American Apple Pie

Name: American Apple pie
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: american
Ingredients: 225 g all-purpose flour; 40 g granulated sugar; 2 pinches salt; 250 g unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 90 ml ice water; 6 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Pink Lady, or Golden Delicious); 3 tbsp granulated sugar; Juice of ½ lemon; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 2 tsp vanilla extract

Updated Aug 4, 2026 · Published Dec 20, 2019 by Fadela

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This American apple pie recipe features a flaky buttery crust and a warmly spiced apple filling for the perfect homemade dessert.

Homemade American apple pie with a flaky lattice crust

This American apple pie recipe is a classic homemade dessert with a flaky butter crust and a perfectly spiced apple filling.

I’ve made this homemade apple pie recipe countless times, and it’s my favorite recipe for its flaky crust, simple ingredients, and reliable results.

Why you'll love this recipe

Classic homemade taste – A flaky buttery crust with a perfectly spiced apple filling.
Easy and reliable – Simple ingredients and foolproof steps for great results every time.
Perfect for fall – A cozy dessert that’s ideal for Thanksgiving, holidays, or weekend baking.

Ingredients you need

The exact ingredient quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Flour – All-purpose flour for a tender, flaky pie crust.
Butter – Cold unsalted butter for rich flavor and flaky layers.
Sugar – Granulated sugar to sweeten both the crust and filling.
Salt & Vanilla – Enhance the flavor of the crust and apples.
Cold Water – Ice-cold water keeps the dough tender and flaky.
Apples – A mix of Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Pink Lady, or Golden Delicious creates the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
Lemon – Fresh lemon juice balances the sweetness and brightens the filling.
Spices – Cinnamon with a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for warm fall flavor.

Tips for this recipe

Keep everything cold – Cold butter and cold water are the key to a flaky pie crust.
Slice the apples evenly – for a perfectly cooked filling.
Don’t skip the lemon – It balances sweetness and keeps the apples bright.
Chill the assembled pie – Ten minutes in the fridge helps the crust hold its shape.
Bake until the filling is bubbling and the crust is deep golden.

How to Make American Apple Pie

Scroll down to the recipe card for the printable recipe and full ingredient measurements.

I use my homemade pie crust recipe for this pie, but your favorite pie crust will work too.

Mix the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, salt) in a food processor, then add the cold butter and pulse until the mixture looks sandy with small visible pieces.

Add the ice water and blend briefly until the dough comes together in a soft ball with small butter bits still showing.

Homemade pie crust dough wrapped in plastic wrap

Peel, core, and slice the apples into even slices about ¼-inch thick.

Cook the apples with water, sugar, lemon, cinnamon, and vanilla over medium heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened.

Homemade apple pie filling with sliced apples

Divide the dough in two, roll each piece to 4–5 mm on a floured surface, and keep one disk chilled while you line the pie dish with the other.

Line the pie dish with the first rolled-out disk, letting it overhang.

Unbaked homemade pie crust in a pie dish

Fill the crust with the apple filling and spread it evenly.

Pie crust filled with homemade apple pie filling

Cut strips from the second dough disk, weave them into a simple lattice over the filling, trim and crimp the edges, then chill the pie for 20–30 minutes before baking.

Unbaked American apple pie with lattice crust

Preheat the oven to 392°F/200°C, brush the chilled pie with egg wash, sprinkle with sugar, then bake for 35–45 minutes until the crust is deep golden and the filling is bubbling.

Let the pie cool completely before slicing so the filling can set.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a classic à la mode apple pie moment.
Add a spoon of whipped cream for a light, airy contrast to the spiced filling.
Drizzle warm caramel sauce over each slice for extra sweetness.
Pair with a mug of hot apple cider to boost the cozy apple flavor.
Serve with fresh berries for a bright, fruity touch.

For an extra treat, serve it with my homemade Salted Caramel Sauce.

Storage instructions

Fridge: Keep the pie in an airtight container for about five days; warm slices briefly if you like it soft.
Freezer: Freeze whole or sliced for up to three months, well-wrapped. Thaw slowly in the fridge before serving.

Recipe Variations

Dutch apple pie: Top with a buttery streusel instead of a lattice crust.
Caramel apple pie: Add a layer of caramel over the apple filling before baking.
Apple blueberry pie: Mix fresh or frozen blueberries with the apples.
Mini apple pies: Bake the recipe in muffin tins for individual pies.
Galette style: Skip the pie dish and make a rustic free-form tart.

If you love this classic apple pie, be sure to try my Dutch Apple Pie (Apple Crumble Pie) with its buttery crumb topping.

Recipe Questions

What are the best apples for apple pie?

A mix of tart and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Golden Delicious, gives the best flavor and texture while holding its shape during baking.

Should I cook the apples before baking?

Yes. Pre-cooking the apples helps prevent a watery filling and ensures they're perfectly tender once baked.

Why is my apple pie watery?

A watery filling is usually caused by apples releasing too much juice. Pre-cooking the filling and letting the pie cool completely before slicing helps it set properly.

Can I make apple pie ahead of time?

Yes. Bake the pie a day ahead or assemble it the day before and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake.

Can I freeze apple pie?

Yes. Freeze the baked or unbaked pie for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or baking.

Slice of homemade American apple pie served with vanilla ice cream

More apple recipes you’ll love

I hope you’ll love this recipe. If you try it, feel free to leave a comment. Happy baking!