This Homemade Apple Pie with a Flaky Crust is a warm hug in dessert form. It’s filled with sweet, spiced apples and wrapped in a buttery, flaky crust that melts in your mouth!
I always feel like a kitchen wizard when that delicious aroma fills the house. Plus, a slice of this pie is the perfect excuse to add a scoop of ice cream on top. Yum! 🍏🥧
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is your base for the crust. I always use all-purpose flour for its balance. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend can work in place of regular flour.
Unsalted Butter: Cold butter is key for flakiness. I prefer European butter for its higher fat content, which offers a richer flavor. If you’re dairy-free, try using coconut oil or a vegetable shortening.
Apples: A mix of tart (like Granny Smith) and sweet (like Honeycrisp) apples gives the best flavor. Can’t find those? Use any firm varieties like Fuji or Braeburn. Just avoid soft apples, as they won’t hold up well during baking!
Granulated and Brown Sugar: These both contribute sweetness and depth. If you’re cutting sugar, you can use less brown sugar for a slightly less sweet apple filling, or try maple syrup for a different flavor.
How Do I Make Sure My Pie Crust is Flaky?
Creating a flaky crust is all about handling the dough with love! Here are some tips:
- Keep your ingredients cold: Chill your butter and even the flour if you can. This helps create steam during baking, which leads to flakiness.
- Don’t overwork the dough: Mix until just combined. If you see small chunks of butter, that’s good! It’ll create those lovely layers.
- Chill before rolling: After forming your dough discs, chilling helps relax the gluten, so your crust isn’t tough.
With these tips, you’ll have a perfectly flaky crust for your homemade apple pie. Happy baking!
How to Make Homemade Apple Pie with Flaky Crust
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Flaky Pie Crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 6-8 tbsp ice water
For the Apple Filling:
- 6-7 medium apples (use a mix of tart and sweet, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
For Assembling and Finishing:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp coarse sugar or granulated sugar for sprinkling
Estimated Time Needed:
This Homemade Apple Pie will take about 1 hour for preparation, plus approximately 1 hour for baking. Don’t forget to chill the crust for at least 1 hour, so total time will be around 3 hours, including cooling time. Perfect to make ahead of a gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Pie Crust:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the cold butter cubes. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
2. Combine and Chill the Dough:
Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix! Divide the dough into two discs, wrap them in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
3. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice. Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, flour, and vanilla extract if you’re using it. Mix until the apples are well coated, then set aside to allow the flavors to meld while the dough chills.
4. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) so it’s ready for the pie.
5. Roll Out the Bottom Crust:
On a floured surface, roll out one dough disc into a 12-inch circle, about 1/8 inch thick. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish, easing it in without stretching. Trim any excess dough around the edges, leaving about a 1-inch overhang.
6. Add the Apple Filling:
Pour the prepared apple filling into the crust, piling it slightly higher in the center.
7. Roll Out the Top Crust:
Roll the second dough disc into another 12-inch circle. For a lattice crust, cut the rolled dough into 1-inch wide strips and weave them over the filling, pinching the ends to seal. Alternatively, you can place a whole crust over the pie and make slits for steam vents.
8. Crimp Edges:
Fold the overhanging dough under itself to create a thicker edge, then crimp it decoratively to seal the pie.
9. Apply Egg Wash and Sugar:
Brush the top crust with the beaten egg for a pretty golden finish and sprinkle with coarse or granulated sugar.
10. Bake the Pie:
Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips, and bake at 425°F for 15 minutes. Then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 40-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the crust edges brown too quickly, shield them with foil.
11. Cool and Serve:
Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. This helps the filling set. Serve warm or at room temperature, and don’t forget the ice cream or whipped cream on top!
Enjoy your delightful homemade apple pie with that irresistible flaky crust!
Can I Use Pre-Made Pie Crusts Instead?
Absolutely! Pre-made pie crusts can save you time. Just make sure to follow the package instructions for rolling and baking. If you go this route, consider using a refrigerated or frozen crust designed for pies for the best results.
What Types of Apples Work Best?
A mix of tart and sweet apples usually yields the best flavor. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are favorites, but you can also use Fuji, Braeburn, or any firm apples that hold up well during baking.
How Do I Store Leftover Pie?
Store any leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep it longer, place it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave or bake in the oven until heated through.
Can I Make the Filling Ahead of Time?
Yes! The apple filling can be prepared a day in advance. Just toss the apples with the sugar and spices, and refrigerate them in an airtight container. Mix in the flour just before assembling the pie.