Classic American Apple Pie

Name: Classic American Apple Pie
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 6-8 tablespoons ice water; 6-8 cups of peeled, cored, and sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp); 3/4 cup sugar; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

This Classic American Apple Pie recipe embodies the essence of homemade comfort. With a flaky, buttery crust and perfectly spiced sweet apple filling, each slice brings nostalgia and warmth to family gatherings and holiday celebrations. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience that will delight everyone at the table.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-11-13T16:23:10.093Z

The Perfect Crust

Creating the perfect crust is essential for any great apple pie. A flaky, buttery crust contrasts beautifully with the warm, spiced apple filling. The trick lies in handling the butter properly. It's essential to keep your butter cold until you mix it with the flour. This results in a tender texture that melts in your mouth. Remember, the key to a great pie crust is minimal handling; overworking the dough can lead to a dense texture rather than a light and flaky one.

When rolling out your dough, use a well-floured surface to prevent sticking. If the dough feels too soft, chilling it briefly can help make it more manageable. Aim for a thickness of about 1/8 inch. A thicker crust can overpower the filling, while a too-thin crust may break easily when baked. With a little care, your crust will be the star of the pie!

Choosing the Right Apples

Not all apples are created equal when it comes to baking. Some varieties hold their shape well, ensuring each bite offers a perfect mix of textures and flavors. Granny Smith apples are a popular choice due to their tartness, which balances the sweetness from the sugar. Honeycrisp apples, with their juicy and crisp nature, also offer a delightful flavor profile. Mixing different apple varieties can create a more complex and satisfying filling.

When selecting apples for your pie, look for firm, unblemished fruits. They should feel heavy for their size, indicating juiciness, and ideally, the variety you choose should be slightly tart to enhance the overall flavor of the pie. A successful apple filling requires you not only to choose the right apples but to ensure they are uniformly peeled, cored, and sliced so they cook evenly during baking.

Serving Suggestions

While Classic American Apple Pie is wonderful on its own, there are plenty of ways to elevate this dessert experience. One popular serving suggestion is to dish up warm slices with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. The rich creaminess of the ice cream complements the spicy apple filling and flaky crust beautifully. Alternatively, whipped cream with a sprinkle of cinnamon can add a delightful touch.

For those looking to enhance flavor, consider drizzling with caramel sauce or adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts for texture. Different spices like ginger or cloves can also be incorporated into the pie filling for a unique twist. Whatever way you choose to serve it, this apple pie is sure to impress and feed the spirit of togetherness at your family gatherings.

Ingredients

For the crust

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
6-8 tablespoons ice water

For the filling

6-8 cups of peeled, cored, and sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
3/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

Make the crust

In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and sugar.

Add cold butter and cut it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Stir in ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.

Divide the dough in half, shape into discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Prepare the filling

In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until well coated.

Assemble the pie

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

Roll out one dough disc and place it in a pie pan.

Fill with apple mixture and roll out the second dough disc to cover the filling.

Seal the edges and cut slits for steam to escape.

Bake the pie

Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.

Reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and apples are tender.

Cool and serve

Allow to cool for at least 2 hours before slicing.

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream as desired.

Storing Your Apple Pie

If you find yourself with leftover pie, storing it properly is essential to maintain its deliciousness. Allow the pie to cool completely and then cover it loosely with foil or plastic wrap. It can be stored at room temperature for 1-2 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerating it will extend its life for about a week.

For those who want to enjoy their apple pie even later, freezing is a great option. Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can keep well in the freezer for up to four months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven for that freshly baked taste.

Variations to Try

While the classic apple pie is a favorite, experimenting with variations can bring new life to this timeless dessert. Consider swapping out some of the apples for pears or berries to create a mixed fruit pie, or add a splash of bourbon for depth in flavor. Incorporating spices like cardamom or ginger can also provide a unique twist that surprises your taste buds.

For those looking for a healthier version, try using a whole wheat crust or substituting some sugar with honey or maple syrup. You can also reduce the sugar slightly if using sweeter apple varieties. Each variation promises to give you a delicious apple pie experience worth savoring.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought pie crust?

Yes, store-bought pie crust can be a time-saver!

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.