Easy Classic American Apple Pie

Enjoy the comforting flavors of a classic American apple pie recipe as crunchy and rich apple-flavored as a good slice of my favorite French apple tart.

With a flaky pie crust and a filling of tender apples laced with warm spices, this beautiful lattice pie style is the perfect embodiment of homemade taste for any occasion, from family gatherings to cozy evenings at home.

Jump to:

• Why you'll love this recipe
• Ingredients you need for this recipe
• How to Make This Classic American Apple Pie
• Serving Suggestions
• Tips for this recipe
• Storage instructions
• Variations & Substitutions
• FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
• More Pie Recipes
• American Apple pie

American apple pie is a timeless, classic fall recipe that never really caught my interest in my youth. Back then, I used to believe it was too spicy and with far too much flavor.

But now I wish this incredible dessert had been part of my childhood, as I would have discovered it much earlier and savored its delicious, fragrant apple flavors. Just as I delight my 4 children today with my own version of apple pie.

Apple pie is an iconic and very popular recipe in the United States, a symbol of American tradition and a dessert often associated with holidays such as Thanksgiving and July 4th, as well as family gatherings and celebrations.

Craving more apple desserts? Give these a try: French apple cake, Rustic French apple galette, Apple french galette des rois, French apple tart, Apple Pie Cake, Apple Pie cupcakes.

Ingredients you need for this recipe

You need these ingredients to make this classic Cinnamon Apple Pie:

Pie crust

• Flour: Use white wheat all-purpose flour for the pie crust. This type of flour provides the right balance of protein and starch for a tender yet flaky crust.
• Sugar: Include white granulated sugar in the pie crust. While it's not a sweet crust, a small amount of sugar enhances the flavor and aids in browning.
• Salt: Add a small pinch of salt to the pie crust. Salt enhances the overall flavor and helps balance the sweetness in the filling.
• Butter: Opt for soft, unsalted butter. It should be cold and cut into small pieces before incorporating it into the flour mixture. Chilling the butter in the freezer for about 10 minutes before use helps maintain its cold temperature, which is crucial for achieving a flaky crust.
• Water: Use very cold or iced water when adding it to the pie crust mixture. Cold water helps prevent the butter from melting prematurely, ensuring a flaky and tender texture.

Apple pie filling

• Apples: Select mature apples with juicy and sweet flesh, such as Royal Gala, Golden, or Pink Lady varieties. Avoid using Granny Smith apples, as they tend to be more acidic and firm, unless you prefer a tart filling and are mixing them with another variety for balance.
• Sugar: The addition of sugar is optional and depends on your preference. You can use white granulated sugar for a classic sweet flavor or opt for unrefined sugars like brown sugar for a richer, caramel-like sweetness.
• Lemon: Fresh lemon juice serves a dual purpose—it adds a bright, tangy flavor to the filling and helps preserve the color and freshness of the apples. You can also incorporate lemon peel for an extra layer of citrusy aroma and taste.
• Spices: Ground cinnamon is the traditional choice for flavoring the apple filling and adds warmth and depth. However, you have the flexibility to experiment with other spices like nutmeg, cloves, or ginger to tailor the flavor to your liking.
• Vanilla: Enhance the filling's complexity with pure liquid vanilla extract or the seeds of a vanilla bean. Vanilla brings a subtle, aromatic sweetness that complements the apple's natural flavors.

How to Make This Classic American Apple Pie

Here are some quick visual instructions. Don't forget that full recipe instructions with exact ingredients can be found in the recipe card below!

Step 1: Combine the dry ingredients, flour, granulated sugar and salt and place in the large bowl of your food processor.

Step 2: Add the chopped butter and mix on high speed for about 1 minute until you have a powdered mixture with tiny bits of butter still visible.

Step 3: Add the ice water and mix again for 1 minute until the dough forms a ball and you can still see the butter pieces.

Step 4: Start by removing the skin and cutting your apples into medium sized pieces. I cut them in half and then slice them into thick slices to get large pieces.

Step 5: Then place apple slices in a medium saucepan with the other ingredients, water, granulated sugar, lemon juice, ground cinnamon and vanilla extract and heat the pan over medium heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon.

