Classic American Apple Pie

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Few desserts capture the spirit of homemade comfort quite like a Classic American Apple Pie. With its golden, buttery crust and tender, spiced apple filling, it speaks of autumn days, family gatherings, and sweet traditions. Each slice brings together warm cinnamon, a hint of tartness, and the flakiest crust that crumbles just right with every bite.

Whether it’s served after a Sunday dinner or as the crown jewel on a holiday table, apple pie is more than dessert — it’s nostalgia baked into every bite. And the best part? Making it from scratch is easier than you’d think and endlessly satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Classic American Apple Pie

This pie hits the perfect balance between tart and sweet, soft and crisp. The apples keep their texture without turning mushy, while the spice blend wraps everything in a cozy warmth. The crust, rich with butter, is as flaky as any bakery version but made right in your own kitchen. And the smell while it bakes? Pure heaven. It’s a recipe you’ll return to over and over.

What Kind of Apples Should I Use for Apple Pie?

A great apple pie starts with the right apples. You want a mix of firm, tart apples like Granny Smith to hold their shape, and sweet ones like Honeycrisp or Fuji for natural sweetness. This combination gives the pie complexity and depth without needing tons of added sugar. Stay away from Red Delicious or other varieties that get too soft during baking.

Ingredients for the Classic American Apple Pie

The success of this pie lies in using fresh, simple ingredients that work in harmony. Here’s what you’ll need:

All-purpose flour – Forms the base of the flaky pie crust.

Unsalted butter – Gives the crust its rich flavor and golden layers.

Ice water – Helps keep the butter cold in the dough, crucial for flakiness.

Salt – Just enough to enhance the crust’s flavor.

Granulated sugar – Sweetens the apple filling.

Brown sugar – Adds depth and caramel notes.

Ground cinnamon – Brings warm spice to the filling.

Ground nutmeg – A subtle addition that enhances the cinnamon.

Lemon juice – Brightens the flavor and keeps the apples from browning.

Apples – A blend of tart and sweet, peeled and thinly sliced.

Cornstarch – Thickens the juices so the filling isn’t runny.

Egg – Used for brushing the crust for a golden finish.

How To Make the Classic American Apple Pie

Step 1: Make the Pie Dough

Start by mixing the flour and salt in a large bowl. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Add ice water a tablespoon at a time until the dough holds together. Split into two discs, wrap, and chill for at least an hour.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

Peel and thinly slice your apples. Toss them with both sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Let it sit while you roll out your dough.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

Roll out one dough disc and lay it into your pie dish. Fill with the apple mixture, piling slightly in the center. Dot with a few pieces of butter. Cover with the second crust (or make a lattice), trim and crimp the edges, then cut vents or decorate as desired.

Step 4: Bake

Brush the top crust with a beaten egg for a beautiful sheen. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 45 to 50 minutes until golden brown and bubbling. If the crust edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours to let the filling set. Then slice and serve warm or at room temperature—perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

How to Serve and Store Apple Pie

This pie easily feeds 8 people and is best served slightly warm or at room temperature. It’s a dream with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even sharp cheddar cheese for a traditional touch.

To store, loosely cover and keep at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to five days. You can also freeze a fully baked pie for up to three months; just reheat it in the oven for about 15 minutes at 350°F.

What to Serve With Apple Pie?

A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream

You can’t go wrong with the classic combo. Melting into the warm apple filling, it makes each bite divine.

Salted Caramel Sauce

Drizzle this golden topping over each slice for an extra layer of richness.

Whipped Cream

A cloud of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds cool contrast to the warm pie.

Cinnamon-Spiced Chai Tea

The spices in chai pair beautifully with the cinnamon-laced apples.

Cheddar Cheese

A slice of sharp cheddar on warm pie is a salty-sweet contrast some folks swear by.

Hot Apple Cider

Double down on the apple flavor with a steaming mug of cider on the side.

Bourbon Cream

A little splash of bourbon folded into whipped cream adds a grown-up twist.

Toasted Pecans

Sprinkle toasted pecans on top of each slice for added crunch and flavor.

Want More Pie Ideas?

If you love this Classic American Apple Pie, you might also fall for these cozy favorites:

• Easy Banana Cream Pie Recipe if you’re in the mood for creamy, cool comfort.
• Southern Banana Cobbler Recipe for a warm spoon dessert twist.
• Refreshing Homemade Peach Sorbet for a fruit-forward frozen pairing.
• Pineapple Cheese Pie when you’re craving tropical flair.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go for a full crust or a lattice top? Add your own spice twist?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

Classic American Apple Pie is the kind of recipe that never goes out of style. Its flaky crust and warm apple filling are a reminder of everything we love about homemade desserts. With a little time and simple ingredients, you can bring this classic to life in your own kitchen, ready to impress family or simply treat yourself.

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