Classic Homemade Apple Pie with Spiced Crust

This classic apple pie is everything you want in a dessert—warm, comforting, and bursting with the flavors of caramelized apples and rich spices. The buttery crust, spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, pairs perfectly with a filling of slightly caramelized, tender apples. The golden lattice top adds a touch of rustic beauty, making this pie not only a treat for your taste buds but also a beautiful centerpiece for any dessert table. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday gathering or a cozy family dinner, this apple pie will leave everyone craving more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll fall in love with this recipe for its perfect balance of flaky, buttery crust and warmly spiced apple filling. The subtle hints of vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg in both the crust and filling add a depth of flavor that turns this dessert into something truly special. The process is simple, yet the results are extraordinary. The crust is rich and crisp, while the apples are tender and slightly caramelized, creating a delightful contrast in textures. And because it’s homemade, the flavors are far more authentic and comforting than any store-bought pie.

Perfect Occasion

This apple pie is perfect for fall and winter gatherings when you want a dessert that fills the home with the cozy aromas of cinnamon and baked apples. It’s ideal for holiday meals like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any occasion where you want to serve something nostalgic yet impressive. It also works wonderfully as a weekend baking project, giving you a chance to enjoy the process of making a homemade pie from scratch and sharing it with family and friends.

Decoration Tips

For a beautiful presentation, create a lattice top with the dough by cutting it into even strips and layering them over the pie in a crisscross pattern. You can pinch the edges of the crust with your fingers or use a fork to create a decorative border. After brushing the lattice with an egg wash, sprinkle some extra sugar or even cinnamon-sugar on top to give it a slight sparkle and enhance the flavor. If you want to add a bit more flair, serve the pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side.

Ingredients for the Crust:

• 430g flour
• 170g softened butter
• 1 egg
• 130g powdered sugar
• 1 packet of vanilla sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 50ml water

Instructions for the Crust:

1. In a large bowl, mix the flour, powdered sugar, vanilla sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add the softened butter and rub it in with your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs and the butter is fully incorporated.
2. Add the egg and water to the dry mixture. Stir until the dough starts to come together, then knead gently to form a smooth ball of dough.
3. Divide the dough, setting aside one-third of it. Roll out the remaining two-thirds on a floured surface and line your pie dish with the dough, leaving the edges hanging over the sides for now.

Ingredients for the Apple Filling:

• 7 apples (firm, preferably a mix of red and green)
• 50g butter
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 packets of vanilla sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• A pinch of nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons flour

Instructions for the Filling:

1. Wash, peel, and cut the apples into large chunks. Place them in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
2. Add the butter, brown sugar, vanilla sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. Stir occasionally, cooking the apples gently until they become tender and slightly caramelized.
3. Once the apples are cooked, pour them into the prepared pie crust. Press them down gently with a wooden spoon to pack them in tightly.

To Assemble the Pie:

1. Roll out the reserved one-third of the dough on a floured surface. Cut it into 2cm wide strips. Lay the strips across the top of the pie in a crisscross lattice pattern.
2. Fold the overhanging edges of the bottom crust up and over the ends of the lattice strips. Pinch the edges together to form a decorative border.
3. Brush the lattice with a beaten egg yolk and sprinkle with some vanilla sugar for a golden finish.
4. Bake the pie in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

Enjoy!