Step 6: First, divide the dough into 2 equal pieces to make 2 discs that will be used for the bottom of the pie and the other for the top crust and roll out the 2 pieces of dough with a rolling pin on a lightly floured work surface to a thickness of about 4 - 5 mm. (Keep one disk of dough in the refrigerator while preparing the base)

Step 7: Place the first disk of rolled-out dough inside your pie plate. It should completely cover your mold and overhang or fall down to cover it completely. Fill the inside with the sliced apples filling, which should fill the pan at least ¾ of the way to a good thickness.

Step 8: Then take out the second disc and you can decorate using my lattice method below or to go faster just cover the entire pie and decorate the edges with the excess dough using a decorative cookie cutter like small leaves for example.

Make lattice crust

Step 9: With the second bottom crust, cut out long strips of dough using a pizza cutter. Place each strip of dough on your apple filing all in the same direction horizontally.

Then, starting from the middle, lift up every other strip of dough (see photo), place a new strip vertically, and then fold the strips over. Repeat this step until you have a nice lattice on the right side and then do the same for the left side.

Trim the edges of the dough until the edges of the pie dish are visible. You can pinch the edges of the dough to form a nice border on your pie.

Chill: Place your pie in the freezer for 20 - 30 minutes before baking

Baking

Step 10: Preheat oven to a high temperature of 392°F / 200°C and prepare the egg wash by mixing an egg with a little milk in a container.

Step 11: Using a pastry brush, apply a layer of beaten egg on the whole pie. Then sprinkle the top of the pie with sugar mixture (cane sugar).

Step 12: Take the pie out of the freezer and place it in the preheated oven on a baking sheet at half height. Then lower the oven temperature to 350°F / 180°C and let the pie bake for about 30 - 45 minutes. The apple pie is ready when the dough has a golden brown color.

Let cool: Let the apple pie cool completely at room temperature before covering it with plastic wrap and placing in the refrigerator. Take it out 30 minutes before serving so that it comes to room temperature.

Serving Suggestions

Apple pie is versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments to suit different tastes.

• À la Mode: Serve warm slices of apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic and indulgent combination.
• Whipped Cream: Top each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a light and airy contrast to the rich pie filling.
• Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle warm salted butter caramel sauce over the pie or individual slices for an extra layer of sweetness and decadence.
• Warm Apple Cider: Accompany your pie with a steaming mug of warm apple cider to enhance the apple flavor and create a cozy fall-inspired dessert experience.
• Fresh Berries: Serve alongside a mixed berry salad or a scoop of berry sorbet for a refreshing contrast.
• Homemade Custard: Offer a side of homemade custard or crème anglaise for those who prefer a creamy accompaniment.
• Coffee or Tea: Enjoy a slice with a hot cup of coffee or tea to balance the sweetness with a warm beverage.

Storage instructions

In the fridge: Store your Apple Pie in the fridge for about 5 days, you can warm it up slightly in the microwave to cool it down.

How to freeze? Your Apple Pie can also be kept for a long time in the freezer, up to 3 months, place it in a storage box with a lid or wrap it in plastic wrap.

Let it gently recover preferably in the refrigerator until it is completely thawed.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Prevent a Soggy Bottom Crust?

To prevent a soggy bottom crust, you can pre-bake the crust for a few minutes (blind baking) before adding the filling. Alternatively, sprinkle a layer of breadcrumbs or ground nuts on the bottom crust before adding the apples to absorb excess moisture.

Can I use different types of apples?

Yes, using a mix of tart and sweet apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, can balance the flavors and add complexity to your pie.

Can I Make Apple Pie Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare apple pie ahead of time. Assemble the pie and store it in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight before baking. This allows the flavors to meld.

What's the Best Way to Reheat Apple Pie?

To reheat apple pie, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave for a shorter time.

How Do I Prevent My Pie from Boiling Over?

To prevent the filling from boiling over, make sure to cut slits or decorative vents in the top crust to allow steam to escape. You can also place a baking sheet or a piece of foil under the pie to catch any spills.

How can I make the crust flakier?

Ensure that all your ingredients, especially the butter, are cold. Handle the dough as little as possible to avoid melting the butter, and consider chilling the dough before rolling it out.

More Pie Recipes

I hope you love this classic Apple Pie Recipe. If you make it, be sure to leave a comment and a rating so I know how you liked it. Happy Baking!

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