There’s something so comforting about a homemade apple pie baking in the oven. Between the buttery, flaky crust, tender cinnamon-spiced apples, and that beautiful golden lattice top, this is one of those classic desserts that makes the whole kitchen feel warm and cozy.
This homemade apple pie is filled with sweet, juicy apples wrapped in warm spices and baked until the filling is bubbling and the crust is perfectly golden brown. It’s simple, nostalgic, and exactly the kind of from-scratch recipe I love making for family gatherings, holidays, or a cozy weekend at home.
Serve it slightly warm on its own, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect finishing touch.
Ingredients:
Pie dough (double crust/9 inch pie plate)
¼ cup butter
8 cups apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
⅔ cup lightly packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon lemon juice
¼ teaspoon salt
1 large egg
1 teaspoon water
Coarse sugar, optional
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 425°F and set aside a 9-inch pie plate.
Melt the butter in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add the sliced apples, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, lemon juice, and salt.
Stir everything together and cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples begin to soften, about 8–10 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool.
Meanwhile, divide the prepared pie dough in half if it isn't already divided into two discs. Lightly flour your work surface and roll one disc of dough to about ⅛-inch thick, making it slightly larger than your pie plate.
Carefully transfer the rolled dough to the pie plate and gently press it into the bottom and sides.
To make the egg wash, whisk together the egg and water in a small bowl. Set aside.
Spoon the cooled apple filling into the prepared pie crust.
Roll out the second disc of pie dough on a lightly floured surface. Place it over the filling for a traditional top crust, or cut the dough into strips and arrange them over the filling to create a lattice crust.
If using a solid top crust, cut a few vents into the dough to allow steam to escape. Trim any excess dough around the edges and crimp the edges with your fingers to seal.
Lightly brush the top of the pie with the egg wash. Sprinkle with coarse sugar, if desired.
Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes.
Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and continue baking for approximately 40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling through the openings in the crust.
If the crust begins browning too quickly, loosely cover the pie with aluminum foil while it finishes baking.
Allow the pie to cool before slicing and serving.
Notes:
Use your favorite homemade pie crust recipe. You'll need enough dough for a double-crust 9-inch pie.
Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tart flavor and ability to hold their shape while baking. Golden Delicious, Gala, or other baking apples can also be used.
Brush the top crust with egg wash and sprinkle it with coarse sugar before baking for a beautiful bakery style finish.