Whiskey Apple Pie Recipe: A Decadent Dessert Perfect for Any Occasion

There’s something magical about the combination of warm spices, tender apples, and a splash of whiskey that takes a classic apple pie to the next level. This recipe is a cozy twist on the traditional dessert, blending rich flavors with a hint of indulgence. It’s perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or whenever you’re craving a slice of comfort.

Whiskey adds depth and a subtle smoky sweetness that complements the tartness of the apples beautifully. I love how the aroma fills the kitchen as it bakes—it’s irresistible. Whether you’re a pie-making pro or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and sure to impress.

Whiskey Apple Pie Recipe

Ingredients:

• Crust:
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter (cold, diced)
• 6-8 tbsp ice water
• Filling:
• 6 medium tart apples (like Granny Smith, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp salt
• 3 tbsp whiskey
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Topping:
• 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar (for sprinkling)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crust:

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Cut in the cold diced butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Do not over-mix.
4. Divide the dough into two equal discs, wrap each in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

2. Make the Filling:

1. In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss until apples are evenly coated.
2. Add whiskey and vanilla extract. Stir gently to incorporate the flavors. Set aside to let the juices develop for 15 minutes.

3. Assemble the Pie:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out one dough disc on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides. Trim excess dough, leaving a slight overhang.
3. Pour the apple filling into the prepared crust, spreading evenly.
4. Roll out the second dough disc and place it over the filling. Seal the edges by pinching the top and bottom crusts together. Trim any excess dough.
5. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Brush the crust with beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar.

4. Bake the Pie:

1. Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
2. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Rotate the pie halfway through baking for even cooking.
3. Check after 40 minutes; if the edges are browning too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil.

5. Cool and Serve:

1. Transfer the pie to a wire rack and let it cool for at least 2 hours to set the filling.
2. Slice and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.

Baking Tip:

For even more flavor, soak the apple slices in whiskey for 30 minutes before beginning the filling preparation. Drain excess liquid before mixing with the other filling ingredients.

Ingredients

Here is a list of everything you’ll need to create the perfect Whiskey Apple Pie. Gather these ingredients before you start baking for a smoother process.

For The Pie Crust

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 6–8 tablespoons ice water

For The Apple Filling

• 6 medium tart apples (like Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons whiskey

For The Whiskey Sauce

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons whiskey

Tools And Equipment

To make the perfect Whiskey Apple Pie, having the right tools and equipment is essential. These items simplify the process and ensure the best results.

Tools You’ll Need:

• Mixing bowls: Two medium-sized bowls for preparing the crust and the filling.
• Pastry blender or food processor: For cutting the butter into the flour to create a flaky crust.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate measurements of dry and wet ingredients.
• Rolling pin: To roll out the pie dough evenly.
• 9-inch pie dish: A standard pie dish to bake the pie.
• Knife and cutting board: For peeling, coring, and slicing the apples into uniform pieces.
• Whisk: For mixing the whiskey sauce.
• Silicone spatula: For stirring and scraping.
• Pastry brush: To apply an egg wash onto the pie for that golden crust.
• Aluminum foil or pie crust shield: To prevent the crust edges from over-browning during baking.
• Oven thermometer: To ensure your oven temperature is accurate for consistent baking.
• Cooling rack: To let the pie cool evenly before serving.

Each tool plays an important role in achieving that golden, flaky crust and flavorful filling. By using these, you’re set up for a stress-free baking experience.

Directions

This Whiskey Apple Pie comes together in several easy steps. Follow these detailed instructions to create a pie that’s richly flavored, perfectly spiced, and irresistibly golden.

Prep The Pie Crust

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of sugar.
2. Cut in 1 cup of unsalted butter, cubed and chilled, using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add 6-8 tablespoons of ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork until the dough comes together.
4. Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape each into a disk, and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Prepare The Apple Filling

1. Peel, core, and thinly slice 6 medium tart apples. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add ½ cup of granulated sugar, ¼ cup of brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg, and 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the apples.
3. Toss the apples to coat them evenly with the sugar and spice mixture.
4. Pour 2 tablespoons of whiskey over the apples. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for 10 minutes.

Make The Whiskey Sauce

1. In a small saucepan, melt ¼ cup of unsalted butter over medium heat.
2. Stir in ½ cup of brown sugar and cook until it dissolves completely, around 2-3 minutes.
3. Slowly add ¼ cup of heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Once it thickens slightly, remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon of whiskey. Let the sauce cool slightly while you assemble the pie.

Assemble The Pie

1. Roll out one pie dough disk on a floured surface until it fits into a 9-inch pie dish. Transfer it to the dish, letting the edges hang over.
2. Pour the prepared apple filling into the crust, spreading it evenly.
3. Drizzle half of the whiskey sauce over the top of the apple filling.
4. Roll out the second dough disk and lay it over the pie. Trim, fold, and crimp the edges to seal.
5. Cut slits into the top crust for steam to escape. Optionally, brush the crust with an egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar.

