There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a freshly baked apple pie wafting through the house. This is mom’s apple pie recipe—a timeless classic that has been passed down through generations, evoking warm memories of family gatherings and cozy autumn afternoons.
The perfect balance of sweet, tart apples with a flaky, buttery crust makes this pie a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re baking for a holiday celebration or simply craving a slice of homemade goodness, this recipe delivers a delicious slice of nostalgia with every bite.
From choosing the right apples to achieving that golden crust, every detail in this recipe has been carefully crafted to ensure success. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to make a pie that will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This apple pie recipe is loved for its simplicity and outstanding flavor. The crust is perfectly flaky and tender, made from scratch with just a few pantry staples.
The filling combines fresh apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of lemon juice to brighten the flavors, creating a classic taste that’s neither too sweet nor too tart.
It’s a versatile recipe, too. You can make it ahead of time, freeze it, or customize the filling to suit your taste.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding. Plus, it fills your home with an irresistible scent that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ½ cup ice water
- 6 large Granny Smith apples (about 3 lbs), peeled, cored, and sliced
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp coarse sugar (optional, for topping)
Equipment
- 9-inch pie dish
- Mixing bowls (small and large)
- Rolling pin
- Pastry cutter or fork
- Sharp knife or apple peeler
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet (optional, to catch drips)
- Pastry brush
Instructions
- Make the pie crust: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of flour with the cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining.
- Add ice water: Slowly pour in the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the crust flaky.
- Divide and chill: Split the dough into two equal disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 2 tablespoons of flour. Set aside to macerate for 15 minutes.
- Roll out the bottom crust: On a lightly floured surface, roll one dough disk into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to your pie dish, pressing it gently against the bottom and sides.
- Add the filling: Pour the apple mixture into the crust, spreading evenly.
- Roll out the top crust: Roll the second dough disk into a 12-inch circle. You can either lay it whole on top or cut it into strips for a lattice pattern.
- Seal and vent: Trim excess dough from edges and crimp the edges to seal. If using a full top crust, cut a few slits to allow steam to escape.
- Apply egg wash: Brush the top crust with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar for a beautiful golden finish.
- Bake: Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes. Then reduce temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 40-50 minutes, or until crust is golden and filling is bubbling. If edges brown too fast, cover with foil.
- Cool: Let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the filling to set.
Tips & Variations
“For the best pie, use a mix of tart and sweet apples for balanced flavor and texture.”
Apple varieties: Granny Smith adds tartness, while Fuji or Honeycrisp bring sweetness and juiciness. Mixing these can give a well-rounded taste.
Make ahead: You can prepare the crust and filling a day in advance. Keep the crust chilled and the filling refrigerated separately, then assemble before baking.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger for a warm twist. For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of melted butter into the filling.
Crust shortcuts: No time to make dough? Use store-bought pie crust, but be sure to add the lemon juice to your apples to brighten the flavor.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 slice) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Total Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 11 g |
| Cholesterol | 45 mg |
| Sodium | 180 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugars | 25 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
Serving Suggestions
This apple pie is delightful on its own, but serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream takes it to the next level. You can also pair it with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai for a comforting afternoon treat.
For a more festive presentation, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon sugar on top of the whipped cream or drizzle caramel sauce over the slice. If you want to keep it classic, simply enjoy it as mom intended—straight from the oven, with a generous slice and a smile.
Looking for more comforting recipes? Check out our Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide for a savory meal, or try the Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food to warm up chilly evenings.
Conclusion
Mom’s apple pie recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a cherished tradition that brings family and friends together. The combination of a buttery, flaky crust and perfectly spiced apple filling creates a timeless flavor that never goes out of style.
This recipe is approachable for bakers of all levels and delivers consistently delicious results.
Whether you bake it for a holiday feast, a casual weekend treat, or as a gift to loved ones, this apple pie is sure to become a favorite. Don’t forget to explore other delightful recipes like the Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas to balance your meals with some fresh greens.
Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with joy and the sweet scent of homemade pie!
📖 Recipe Card: Mom's Apple Pie Recipe
Description: A classic homemade apple pie with a flaky crust and sweet cinnamon-spiced filling. Perfect for family gatherings and cozy nights.
Prep Time: PT30M
Cook Time: PT50M
Total Time: PT1H20M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 1/4 cup ice water
- 6 cups thinly sliced peeled apples (Granny Smith or similar)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Mix flour and salt in a bowl; cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, tossing with a fork until dough holds together.
- Divide dough in half, shape into disks, wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
- Roll out one disk and fit into a 9-inch pie plate.
- In a large bowl, combine apples, sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and flour.
- Pour apple mixture into crust-lined pie plate.
- Roll out second disk and cover pie; seal and flute edges.
- Brush top crust with beaten egg and cut slits for steam.
- Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F, then reduce heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake 35 minutes more.
- Cool on a wire rack before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 14 g | Carbs: 45 g
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