Easy Apple Pie

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Apple pie has always been one of those classic, comforting desserts that instantly fills a room with the warm scent of cinnamon and baked apples. I’ve made this Easy Apple Pie more times than I can count, and every time, it gets the kind of reaction you want when dessert hits the table—smiles, second helpings, and those delightful “mmm” sounds.

What I love about this particular version is that it’s approachable and fuss-free. You don’t need to be a pastry chef to pull it off, and you can even cut corners with store-bought pie crust if you’re in a pinch. It’s one of those perfect recipes to whip up for a casual Sunday dinner or to bring to a holiday gathering. With just a few simple steps and staple ingredients, you’ll have a golden, flaky pie with a rich, sweet-tart apple filling that’s impossible to resist.

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Why You’ll Love This Easy Apple Pie

This pie is comfort food at its finest. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart, thanks to the combination of firm baking apples and just the right amount of sugar and spice. The crust bakes up golden and flaky, and the filling stays juicy without being runny. Whether you’re serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or letting it cool to slice cleanly, this pie hits the spot.

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What Kind of Apples Should I Use?

I always go for Granny Smith apples because they hold their shape beautifully and give that tart bite that balances the sweetness of the pie. If you want to mix things up, try a combination of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a mix of tart and sweet textures. Avoid softer apples like Red Delicious—they tend to turn mushy when baked.

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Options for Substitutions

If you need to swap ingredients, this pie is forgiving. You can use a store-bought pie crust or make your own from scratch depending on time. If you’re avoiding refined sugar, coconut sugar or maple syrup work well with the apples. And for a dairy-free version, use vegan butter or coconut oil in the crust and filling.

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Ingredients for this Easy Apple Pie

Pie Crust (top and bottom) – A flaky, buttery crust is essential for holding all the sweet apple filling. Whether you go homemade or store-bought, make sure it’s chilled and ready to roll.

Granny Smith Apples (about 6-7 medium) – Their tart flavor and firm texture make them ideal for baking. They won’t turn mushy and balance well with sugar and spice.

Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the filling and enhances the natural sweetness of the apples.

Brown Sugar – Adds depth and a slight molasses flavor that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.

Ground Cinnamon – A classic spice that gives the pie its signature warmth and aroma.

Ground Nutmeg – Just a pinch brings out extra depth in the apple filling.

Lemon Juice – Prevents the apples from browning and adds a bit of tang to brighten the flavor.

All-Purpose Flour – Thickens the apple filling so it isn’t too runny once baked.

Unsalted Butter (cut into small pieces) – Dotted on top of the filling before sealing the crust for added richness.

Egg (for egg wash) – Beaten and brushed over the top crust to create a golden, glossy finish.

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Step 1: Prepare the Pie Dough

If you’re making homemade crust, prepare the dough and chill it for at least an hour. If using store-bought, let it rest at room temperature for a few minutes so it’s easier to roll out.

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Step 2: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the bottom crust into a 12-inch round. Fit it into a 9-inch pie plate, allowing the edges to hang slightly over the rim.

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Step 3: Make the Apple Filling

Peel, core, and slice the apples about 1/4-inch thick. Place them in a large bowl and toss with lemon juice, both sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. Mix until the slices are evenly coated.

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Step 4: Fill the Pie

Spoon the apple mixture into the pie crust, slightly mounding it in the center. Dot the top with small pieces of butter.

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Step 5: Add the Top Crust

Roll out the second crust and place it over the apples. You can do a full cover or a lattice pattern. Trim excess dough and crimp the edges to seal. Brush the top with egg wash and sprinkle with a bit of sugar for sparkle.

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Step 6: Bake the Pie

Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil halfway through.

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Step 7: Cool Before Serving

Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before slicing. This gives the filling time to set and ensures clean slices.

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How Long to Prepare the Easy Apple Pie

Preparation Time:
Peeling and slicing the apples takes the bulk of the prep time—about 20 minutes. Mixing the filling and assembling the pie adds another 15-20 minutes, especially if you’re doing a lattice top. If you’re making your crust from scratch, account for at least 1 hour of chilling.

Baking and Cooling Time:
The pie bakes for 45-55 minutes, depending on your oven. After that, it needs to cool for at least 2 hours to let the filling set properly before slicing. Total time from start to serving can range from 3 to 4 hours.

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Tips for Perfect Easy Apple Pie

• Chill your pie dough for flakier results and easier handling.
• Use a mix of apples for complexity—Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp for sweetness.
• Cut slits or use a lattice top to let steam escape and prevent a soggy crust.
• Dot the apple mixture with butter before sealing the pie—it adds richness.
• Sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking for that bakery-style crunch.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overfilling the pie: This causes leaks and an undercooked center.
• Skipping the thickener: Without flour (or cornstarch), the filling can be too watery.
• Not cooling before slicing: The pie needs time to set; slicing too early will make it collapse.
• Baking at too low temperature: This can lead to a soggy bottom and pale crust.
• Uneven apple slices: Thicker slices will stay firm while thinner ones turn mushy—keep them uniform.

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What to Serve With Easy Apple Pie?

1. Vanilla Ice Cream

A cold, creamy scoop contrasts perfectly with the warm pie filling.

2. Salted Caramel Sauce

Drizzle some on top for a decadent, sweet-salty finish.

3. Whipped Cream

Light and airy, it adds a subtle richness without overpowering the pie.

4. Sharp Cheddar Cheese

An old-school combo! The sharpness of the cheese plays off the sweetness of the apples.

5. Hot Coffee or Spiced Tea

Balancing out the sweetness with a warm beverage makes for a cozy, complete dessert experience.

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Storage Instructions

Room Temperature:
You can leave the pie at room temperature, loosely covered, for up to 2 days.

Refrigerator:
For longer storage, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Warm individual slices in the microwave or oven before serving.

Freezer:
The fully baked pie freezes well. Let it cool completely, then wrap in foil and place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F.

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Estimated Nutrition

(Per slice, based on 8 slices per pie)

• Calories: 420
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 62g
• Sugar: 34g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 3g
• Sodium: 200mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the bottom crust from getting soggy?

Use a metal pie plate for better heat transfer, and preheat a baking sheet to place the pie on while it bakes. This helps the bottom crust cook evenly.

Can I make the pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake it a day ahead. Store it at room temperature or in the fridge, and reheat slightly before serving.

Can I use other types of apples?

Absolutely. Try combining Granny Smith with Fuji, Braeburn, or Honeycrisp for different textures and flavors.

Is it okay to skip the egg wash?

The egg wash gives the crust that golden color and slight gloss, but the pie will still taste great without it.

How do I reheat leftover pie?

Warm it in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. This helps re-crisp the crust better than using a microwave.

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Conclusion

This Easy Apple Pie is a no-fuss, classic dessert that always hits the spot. Whether you’re baking it for a family dinner, holiday table, or just to enjoy the scent of baked apples on a cozy afternoon, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. With simple ingredients and a few tips, anyone can bake a pie that looks as incredible as it tastes.

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