Bake The Pie

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the assembled pie on a baking sheet to catch drips.
2. Bake the pie for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown, and the filling is bubbling through the slits.
3. Remove from the oven and let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving.
4. Serve slices with the remaining whiskey sauce, vanilla ice cream, or whipped cream for an indulgent touch.

Serving Suggestions

When serving this Whiskey Apple Pie, I love to enhance its rich flavors with complementary textures and toppings. Here are my favorite ways to serve this decadent dessert.

1. With Vanilla Ice Cream: Place a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on a warm slice of pie. The coolness of the ice cream balances the warm whiskey notes and spiced apples, creating an irresistible contrast.
2. Topped with Whipped Cream: Dollop freshly whipped cream over your slice of pie. For an extra touch, sprinkle it with a pinch of cinnamon or drizzle a bit of the remaining whiskey sauce.
3. Paired with Whiskey Sauce: Warm the reserved whiskey sauce and drizzle it generously over the pie. This adds a luscious caramel-like finish to each bite while enhancing the whiskey flavor.
4. Dust with Powdered Sugar: For a simple presentation, lightly dust the top of the baked pie with powdered sugar right before serving. It adds a subtle sweetness and an elegant appearance.
5. Side of Fresh Fruit: Serve the pie alongside tart berries like raspberries or sliced pears. The fresh fruit adds a light, refreshing element to balance the dessert’s richness.
6. Coffee or Tea Pairing: Pair the pie with a strong cup of black coffee or spiced tea. The robust flavors in the beverages complement the pie’s warm, complex notes beautifully.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Making this Whiskey Apple Pie ahead of time is a fantastic way to save time and enjoy stress-free gatherings. Here’s how I plan and prepare the pie in advance:

Crust Preparation in Advance

You can prepare the pie crust up to 2 days ahead.

1. Follow the instructions for mixing and forming the dough as detailed in the recipe.
2. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap each tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate.

• If you need longer storage, freeze the wrapped dough for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before rolling.

Apple Filling Prep Ahead

The apple filling can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours.

1. Slice the apples and mix them with the sugars, spices, and whiskey.
2. Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and refrigerate.

• Stir the filling occasionally to redistribute the flavors if making it the day before.

Assemble in Advance

For early assembly, the pie can be made and stored unbaked:

1. Roll out the chilled dough and line the pie dish.
2. Add the prepared apple filling, top as desired (lattice, full crust, or crumble topping), and seal the edges.
3. Cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap, then foil, and refrigerate for up to 1 day before baking.

Freezing the Unbaked Pie

To freeze the pie before baking:

1. Assemble the pie completely and wrap tightly in two layers of plastic wrap.
2. Follow with a layer of aluminum foil for extra protection.
3. Freeze for up to 3 months.

• When ready to bake, place the frozen pie directly into the oven. Add 15-20 minutes to the bake time.

Whiskey Sauce Ahead of Time

The whiskey sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance.

1. Prepare the sauce as instructed and let it cool completely.
2. Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator.

• Reheat the sauce on low heat, stirring until smooth, just before serving.

These make-ahead tips ensure your Whiskey Apple Pie stays fresh and flavorful while giving you more time to savor the moment with your guests.

Storage Tips

Proper storage ensures that your Whiskey Apple Pie stays fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Here are my best tips for storing both leftover pie and any components you may have prepped ahead of time:

1. Storing Leftover Pie

• At Room Temperature: If you plan to enjoy the pie within 1-2 days, cover it loosely with foil or plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature. The whiskey and sugar act as natural preservatives, helping maintain its rich flavor and moist texture.
• In the Refrigerator: For longer storage, wrap the pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it for up to 4 days. This will keep the filling fresh while preserving the buttery crust’s texture.
• Reheating Tips: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or heat the entire pie in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to revive its baked aroma.

2. Freezing the Pie

• Unbaked Pie: For make-ahead convenience, assemble the pie, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, do not thaw; bake it directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C), adding an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time.
• Baked Pie: Let the pie cool completely before freezing to prevent ice crystals from forming. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes.

3. Storing Whiskey Sauce

• In the Refrigerator: Transfer the sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 1 week. Reheat it gently in a small saucepan over low heat or in the microwave in 10-second intervals until warmed.
• Freezing: Pour the cooled sauce into a freezer-safe container, leaving about ½ inch of space at the top to allow for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, and reheat before serving.

4. Helpful Notes

• Always let the pie cool to room temperature before storing it to avoid condensation that can make the crust soggy.
• Use airtight containers or proper wrapping techniques to protect the pie and sauce from absorbing odors from other foods.
• Label frozen items with the date so you can track how long they’ve been stored.

Conclusion

Whiskey Apple Pie is more than just a dessert—it’s a warm, flavorful experience that brings comfort and joy to any table. The combination of tart apples, rich spices, and a splash of whiskey creates a depth of flavor that’s truly unforgettable. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this pie is sure to impress.

With its straightforward steps, make-ahead options, and versatile serving suggestions, this recipe is as practical as it is delicious. So grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the process of creating a pie that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat.