There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a freshly baked apple pie wafting through the house—it’s cozy, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser. This Easy Homemade Apple Pie delivers all the classic, heartwarming flavors of a traditional pie without any complicated steps. With a golden, flaky crust and a spiced apple filling that’s just the right amount of sweet and tart, this pie is the ultimate dessert for holidays, Sunday dinners, or when you’re simply craving something special. And the best part? You can pull it together with just a few pantry staples and a little bit of love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Foolproof and beginner-friendly: Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying pie for the first time, this recipe walks you through every step with ease.
Classic flavor: Juicy apples, warm cinnamon, and a touch of sugar create that familiar, nostalgic taste everyone loves.
Customizable: Make it your own by mixing apple varieties, adjusting the spice level, or even adding a crumble topping.
Make-ahead friendly: Perfect for prepping in advance, which means less stress when entertaining.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into creating the magic:

Apples: The stars of the show. Use a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for the perfect balance in flavor and texture.
Pie crust: Store-bought or homemade, just make sure it’s buttery and flaky. You’ll need both a bottom and a top crust.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps bring out the juices in the apples.
Brown sugar: For a richer, slightly molasses-like depth of flavor.
Cinnamon: The warm spice that defines a classic apple pie.
Nutmeg: Just a pinch adds a cozy undertone that enhances the cinnamon.
Lemon juice: Prevents the apples from browning and adds a pop of brightness.
Cornstarch or flour: Thickens the filling so you don’t end up with a runny pie.
Butter: A few dots on top of the filling before baking gives a rich finish.
Egg wash: A mix of egg and water brushed on the crust for that beautiful golden sheen.

Variations

Dutch Apple Pie: Skip the top crust and add a streusel topping made of flour, butter, and brown sugar for a crunchy finish.
Spiced Apple Pie: Amp up the cozy vibes with ground ginger, cloves, or allspice.
Caramel Apple Pie: Drizzle caramel sauce over the apple filling before sealing the crust for a decadent twist.
Mini Pies: Make individual servings using a muffin tin—perfect for parties or portion control.

How to Make Easy Homemade Apple Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin, even pieces. Toss them in a large bowl with lemon juice, sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour or cornstarch. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to draw out some of the juices.

Step 2: Assemble the Pie

Roll out the bottom pie crust and place it into a 9-inch pie dish. Fill it with the apple mixture, spreading evenly. Dot the top with small pieces of butter.

Step 3: Add the Top Crust

Lay the top crust over the apples. You can go for a classic full crust with slits for venting, or a lattice design for extra flair. Crimp the edges to seal and brush the top with egg wash.

Step 4: Bake

Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch drips) and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil.

Step 5: Cool Before Serving

Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before slicing—this helps the filling set and makes for neater slices.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use a mix of apples: Combining tart and sweet varieties gives the pie more depth of flavor.
Chill your crust: If using homemade dough, keep it cold until you’re ready to roll it out. It helps keep the crust flaky.
Avoid soggy bottoms: Preheat your baking sheet in the oven and place the pie dish directly on it to help the bottom crust crisp up.
Taste your apples: Adjust the sugar and spice levels to suit your apples’ natural flavor.

How to Serve

This apple pie is best served slightly warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream slowly melting over each slice. A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce are also wonderful additions. For a cozy drink pairing, try spiced apple cider or a strong cup of black coffee.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover pie covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. The crust will soften a bit over time but still tastes amazing.

Freezing

You can freeze the unbaked pie—just wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

Warm individual slices in the microwave or reheat the whole pie in the oven at 350°F until heated through and the crust is crisp again.

FAQs

Can I use canned apples for this pie?
You can, but fresh apples will always give you better texture and flavor. Canned apples are softer and can make the filling mushy. If you’re short on time, canned works in a pinch—just reduce the sugar a bit.

Do I need to pre-bake the pie crust?
No need! As long as your oven is properly preheated and you’re baking on a lower rack or hot baking sheet, the bottom crust will cook through just fine.

How do I prevent the pie crust from burning?
Check your pie halfway through baking. If the edges are getting too dark, cover them with strips of foil or use a pie shield to protect them while the rest of the pie finishes baking.

Can I make the pie a day ahead?
Absolutely. In fact, the flavors often deepen overnight. Bake the pie, cool it completely, and store it covered at room temperature until you’re ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Homemade Apple Pie is everything a pie should be—comforting, flavorful, and beautifully simple. It’s a true celebration of apples and the kind of dessert that brings people together. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just because, this recipe will never let you down. So grab those apples and get baking—you’re going to love every bite.

Easy Homemade Apple Pie Recipe