There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of an old-fashioned homemade apple pie baking in the oven. This classic dessert, with its flaky crust and sweet apple filling, is perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to holiday celebrations. Follow along for a step-by-step guide to creating your own delicious apple pie at home.
For me, the scent is more than just the promise of a delicious dessert. It’s a cherished memory, a connection to my grandmother’s kitchen, where I first learned the art of baking.
We use the apples on our farm that have been growing there for decades. However, when we purchase apples to make a pie, then we will get a variety that works well for this.
Homemade Apple Pie
This old fashioned apple pie recipe has been passed down through generations in my family. My grandmother, who was known for her warm smile and even warmer kitchen, would make this pie for every special occasion. She always said that the secret to the best apple pie was not just in the ingredients, but in the love and care put into making it.
As a child, I would stand on a stool beside her, watching in awe as she expertly rolled out the pie dough, her hands moving with a practiced ease that I longed to emulate. Now, whenever I bake this pie, I feel her presence beside me, guiding me through each step. It’s a tradition I treasure, and one that I’m excited to share with you today.
This old-fashioned apple pie is more than just a classic dessert. It’s a slice of history, a piece of my family’s story, and a delicious way to create memories in your own home. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just because, this recipe is sure to bring warmth and joy to your table, just as it has to mine.
What are Good Apple Varieties for Apple Pies?
When making apple pie, choosing the right type of apple is crucial for achieving the perfect balance of sweetness, tartness, and texture.
For the best results, consider using a mix of these apples to achieve a balance of flavors and textures in your apple pie. Here are some of the best apples to use.
Granny Smith. Known for their tartness and firm texture, Granny Smith apples are a classic choice for apple pie. They hold their shape well during baking and provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the filling.
Honeycrisp. These apples are both sweet and tart with a firm, crisp texture. They maintain their shape when baked and add a delightful flavor to the pie.
Braeburn. Braeburn apples are slightly sweet with a hint of spice. They have a firm texture that holds up well during baking, making them a great option for apple pie.
Golden Delicious. These apples are sweet with a mild flavor and soft texture. While they tend to break down a bit more than other varieties, they add a nice sweetness to the pie, especially when mixed with firmer apples like Granny Smith.
Jonathan. Jonathan apples are tart with a bit of sweetness. They have a tender texture that softens when baked, making them a good choice for a softer filling.
Pink Lady (Cripps Pink). Pink Lady apples are crisp, with a balanced flavor of sweetness and tartness. They hold their shape well and add a lovely complexity to the pie.
Heirloom Varieties
Northern Spy. This heirloom variety is tart, juicy, and firm, making it a traditional favorite for apple pies. It’s a bit harder to find but well worth it if you can get your hands on some.
Empire. Empire apples are a cross between McIntosh and Red Delicious. They are sweet, crisp, and hold up well when baked, making them a good choice for a pie.
Combining tart and sweet varieties adds depth to the filling and ensures that some apples hold their shape while others soften, creating a perfect consistency.
Old Fashioned Homemade Apple Pie Recipe
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Equipment
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust
- 2 1/2 Cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 Cup Butter cold and cut into small cubes
- ½ Cup Shortening like Crisco
- 1/2 Cup Ice Water
For the Apple Filling
- 6 Cups Apples Peeled and thinly sliced apples (about 6 medium apples, preferably Granny Smith)
- 1 Tablespoon Butter
- 1/2 Cup White Sugar
- 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
- 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 1/4 Cup All-Purpose Flour or 2 Tablespoons Corn Starch
- 1 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1/4 Teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
- 1/4 Teaspoon Salt
For Assembly
- 1 Medium Egg beaten (for egg wash)
- Sugar for sprinkling on top optional
Instructions
Prepare the Pie Crust
- In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and shortening. Cut them into the flour using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.2 1/2 Cups All-Purpose Flour, 1 Teaspoon Salt, 1/2 Cup Butter, ½ Cup Shortening, 1/2 Cup Ice Water
- Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough begins to clump together.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm.
Prepare the Apple Filling
- Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Toss them in a large bowl with lemon juice to prevent browning.6 Cups Apples, 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
- In a separate bowl, mix the white sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.1/2 Cup White Sugar, 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar, 1/4 Cup All-Purpose Flour, 1 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon, 1/4 Teaspoon Ground Nutmeg, 1/4 Teaspoon Salt
- Add the sugar mixture to the apples and toss until evenly coated.
