Apple Pie Recipe

So you’re craving something warm, sweet, and slightly nostalgic—but also want to pretend you’re the kind of person who casually whips up pies on a random Tuesday? Same. Lucky for both of us, this apple pie recipe is so easy it practically makes itself. (Okay, not really—but close enough.)

Why This Recipe is Awesome

First of all, it’s idiot-proof. Seriously—if you can slice apples without losing a finger, you’re already halfway to victory.
Second, it’s the kind of dessert that makes people think you have your life together. Apple pie screams “I bake with love,” even if the real reason you made it is because the apples were about to go bad.
Plus, the flavor? Chef’s kiss. Warm cinnamon, buttery crust, caramelized apples—it’s like a hug from the inside. And who doesn’t need one of those?

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Pie crust (2 rounds) – Store-bought or homemade; no judgment.
• 6–7 medium apples, peeled and sliced – Go for Granny Smith or Honeycrisp if you want to feel fancy.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar – Sweeten your soul.
• ¼ cup brown sugar – Because depth of flavor matters.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – Thickens things up like magic.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon – Or more if you’re feeling rebellious.
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg – Optional but highly recommended.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice – Keeps apples from looking sad.
• 2 tablespoons butter – For that melt-in-your-mouth vibe.
• 1 egg + 1 tablespoon water – For the egg wash (aka the pie’s glow-up).

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
   Yep, start here. Don’t be that person who forgets and has to wait 20 minutes later.
2. Prep your apples.
   Peel, core, slice—get into your zen mode. Toss them with sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Make sure everything is coated like they’re ready for a fancy spa treatment.
3. Roll out the bottom pie crust in a 9-inch pan.
   Press it gently so it hugs the pan. Nobody likes a loose, floppy crust.
4. Dump the apple mixture into the crust.
   Spread it out evenly and dot with butter because butter = happiness.
5. Add the top crust.
   You can go full traditional or get creative with a lattice (if you’re feeling like a baking influencer today). Seal the edges and cut a few slits for steam escape routes.
6. Brush with egg wash.
   This is the difference between “meh” pie and “wow, who baked this masterpiece?”
7. Bake for 45–55 minutes.
   Keep an eye on it after 40 minutes. If the crust browns too fast, cover the edges with foil like a little pie shield.
8. Cool for at least 2 hours.
   Yes, I know you want to shove it into your face immediately. But patience = better pie slices that don’t collapse into mush.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the oven preheat. Rookie move.
• Using mushy apples. No one wants applesauce pie.
• Cutting into the pie too early. I get it, but you’ll regret it when your slice looks like apple explosion art.
• Forgetting to vent the top crust. Congratulations, you’ve created a pastry bomb.

Alternatives & Substitutions

• No Granny Smith? Use any firm apple—Honeycrisp, Fuji, or even a mix for extra flavor.
• No brown sugar? Just use more white sugar, but you’ll miss that caramel note IMO.
• No nutmeg? Cinnamon can carry the whole show.
• Want it sweeter? Add an extra tablespoon of sugar.
• Need it vegan? Use vegan butter and a plant-based crust. Skip the egg wash or replace it with plant milk + sugar.

FAQs

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Technically yes, but… why hurt your soul like that?

Do I have to peel the apples?

Only if you enjoy chewing on random apple skin strips in your pie. Your call.

Can I make the pie ahead of time?

Absolutely. Pie stays great for 2–3 days covered at room temp. It’s the low-maintenance dessert we all need.

Can I freeze this?

Yep! Freeze it before baking for best results. Then just bake from frozen—add 15–20 extra minutes.

Why is my pie watery?

You probably didn’t add enough flour or cut into it too early. Or both. It happens to the best of us.

Can I skip the egg wash?

Sure, if you like dull, sad-looking pies.

Is lattice crust necessary?

Nope. It just makes you look extra talented for zero actual skill increase.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—your new go-to apple pie that’s cozy, flaky, and downright lovable. Now go impress someone with your baking magic… or hoard the whole pie for yourself. Honestly, no judgment. You earned it.