Easy Apple Pie Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a dessert that hits just the right note of sweet, buttery, and nutty—something that feels like a warm hug on a plate. That’s exactly why I’m excited to share this Easy Apple Pie Recipe today! I absolutely love how this pie turns out every time: the apples get tender but still hold their shape, the crust comes out flaky and golden, and the cinnamon-spiced filling? Well, it’s just heavenly. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, or simply craving a classic dessert to enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this recipe is your new go-to. Stick with me and I’ll walk you through everything to make sure you nail it right from your very first try.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Super Simple Ingredients: You might already have everything you need in your pantry and fridge, perfect for last-minute baking.
  • Classic Comfort Flavor: It delivers that perfect balance of sweet and spice, making it a family favorite every time.
  • Flaky, Buttery Crust: The crust is easy to make and turns out golden and crispy, complementing the tender apple filling perfectly.
  • Great for All Skill Levels: Whether you’re a newbie baker or a pie pro, this recipe guides you step-by-step to success.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Choosing the right apples and spices makes all the difference in this Easy Apple Pie Recipe. I like using a mix of tart and sweet apples to get that perfect flavor contrast. Also, fresh cinnamon really amps up the cozy vibe.

  • Apples: I find that Granny Smith for tartness mixed with Honeycrisp for sweetness creates the ideal combination.
  • Sugar: Both white and brown sugar work—brown sugar adds a little extra depth and caramel tone.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Freshly ground if possible; it makes a noticeable difference in aroma and flavor.
  • Nutmeg: Just a pinch adds warmth, but don’t overdo it!
  • Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances the apple filling beautifully.
  • Butter: Small pats dotted over the filling before topping help keep the filling luscious.
  • Pie Crust: I use either store-bought to save time or homemade if I’m feeling ambitious—both work great here.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and keeps the apples from browning too much while you prep.
  • Flour or Cornstarch: Helps thicken the filling so it’s not runny after baking.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I’ve played around with this Easy Apple Pie Recipe quite a bit, and honestly, it’s pretty forgiving. You can customize it based on the season or your dietary needs, which makes it even more fun to bake.

  • Gluten-Free Crust: I swapped in a gluten-free pie crust mix one time for a friend, and no one could tell the difference—they loved it!
  • Spice it Up: Adding a bit of ground ginger or cloves gives the pie a deeper, more complex flavor that’s especially nice in cold weather.
  • Extra Fruit: Sometimes I add sliced pears or cranberries for a twist, and the tartness balances the sweetness perfectly.
  • Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter and a flax egg instead—this pie still bakes up beautifully.

How to Make Easy Apple Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Apples and Crust

Start by peeling, coring, and slicing your apples evenly—about a quarter-inch thick works really well. Toss them with lemon juice right away to stop browning and give a nice tang. If you’re making your crust from scratch, get that chilled and rolled out into your pie dish so it’s ready when the filling is mixed.

Step 2: Mix Up the Apple Filling

In a large bowl, combine your apples with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and flour or cornstarch. Stir gently but thoroughly so every slice is coated. This is where the magic really starts, and mixing just right ensures a juicy but not soggy filling once it bakes.

Step 3: Assemble and Top Your Pie

Pour the filling into your prepared crust and dot the top with small pieces of butter. If you’re going for a double crust, lay the top crust carefully, trim excess dough, and crimp the edges to seal. Don’t forget to cut a few vent slits if using a full top crust—this prevents a soggy middle and lets steam escape.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pop your pie in a 425°F oven for about 15 minutes to set the crust, then lower the heat to 350°F and bake for an additional 40-50 minutes. Keep an eye on it during this second bake: when the crust is golden and the filling bubbles up through those vents, you’re done. If the edges start getting too dark, protect them with foil or a pie shield.

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Apple Pie Recipe

  • Choosing Apples: I learned that blending two apple varieties adds depth—you get sweetness and acidity balanced perfectly.
  • Preventing Soggy Bottoms: Pre-bake (blind bake) your crust for 10 minutes before adding filling if you want an extra crisp base.
  • Sugar Swap Adventure: Brown sugar adds a caramel-y hint that I’m now addicted to after one batch!
  • Covering Edges: I avoid burnt crust edges by wrapping foil after 30 minutes of baking—this is a game changer.

