If you have ever dreamed of biting into a warm, tender, perfectly spiced apple pie straight from your own kitchen, you are going to love this Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe. It captures everything you crave about this timeless dessert—a flaky, buttery crust paired with a luscious filling of tart Granny Smith apples, cinnamon, and just the right touch of sweetness. From preparing the no-fail crust to assembling and baking this beauty, this recipe invites you to create an unforgettable pie that tastes like love at first bite and becomes an instant family favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A pie with a thick base crust that is pale tan and has a crimped edge. On top, there are many layers of thin pale green apple slices, each coated lightly with a brown spice powder. The apple slices are arranged loosely and piled high inside the crust, filling the whole pie without any top crust. The pie is in a clear glass pie dish placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every great apple pie starts with simple, dependable ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and texture you will adore. Each component plays a vital role, from the flour that gives the crust its structure, to the apples that provide that essential tang and juiciness. Let’s get acquainted with the essentials to make this Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe a reality in your kitchen.

All-purpose flour: Provides the foundation for a tender yet sturdy pie crust that holds all your delicious filling.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the crust gently and the apple filling just enough to balance tartness.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors, making each bite more vibrant and rounded.
Shortening: Essential for creating that flaky, melt-in-your-mouth crust texture.
Egg (large, room temperature): Adds richness to the dough and helps seal the crust when used as an egg wash.
Distilled white vinegar: Keeps the crust tender and tenderizes the gluten in the flour for better flakiness.
Water: Binds the crust ingredients together without making the dough sticky or tough.
Granny Smith apples: Bring the perfect tartness and hold their shape beautifully during baking.
Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice that make this pie unforgettable.
All-purpose flour (for filling): Helps thicken the apple juices while baking to avoid a soggy crust.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and melts into the apples for a silky mouthfeel and extra depth.

How to Make Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by mixing your flour, sugar, and salt in a food processor until combined. Adding the cubed shortening and pulsing until pea-sized crumbs form ensures your crust will be beautifully flaky. Once you bring the dough together with egg, vinegar, and water, it may feel a bit sticky, but that’s perfect! Wrapping it in plastic and chilling for at least an hour allows the dough to rest and makes rolling out a dream.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

While your dough chills, peel, core, and thinly slice those tart Granny Smith apples. Tossing them with sugar, flour, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt creates a filling bursting with flavor and ensures it thickens nicely while baking. This tantalizing mix is the heart of the Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe and the star in every slice you serve.

Step 3: Roll and Assemble the Pie

Once your dough has rested, split it in half and roll out two 12-inch circles. Carefully fit one crust into a deep-dish pie plate, then fill it with the apple mixture and dotted butter pieces. Placing the second crust on top and crimping the edges seals all that deliciousness inside. Don’t forget to cut slits in the top crust to let steam escape—this keeps the filling from becoming too watery while baking.

Step 4: Apply Egg Wash and Bake

Mix an egg with water and brush this glossy wash over your pie crust for that irresistible golden finish. Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes to start creating a crisp crust, then reduce the temperature to 350°F, cover loosely with foil, and bake for an additional 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the crust shines golden and the filling is bubbling and tender.

Step 5: Cooling Time

Patience pays off here. Let your apple pie cool for at least an hour before serving so the filling sets perfectly and slices hold their shape. This step makes every forkful taste just as delicious as the first.

How to Serve Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe

A whole round apple pie with a golden brown, flaky crust sits on a white cloth over a white marbled surface. The crust has a crimped edge all around and four small slits in the center revealing a little of the filling inside. The pie’s top layer shows a slightly cracked, textured surface with a warm, baked color. In the top right corner, a yellow apple is partially visible. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Elevate your slice by adding a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream that melts beautifully over the warm apples or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to add lightness. A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a pinch of cinnamon on top adds an elegant touch that makes each serving look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

While this pie shines spectacularly on its own, pairing it with a cup of hot coffee or a bold black tea balances its sweetness and spices it up. For a savory contrast during meal time, consider serving it with sharp sharp cheese like aged cheddar—quirky but absolutely delightful.

Creative Ways to Present

Surprise your loved ones by serving your Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe in individual ramekins for personal pies or serve slices with caramel sauce drizzled on top for a restaurant-worthy dessert experience. Adding a cinnamon stick as a garnish or fresh apple slices on the side adds a charming seasonal flourish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover your pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it will stay fresh for up to four days, allowing you to savor that homemade goodness anytime you want.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this pie later, wrap it securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It freezes well for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. It’s a fantastic way to have dessert ready on demand.

Reheating

To bring back the just-baked magic, warm slices in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes. This restores the perfect texture to the crust and filling. An added touch of warming makes your Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe feel like it was baked fresh just for you.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for this pie?

Absolutely! While Granny Smiths are ideal for their tartness and firmness, feel free to mix varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter, more complex flavor profile. Just be sure to use apples that hold their shape well during baking.

Is shortening necessary for the crust?

Shortening is a great choice for a flaky crust, but you can substitute with cold butter or a mix of butter and shortening for added flavor. Just keep the fats cold to maintain flakiness.

Can I make the crust ahead of time?

Yes! The crust dough can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage. Let it thaw in the refrigerator before rolling out to make your baking day easier.

What if my pie crust edges burn before the apples are cooked?

To prevent this, cover the edges with foil or a pie crust shield halfway through baking. This protects the edges while allowing the filling to cook thoroughly.

Why should I add vinegar to the dough?

Adding vinegar helps tenderize the gluten in the flour, which leads to a more tender and flaky crust. It’s a little secret ingredient that makes a noticeable difference.

Final Thoughts

This Classic Homemade Apple Pie Recipe truly embodies the heart and soul of homemade comfort food. From its flaky crust to its perfectly spiced apple filling, it’s a dessert that brings joy to every table. Whether for a holiday feast or a simple weekend treat, I encourage you to bake this pie and experience the magic yourself—one warm, fragrant slice at a time.