Easy Apple Pie Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a fresh apple pie baking in the oven, and this Easy Apple Pie Recipe hits that note perfectly every time. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just dipping your toes into pie-making, this recipe is designed to be approachable without sacrificing flavor or that beautiful homemade look.

I love making this pie when the season changes and apples are at their best—there’s something so satisfying about slicing into those crisp Granny Smiths and turning them into a sweet, cinnamony filling. Plus, this Easy Apple Pie Recipe uses simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store, making it a great go-to when you want a classic dessert that impresses without stress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Easy Apple Pie Recipe all complement each other beautifully to create a perfect balance of tart, sweet, and spice. I always recommend choosing fresh Granny Smith apples for their firmness and zing, which hold up well during baking and provide that iconic apple pie tang.

• Pie crusts: Using two 9-inch pie crusts—homemade or store-bought works fine—gives you that classic double-crust pie with a golden, flaky finish.
• Granny Smith apples: Their tartness balances the sweetness; make sure they’re firm for nice texture.
• Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering.
• Light brown sugar: Gives a subtle caramel flavor that deepens the filling’s complexity.
• All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the apple juices so your pie isn’t watery.
• Ground cinnamon: A classic spice that brings warmth to the filling.
• Ground nutmeg: Just a pinch adds a lovely subtle depth.
• Lemon juice and zest: Brightens the flavor and prevents apples from browning.
• Large egg (for egg wash): Creates that beautiful shiny glaze on the crust.
• Sanding sugar (optional): Adds a pretty sparkle and slight crunch on top.

Variations

I love to make this Easy Apple Pie Recipe my own depending on the season and who’s at the table. Don’t hesitate to tweak it and add your own personal touch—it only makes the pie more special in the end!

• Spiced Up: Adding a dash of ground cloves or allspice brings a cozy holiday vibe; I tried this once at Thanksgiving and got rave reviews.
• Apple Mix: Sometimes I mix Granny Smith with Fuji apples for a sweeter, juicier filling; it’s a fun way to change things up.
• Crumb Topping: Swap the top crust for a cinnamon oat crumble if you want a quicker finish and a different texture.
• Gluten-Free: You can easily sub in gluten-free pie crusts and a gluten-free flour blend for thickening if you have dietary needs.

How to Make Easy Apple Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Start by peeling, coring, and slicing your Granny Smith apples into about ½-inch slices. I find a sharp kitchen knife or an apple slicer really speeds this up—makes the task feel less like a chore. Once sliced, toss the apples with lemon juice and zest right away to keep them from browning while you get the rest ready.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the granulated and light brown sugars, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mixing the dry ingredients first helps ensure the spices are evenly distributed. Add the apple slices into the bowl and gently toss everything together until the apples are well coated. This step is where the sweet, spiced magic starts—it smells amazing in the kitchen!

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

Roll out one pie crust into your pie dish and pour the filling in, spreading it out evenly. Lay the second crust on top. I like to trim any extra dough and pinch the edges to seal them tight—you can get creative here with crimping patterns or fluting for a beautiful finish. Before baking, brush the top crust with beaten egg wash to get that shiny, golden look, and sprinkle on sanding sugar if you want a little sparkle and crunch.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake your pie at 375°F (190°C) for about 50-60 minutes. I usually place mine on the lower rack to prevent the bottom crust from sogginess, and halfway through baking, I cover the edges with foil to stop them from burning too quickly. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and you see bubbling juices peeking through any slits or vents you’ve cut.

How to Serve Easy Apple Pie Recipe

Garnishes

For me, a warm slice of apple pie is only better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top. Sprinkling a little extra cinnamon or even a drizzle of caramel sauce makes it feel extra special—especially when I’m serving friends or family.

Side Dishes

I often pair this pie with simple sides: a hot cup of coffee or chai tea complements the spice nicely. For a more festive touch, creamy cheddar cheese slices on the side (yes, really!) give a savory balance that’s surprisingly delicious.

Creative Ways to Present

One of my favorite ways to dress up this Easy Apple Pie Recipe for a party is by cutting it into mini squares and serving on individual dessert plates with a small sprig of mint. Another fun idea I tried was turning the leftover filling into mini tartlets using muffin tins—everyone loved the bite-sized treats!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your pie, wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the fridge. I’ve found it stays fresh for up to 4 days, and the flavors actually deepen a bit overnight!

Freezing

Freezing an unbaked pie is a lifesaver for busy days. Just assemble it as usual, wrap tightly in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to a month. When you’re ready, bake it straight from the freezer—just add a little extra time and watch the crust closely towards the end.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes to revive that flaky crust and warm filling. I wouldn’t recommend the microwave here; it can turn your pie soggy rather quickly. A quick oven warm-up brings it right back to life.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Apple Pie Recipe has been one of my go-to desserts for years, especially when I crave the nostalgic flavors of fall or want to impress friends without hours in the kitchen. It’s approachable, forgiving, and downright delicious—the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a baking pro even if it’s your first pie. I truly hope you try this one out; once you do, it might just become your favorite too!

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