Apple pie

Make a classic homemade apple pie with a flaky buttery crust and cinnamon-spiced apple filling. Step-by-step baking guide for a perfect golden pie.

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Apple pie is one of the most iconic desserts, known for its flaky crust and warm spiced apple filling. The key is balancing sweet and tart apples with cinnamon and baking until the filling is tender and bubbling.

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Ingredients

For the Pie Crust (Double Crust)

• 2½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 cup (225 g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 6–8 tablespoons ice water

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For the Apple Filling

• 6–7 medium apples (about 1.5 kg)
  • Best mix: Granny Smith + Honeycrisp or Fuji
• ¾ cup (150 g) sugar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1½ teaspoons cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or flour)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

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For Finishing

• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon milk or water
• Optional: coarse sugar for topping

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Step 1: Make the Pie Dough

1. Mix flour, salt, and sugar in a bowl.
2. Add cold butter cubes.
3. Cut butter into flour until mixture looks crumbly with pea-sized pieces.
4. Add ice water slowly, 1 tablespoon at a time.
5. Mix until dough just comes together.
6. Divide into 2 discs, wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

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Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. Peel, core, and slice apples thinly.
2. Place in a large bowl.
3. Add lemon juice, sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, vanilla, and salt.
4. Toss well to coat evenly.
5. Let sit for 15–20 minutes to release juices.

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Step 3: Roll Out Bottom Crust

1. Roll one dough disc into a 12-inch circle.
2. Place into a 9-inch pie dish.
3. Press gently into edges.
4. Trim excess dough.

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Step 4: Fill the Pie

1. Spoon apple mixture into crust.
2. Pack apples evenly.
3. Pour in any remaining juices from the bowl.

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Step 5: Add Top Crust

Option 1: Full Top Crust

1. Roll second dough disc.
2. Place over filling.
3. Seal edges and crimp.
4. Cut small slits for steam.

Option 2: Lattice Crust

1. Cut dough into strips.
2. Weave into a lattice pattern.
3. Seal edges.

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Step 6: Egg Wash

1. Whisk egg with milk.
2. Brush over top crust.
3. Sprinkle sugar if desired.

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Step 7: Bake

1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Bake for 20 minutes.
3. Reduce to 175°C (350°F).
4. Bake 35–45 minutes more.

The pie is done when:

• Crust is golden brown
• Filling is bubbling

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Step 8: Cool Before Serving

Let the pie cool for at least 2–3 hours so the filling sets properly.

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Serving Suggestions

• Vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream
• Caramel sauce
• Warm or room temperature slices

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Tips for Best Results

• Use a mix of sweet and tart apples.
• Keep butter and water very cold for flaky crust.
• Do not skip cooling time.
• Place a tray under the pie to catch drips.

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Storage

• Room temperature: 1–2 days
• Refrigerator: up to 5 days
• Freezer: up to 2 months

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Final Note

A great apple pie is all about contrast—crispy crust, soft spiced apples, and balanced sweetness. Once mastered, it becomes a timeless dessert you can make for any occasion.