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Apple Pie Recipe: Easy Homemade Flaky Crust for Perfect Cozy Dessert

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This classic American apple pie features a homemade flaky crust and a perfectly spiced apple filling. It’s simple to make, crowd-pleasing, and brings nostalgic comfort to any occasion.

Ingredients

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  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1/2 cup vegetable shortening or leaf lard, cold and cubed
  • 6–8 tbsp ice water
  • 6–7 cups peeled, cored, and sliced apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground allspice (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, diced
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tbsp milk or cream
  • 1 tbsp coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Flaky Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar. Add cold butter and shortening/lard. Cut the fats into the flour using a pastry cutter or two forks until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs with some pea-sized bits. Drizzle in ice water, one tablespoon at a time, gently tossing with a fork until the dough just holds together when pinched. Divide the dough in half, shape into disks, wrap in plastic, and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
  2. Make the Apple Filling: In a large mixing bowl, toss together sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, salt, and lemon juice. Mix until the apples are evenly coated. Let sit for 10 minutes.
  3. Roll Out the Crust: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to a 12-inch circle. Fit it into your 9-inch pie pan, letting the edges hang over slightly. Spoon in the apple filling and dot with diced butter.
  4. Top the Pie: Roll out the second dough disk to another 12-inch circle. Place over the apples, or cut into strips for a lattice topping. Trim, fold, and crimp the edges. Cut a few small slits in the top to let steam escape.
  5. Apply Egg Wash: Beat egg with milk or cream. Brush over the crust, then sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
  6. Bake: Preheat oven to 425°F. Place pie on the lowest rack and bake for 20 minutes. Reduce heat to 375°F, cover the edges with foil, and bake another 35-40 minutes until the crust is deep golden and juices bubble.
  7. Cool: Let pie cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing.

Notes

Chill all crust ingredients for best flakiness. Mix apple varieties for balanced flavor. Let the pie cool fully before slicing for a set filling. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 GF flour blend. For vegan, use plant-based butter and coconut oil, and swap egg wash for almond milk with maple syrup. Sprinkle flour or breadcrumbs on the bottom crust to prevent sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple pie, homemade pie, flaky crust, classic dessert, American pie, fall baking, comfort food, easy pie recipe, Thanksgiving dessert, fruit pie

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