples, enhancing the overall flavor.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

After chilling the dough, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take one disc of dough and roll it out on a floured surface to a 12-inch circle. Carefully fit this circle into your 9-inch pie dish. For the top crust, roll out the second dough disc in the same manner. Fill the prepared pie shell with the apple mixture, ensuring even distribution. Dot the filling with small pieces of unsalted butter before covering with the top crust. You can either cover entirely with a solid sheet or create a beautiful lattice design by cutting slits into the rolled dough.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

Brush the top crust with the beaten egg mixed with cream or milk for a shiny appearance. If desired, sprinkle some coarse sugar on top for added sweetness and texture. Place your pie in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. After this, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for an additional 35 to 40 minutes. You’re looking for a beautiful golden crust and bubbling filling, which indicates that it’s ready.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack. This cooling step is essential as it helps the filling to set, making slicing easier. Aim for at least 2 hours before serving, but if you can resist, letting it cool overnight is ideal to ensure all the delicious flavors meld together harmoniously.

Variations

Protein: Add a bit of shredded cheddar cheese to the crust for a savory twist.
Vegetables: Toss in some finely chopped celery or carrots with the apples for added texture and flavor.
Spices: Experiment with adding cloves or allspice for a different spice profile.

Cooking Notes

Make sure your butter is very cold for the perfect flaky texture.
Don’t skip the chilling step for the dough; it’s crucial for texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing.
Top with whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Tips

Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a more complex flavor.
For an extra crispy crust, consider pre-baking the bottom crust for a few minutes.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 2 hours

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approx. 320 per slice
Protein: 2.5g
Sodium: 180mg

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for this pie?

While fresh apples are preferred for the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen apples. Just ensure they’re properly thawed and drained before incorporating into the filling.

How do I store leftover apple pie?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. You can also freeze slices for longer storage.

What types of apples are best for apple pie?

Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are fantastic choices, but feel free to mix in other varieties like Braeburn or Fuji for different flavors.

Can I make the pie crust ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the pie crust and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze it for up to three months.

Conclusion

This flaky apple pie recipe is a true celebration of classic dessert-making. It’s simple to create yet combines flavors that are familiar and comforting—perfect for any gathering or a quiet night in. With every bite of this pie, you’ll taste the love and care that went into making it. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get baking—your taste buds will thank you! When you try this recipe, let us know how it turned out in the comments below. Whether you enjoyed it with ice cream or straight from the pie dish, we want to hear about your delicious experience!