How to Serve Easy Apple Pie Recipe

A whole pecan pie is shown from above, with one thick golden-brown crust layer forming the base and sides with a crimped edge. Inside, there is a single rich filling layer filled with many shiny, dark brown whole pecan halves densely packed across the surface, creating a bumpy texture. The filling has a slightly cracked top and a glossy look with lighter brown areas between the pecans. The pie is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. Sometimes, I sprinkle a bit of chopped toasted walnuts for an extra crunch and nutty flair that really brings out the pie’s warmth.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or chai latte. For a brunch twist, I like serving it alongside creamy mascarpone or a sharp cheddar cheese platter to play with sweet-and-savory notes.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or special dinners, I’ve crafted mini apple pies using this filling and placed them in cute ramekins for individual servings. It’s adorable and everyone gets their own pie to make it feel extra special. Another fun idea: drizzling a caramel sauce over warm slices just before serving amps it up instantly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

My family rarely has leftovers, but when we do, I cover the pie with foil and store it in the fridge. It’s best eaten within 3 days, and honestly, cold or room temperature—I love it either way.

Freezing

I’ve frozen unbaked pies before (wrapped super well), popping them from freezer to oven on baking day. It works great when you prep in advance and want dinner party dessert ready to go. Just add extra baking time if frozen.

Reheating

To reheat slices, I use a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. It brings back that freshly baked warmth and crisps up the crust again, much better than a microwave.

FAQs

  1. Can I use only one type of apple for this pie?

    Absolutely! While I recommend mixing tart and sweet apples for flavor balance, using just one variety like Granny Smith or Fuji works fine. Just expect a slightly different sweetness or tartness in your pie.

  2. How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

    To prevent soggy crust, you can blind bake the crust for about 10 minutes before adding your filling. Another trick is to sprinkle a thin layer of ground nuts or breadcrumbs on the base to soak up extra moisture.

  3. Can I make this pie vegan?

    Yes! Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) instead of eggs for the binding in the crust and filling. The texture might be slightly different, but it’s delicious.

  4. How long does the pie keep fresh?

    Stored covered in the fridge, your apple pie will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. I recommend bringing it to room temperature or warming slightly before serving for the best experience.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Easy Apple Pie Recipe is one of those treasures I keep coming back to because it just works—every time. It’s not fussy, yet the flavor is rich and comforting, the kind that sparks happy memories and encourages second (and third) helpings. I hope you’ll give it a try this weekend, sneak a slice warm from the oven, and maybe even share a slice with someone special. If you love classic desserts that feel like home, you’ll adore this pie as much as I do!

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Easy Apple Pie Recipe

Easy Apple Pie Recipe

4.6 from 68 reviews
  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 60 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings (one 9-inch pecan pie) 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Description

A classic Southern pecan pie featuring a buttery crust filled with a rich, sweet mixture of eggs, sugar, corn syrup, and toasted pecans. This iconic dessert is perfect for holidays or special gatherings, delivering a gooey, nutty treat with a slightly crisp top and a luscious filling.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Pie Crust

  • 1 recipe pastry for a 9 inch single crust pie

Filling

  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 cup corn syrup
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 1.5 cups pecan halves

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Gather all the ingredients required for the pie to ensure a smooth cooking process. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) to get it ready for baking the pie.
  2. Mix Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the eggs slightly. Whisk in the white sugar until combined. Then, stir in the corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, salt, and pecan halves evenly to create a uniform filling mixture.
  3. Assemble Pie: Pour the prepared filling into the unbaked pastry shell, spreading it evenly to cover the bottom and edges of the crust.
  4. Bake at High Temperature: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake at 400 degrees F for 15 minutes. This initial high heat helps set the filling and begins to brown the crust.
  5. Reduce Heat and Continue Baking: After 15 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Continue baking the pie for an additional 35 to 40 minutes or until the top is golden brown, slightly puffed, and the filling is set at the edges but still has a slight jiggle in the center.
  6. Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool before slicing. Serving warm or at room temperature allows the filling to fully set and enhances the flavor.

Notes

  • This Southern pecan pie combines a sticky and sweet filling with lots of pecans in a buttery crust, making it a cherished Southern dessert treat.
  • The filling should be set around the edges but slightly jiggly in the center when done baking to ensure perfect texture.
  • You can use a store-bought pie crust to save time or make your own for added flavor.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pie)
  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Sugar: 37 g
  • Sodium: 262 mg
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 70 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 77 mg