You can make the best homemade apple pie with just 7 ingredients. If your kitchen smelling like a bakery doesn’t make your mouth water, the flavor of this delicious homemade pie definitely will.
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Using readymade pie crusts makes this recipe a snap, saving you time and effort. You don’t have to make a lattice topping if you don’t want to, but it’s really easy and adds that charming homemade look.
Once this is cooked you will want to try it immediately. Make sure you have plenty of ice cream and/or whipped cream to hand. One or both of those is the perfect finishing touch that makes all the difference.
I also love this apple pie puff pastry when I'm not in the mood to bake a full pie or this keto apple crisp which is one of my fall favorites as well!
Main Ingredients
One reason this is my best homemade apple pie recipe is you only need 7 ingredients to prepare it. I can’t justify a trip to the bakery when it’s this easy to prepare in the comfort of my own kitchen. These are the main ingredients you’re going to need to make it:
- Apples: The star of the dish. Granny Smiths are probably the most popular choice, but Braeburn, Jonagold, and Honeycrisp work too. Or you can use a combination of different kinds.
- Sugar: For sweetness. I like to use both brown and white sugar when making this, but you can use one or the other. Of course, you can also use less or more sugar.
- Pie crusts: To make the top and bottom of the pie. One crust goes on the bottom. The other can be sliced up to make a lattice top. If you prefer to make your own dough, that is of course also fine.
- Flour: For thickening. The flour will combine with the juice from the apples to make a kind of sauce. Regular all-purpose flour is just fine for this.
- Butter: To add richness. Butter pairs with flour, sugar, and apples to make an incredible filling. You could use a vegan alternative if you prefer not to use dairy (but don't forget to check the crust ingredients too).
Instructions Overview
You will be delighted to learn how easy it is to make this wonderful apple pie. After pressing one of the crusts into a greased pie dish, you can preheat the oven. Melt the butter and add flour, water, and sugar.
Peel and core the apples then slice them and add them on top of the bottom pastry crust. Pour the flour mixture on top.
Cut the second pie crust into pieces to make a lattice top. Another option is adding the crust hole and making a few slits for steam to escape if you don't want to make a lattice top. Either way is fine. Bake it in the oven and serve warm!
Common Questions
This depends on the recipe. In this recipe, the raw apple is tossed in the flour and then added to the pie. As the apple cooks and releases juices, the flour will absorb them and thicken to make a sauce.
Some recipes call for the apple to be cooked first and then added, which is another way of making them. Just don’t omit the flour else you will have a soggy bottom!
I find that ¼-inch is the perfect thickness for apple slices going into an apple pie. I often cut one perfect ¼-inch slice then use that as a measure for the remaining apples. The closer in size your apple slices are, the more evenly they will cook in the apple pie.
Along with tossing the fruit in flour, you can add a layer of oats or crushed cereal in between the bottom crust and the fruit filling. This layer will absorb excess moisture before it makes the bottom crust soggy.
Although my go-to apple for pies and crisps tends to be Granny Smith, a lot of home bakers like to use Jonathan apples. They are sweeter than Granny Smiths so you might want to reduce the sugar in the recipe a bit to make up for it.
Apples turn brown when exposed to the air for a period of time. It’s completely normal and doesn’t affect the flavor although of course, they don’t look as pretty as white ones.
One method to prevent browning is to soak the sliced apples in a mixture of 2 teaspoons salt mixed into 4 cups of water. You can rinse the salt flavor off afterward.
However, I find the easiest way to prevent browning is to add the apples to the crust as soon as they’re sliced and then immediately add the flour mixture on top. This means the air doesn’t have time to get to the sliced apples!
Sure. You can warm it back up in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to eat it.
Keep it covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate it.
This is a great dessert to freeze in portions so you can pull one out of the freezer whenever the craving strikes! It should be fine frozen for up to 6 months. The filling (without the pastry) will keep for up to a year in there.
Vanilla ice cream and whipped cream are both wonderful with any fruit pie recipe, this one definitely included.
Swap ¼ of the apples for strawberries, pitted cherries, blackberries, or try peach, pear, or another favorite fruit. With a recipe this easy, you’ll want to make it often!
Chopnotch Tips
- Don’t skimp on the flour or you’ll have a watery sauce and your pie will have a soggy bottom!
- If you’re worried about the crust burning at the edges just add a little foil over it.
- Not doing a lattice design on top? Don’t forget to cut slits in the top layer of pastry so the steam has a way to escape.
- Add a warm earthy flavor by adding a pinch of apple pie spice or some ground cinnamon and nutmeg.
Knowing how to make the best homemade apple pie means you can create a delicious dessert the whole family will go crazy for.
Apple pie is a real American staple although France and England were home to this classic dish before it made it across The Pond. I’ve never met anyone who didn’t love it and homemade always beats store-bought every time.
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Let us know what you think! Give this recipe a rating in the comments section below.
Recipe
How to Make
Best Homemade Apple Pie
Ingredients
- 8 large apples, peeled, cored and sliced
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup water
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 9-inch pie crusts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and grease a pie pan. Unroll the pie crust and press down into the pie pan. Press against the sides and the bottom.
- Add butter to a pan and melt it over low heat. Add flour and stir well to combine. Add sugars and water and bring to a boil. Simmer for a few minutes.
- Top the crust with apples, add flour sugar mixture on top. Cut the second pie crust into slices and top the pie with the slices.
- Bake for 15 minutes. Reduce the heat to 350°F and cook for 40-45 minutes more until the crust is golen brown. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Don’t skimp on the flour or you’ll have a watery sauce and your pie will have a soggy bottom!
- If you’re worried about the crust burning at the edges just add a little foil over it.
- Not doing a lattice design on top? Don’t forget to cut slits in the top layer of pastry so the steam has a way to escape.
- Add a warm earthy flavor by adding a pinch of apple pie spice or some ground cinnamon and nutmeg.
I have so many apples right now and have been looking for the perfect recipe to use them with. Just found it!
Everyone needs a good classic apple pie recipe! Love making this during the holidays.
I appreciate how easy this pie is, with few ingredients. It didn't feel like a chore to make it and it turned out great.
Super easy recipe, I love the brown sugar addition. Give the apples a richer flavor without having to hunt for a million different spices.
This is the perfect time to make apple pie! It's one of my favorite desserts.