Assemble the Pie
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a baking sheet on the oven rack to catch any drips.
- On a lightly floured surface, using a rolling pin, roll out one disk of dough into a circle large enough to line a 9-inch pie plate. Transfer the dough to the pie plate, leaving excess dough hanging over the edge.
- Fill the pie shell with the apple mixture, mounding slightly in the center. Dot with the tablespoon of butter.1 Tablespoon Butter
- Roll out the second disk of dough and place it over the filling. Trim excess dough, leaving about a 1-inch overhang. Fold the top crust under the bottom crust edge, then crimp the edges to seal. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Brush the top crust with beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar.1 Medium Egg, Sugar
Bake the Pie
- Cover the edges of the pie with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. Place the pie on the preheated baking sheet in the oven.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 35-40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Cool and Serve
- Remove the pie from the oven and cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert experience.
Notes
Pro Tips
Rolling the Dough. It is easier to roll the dough from the center moving the dough a slight turn and rolling again. When picking up dough to place in the pan, fold over the rolling pin and let the dough come off the pin while moving it gently across the pie pan. Make Ahead. If you will not be serving your pie in the same day and still want a flaky crust rather than a soggy one, use this trick. Brush the bottom crust with an egg wash and bake 4 to 5 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit before adding the pie filling. This will seal the bottom crust to keep it from becoming soggy.Nutrition
See me make this pie on our TikTok Chanel.
Pro Tips
Rolling the Dough. It is easier to roll the dough from the center moving the dough a slight turn and rolling again. When picking up dough to place in the pan, fold over the rolling pin and let the dough come off the pin while moving it gently across the pie pan.
Make Ahead. If you will not be serving your pie in the same day and still want a flaky crust rather than a soggy one, use this trick. Brush the bottom crust with an egg wash and bake 4 to 5 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit before adding the pie filling. This will seal the bottom crust to keep it from becoming soggy.
What to Serve with the Pie?
Serving apple pie with the right accompaniments can elevate the dessert to a whole new level. Here are some classic and delicious options:
Vanilla Ice Cream. The creamy, cold texture of vanilla ice cream perfectly complements the warm, spiced flavors of apple pie. It’s a timeless pairing that adds a delightful contrast to each bite.
Whipped Cream. Light and fluffy whipped cream is another classic topping that adds a touch of sweetness without overpowering the flavors of the pie. You can use store-bought whipped cream or make your own for an extra special touch.
Cheddar Cheese. A slice of sharp cheddar cheese served alongside or on top of a warm slice of apple pie might seem unusual, but it’s a traditional pairing that offers a unique balance of savory and sweet.
Caramel Sauce. Drizzling warm caramel sauce over a slice of apple pie adds a rich, buttery sweetness that enhances the pie’s flavor. This pairing works especially well if you enjoy the combination of caramel and apples.
Hot Beverages. A cup of hot coffee, tea, or apple cider can be the perfect companion to a slice of apple pie, adding warmth and comfort to your dessert experience.
Spiced Pecans or Walnuts. For added crunch and flavor, consider sprinkling spiced pecans or walnuts on top of your pie. The nutty flavor pairs beautifully with the apple filling.
These options can be mixed and matched based on your preferences, creating a dessert experience that’s as comforting as it is delicious.
How Long Does Apple Pie Last in the Fridge?
Store leftover apple pie loosely covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
How Long Does Store-Bought Apple Pie Last?
Follow the expiration date on the package. Typically, store-bought pies last 2-4 days after purchase if refrigerated.
How to Freeze an Apple Pie
Once baked and completely cooled, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 4 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Cook a Frozen Apple Pie
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the pie from the freezer and bake for 60-75 minutes or until heated through and bubbly.
Do You Blind Bake Apple Pie Crust?
It’s not necessary for this recipe since the pie bakes at a high temperature and the crust cooks evenly.
How to Reheat Apple Pie: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie on a baking sheet and tent with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.
How Long to Bake Apple Pie at 350°F: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 50-55 minutes or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly.
How to Tell if Apple Pie is Done
The crust should be golden brown, and the filling should be visibly bubbling in the center and around the edges.
Substitute for Lemon Juice in Apple Pie
You can use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar as a substitute for lemon juice in the apple filling.
Enjoy baking this old-fashioned homemade apple pie recipe. Share the warmth and joy of a freshly baked slice with your loved ones.
hhvicky
Thursday 29th of August 2024
My family loved this!