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A classic apple pie with a golden, flaky crust on a cooling rack.

Best way to make a perfect Apple Pie (Classic)

This classic apple pie recipe delivers a delicious, comforting dessert with a flaky crust and a sweet, spiced apple filling. Perfect for any occasion, it's a timeless favorite that will impress.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Crust
  • 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, very cold and cubed
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 cup ice water
For the Filling
  • 6 cups baking apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced 1/4-inch thick
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.25 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
For the Egg Wash (Optional)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon water

Equipment

  • large mixing bowls
  • rolling pin
  • 9-inch pie dish
  • whisk
  • plastic wrap
  • baking sheet

Method
 

Prepare the Pie Crust
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt, then cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  2. Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together, then divide it in half, flatten each into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the Apple Filling
  1. In a large bowl, combine sliced apples with both sugars, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice, ensuring the apples are evenly coated.
Assemble the Pie
  1. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough into a 12-inch circle and carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish.
  2. Pour the apple filling into the crust-lined pie dish, dotting the top with the small pieces of butter.
  3. Roll out the second disk of dough and either place it over the filling, crimping the edges to seal, or cut into strips for a lattice top.
  4. If desired, whisk the egg and water for an egg wash, then brush it over the top crust and sprinkle with a tablespoon of granulated sugar.
Bake the Pie
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C); place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips, then bake for 15 minutes at this temperature.
  2. Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for an additional 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
  3. Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2-3 hours before serving to let the filling set.

Notes

A truly classic apple pie typically requires more than 45 minutes for both preparation and baking. This recipe provides a realistic timeframe for a homemade classic apple pie, ensuring a perfectly cooked crust and tender, flavorful apple filling. For best results, ensure your butter is very cold for a flaky crust.