Classic Apple Pie: A Comforting Dessert with a Buttery Crust

There’s nothing quite like the timeless charm of a homemade apple pie. With a flaky all-butter crust and a sweet, spiced apple filling, this pie captures the essence of fall and is perfect for any occasion. The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and just a hint of allspice and ginger adds warmth and depth to the tender apples. The result is a beautifully golden pie that’s deliciously fragrant and comforting. Whether enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or on its own, this apple pie will bring smiles to every table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This apple pie is a classic for a reason. The all-butter crust is perfectly flaky, providing the ideal contrast to the soft, spiced apple filling. You’ll love the balance of sweetness from the sugars, the tartness from the lemon juice, and the warmth from the spices. Plus, the rich flavor of apple cider enhances the natural taste of the apples, making every bite feel like autumn in your mouth. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting, this recipe is straightforward and ensures beautiful results every time.

Perfect Occasion

This apple pie is perfect for holiday dinners, weekend gatherings, or just because. It’s a great way to celebrate the changing seasons or to add a special touch to a family meal. The pie can be served warm with ice cream, at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream, or simply on its own with a cup of coffee or tea. It’s also ideal for potlucks or parties since it’s easy to transport and universally loved.

Decoration Tips

For a classic look, sprinkle the top with coarse turbinado sugar before baking to add sparkle and crunch. You can also create a lattice top by cutting the top crust into strips and weaving them over the filling. If you’re feeling artistic, use small cookie cutters to create shapes from the remaining dough, such as leaves or apples, and place them on top of the pie for a decorative touch. A light dusting of powdered sugar once the pie has cooled can also add a refined finish.

Ingredients for the Pie:

• 1 recipe Flaky All-Butter Pie Crust (enough for top and bottom crusts)
• 4 pounds apples, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
• ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter
• ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground allspice (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
• ½ cup pure apple cider
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• Juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• Splash of milk, half-and-half, or cream
• Turbinado sugar for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pie Dough:
   • Follow the instructions for the flaky all-butter pie crust and chill the dough while you prepare the filling.
2. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
3. Make the Apple Filling:
   • In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced apples and cook, stirring occasionally, for 7-8 minutes, until the apples are tender but still hold their shape.
   • Sprinkle the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, allspice, and ginger over the apples. Stir until the sugar melts and the apples are coated in the spices.
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider and cornstarch until dissolved. Pour this mixture over the apples and cook, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes, until thickened.
   • Remove from heat, stir in the lemon juice and vanilla, and allow the filling to cool slightly.
4. Roll Out the Dough:
   • On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a circle about ⅛-inch thick. Transfer to a 9-inch pie dish by folding the dough into quarters and gently unfolding it in the dish. Press it into the bottom and sides, trimming any excess dough.
   • Place the bottom crust in the refrigerator while you prepare the top crust.
5. Assemble the Pie:
   • Pour the cooled apple filling into the prepared pie crust.
   • Roll out the second piece of dough for the top crust. Lay it over the filling, trim the excess dough to about 1 inch beyond the edge of the dish, then fold the top crust under the bottom crust. Crimp the edges with your fingers or a fork to seal.
6. Egg Wash and Sugar:
   • In a small bowl, beat together the egg and a splash of milk or cream. Brush this mixture lightly over the top crust. Sprinkle with turbinado sugar if desired, and cut an “X” in the center of the crust for venting.
7. Bake:
   • Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 30-33 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and crisp.
   • Allow the pie to cool completely (or at least most of the way) before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your homemade classic apple pie, perfectly golden and full of delicious spiced apple flavor!