The Best Classic Apple Pie Recipe (With Foolproof Tips!)
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There’s nothing quite as comforting as the aroma of fresh apple pie baking in the oven. At Ripe Catch, we’re always on the hunt for timeless recipes that work every time and this classic apple pie is the ultimate dessert you’ll keep coming back to.
With a buttery, flaky crust and a perfectly spiced apple filling that’s juicy but never soggy, this pie strikes the ideal balance of sweet and tart. Whether it’s for the holidays, Sunday dinner, or just because apples are in season, this recipe is your new go-to.
The Perfect Apple Pie: What You’ll Need
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust (Makes a Double Crust):
• 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 6–8 tbsp ice water
For the Apple Filling:
• 6–7 cups peeled, cored, and sliced apples (about 6 large apples; try a mix like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (55g) light brown sugar
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
For the Topping:
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tbsp milk (optional, for extra shine)
• Granulated or coarse sugar, for sprinkling
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Pie Dough
1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Cut in cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the texture is sandy with pea-sized pieces of butter.
3. Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together.
4. Divide dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days).
2. Prepare the Apple Filling
1. In a large bowl, toss apple slices with lemon juice.
2. Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla. Stir well to combine.
3. Let the filling sit for 20–30 minutes to draw out excess juices.
3. Assemble the Pie
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roll out one dough disc and line a 9-inch pie dish.
3. Pour the apple filling into the crust, mounding slightly in the center. Dot with the 2 tbsp butter.
4. Roll out the second disc and place on top (or make a lattice crust). Trim and crimp edges.
5. Cut slits in the top for venting.
6. Brush the top with egg wash, sprinkle with sugar.
4. Bake
1. Bake at 425°F for 20 minutes.
2. Reduce temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 35–45 minutes, until golden brown and bubbling.
3. If edges brown too fast, cover with foil partway through baking.
5. Cool and Serve
Let the pie cool for at least 3 hours to allow the filling to set. Serve warm or at room temperature with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Apple Pie
For a Flaky, Buttery Crust:
• Use cold ingredients: Keep butter and water ice cold.
• Don’t overwork: Mix the dough just until it comes together to keep it tender.
• Chill the dough: This prevents shrinking and helps with handling.
• Freeze before baking (optional): Pop the assembled pie in the freezer for 15 minutes to help it hold its shape.
For a Juicy, Flavorful Filling:
• Use a mix of apples: Combine tart (like Granny Smith) and sweet (like Honeycrisp or Fuji) for flavor depth.
• Precook for control (optional): Sauté apples for a few minutes to reduce excess juice and prevent a gap under the crust.
• Reduce juices: Let the sugared apples sit and reduce the liquid on the stove for a richer filling.
For Beautiful Baking Results:
• Start hot: Begin at 425°F to set the crust, then reduce the heat to finish baking.
• Don’t skip the egg wash: This gives the pie a gorgeous golden finish.
• Look for bubbling: That’s how you know the filling is fully cooked.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
• Crust: Dough can be made up to 3 days in advance or frozen for 3 months.
• Unbaked pie: Freeze assembled pie and bake straight from frozen (add 15–20 minutes to bake time).
• Leftovers: Store covered at room temp for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5.
Why This Apple Pie Works
This recipe is loved because it’s:
• Foolproof, even for beginners
• Balanced—not too sweet or tart
• Flaky, buttery, and deeply satisfying
• Easy to make ahead for any occasion
Try It Yourself!
Whether you’re baking for Thanksgiving, a cozy weekend treat, or just celebrating apple season, this apple pie is the showstopper your table deserves.
Enjoyed this recipe? Leave a comment below or tag us on Instagram @RipeCatchwith your apple pie creations!