There’s something about the aroma of freshly baked apple pie that feels like a warm hug from the oven. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dessert or a festive treat, this apple pie recipe brings joy with every buttery slice. From choosing the best apples to brushing the crust with the perfect egg wash alternative, this guide keeps things easy, delicious, and absolutely worth it.
Easy Apple Pie Tips for Perfect Results
Pick the Right Apples
Great apple pie starts with great apples. Aim for a mix of firm and sweet-tart types:
- Granny Smith – crisp and tart
- Honeycrisp – sweet, juicy, and firm
- Pink Lady – slightly tangy with a floral note
Mixing two or more ensures the filling stays tender, not soggy, and balances the flavor.
Simple Egg Wash Alternative
Skip the usual and go for a golden finish using:
- 2 tablespoons milk + 1 teaspoon maple syrup, or
- Heavy cream + sprinkle of sugar
Brush over the top crust for color and shine, no special ingredients needed.
Recipe
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Apple Pie
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic homemade apple pie recipe is loaded with sweet, spiced apples wrapped in a flaky double crust. A golden milk glaze gives it a bakery-style finish, no eggs needed!
Ingredients
- 6 cups apples (about 6 medium), peeled, cored, and sliced ¼ inch thick (720g)
- ¾ cup sugar (150g)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (16g)
- ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon (1.5g)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (1g)
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg (0.25g)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (15ml)
- 1 pastry for double pie crust
- 2 tablespoons milk (30ml)
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup (5ml)
- Additional sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C).
- Line a 9-inch pie plate with bottom crust and trim the edges.
- In a large bowl, mix apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
- Spoon the apple mixture evenly into the crust-lined pie plate.
- Roll out the second crust and place over the filling.
- Seal and crimp the edges of the crust. Cut slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
- Mix milk and maple syrup, then brush over the top crust. Sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes. Then reduce heat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for another 30–40 minutes until the crust is golden and apples are tender.
- Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor and texture.
- Cover pie edges with foil after 15–20 minutes if browning too fast.
- Letting the pie cool before slicing helps the filling set beautifully.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 261
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 194mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
How to Bake Homemade Apple Pie the Easy Way
Step-by-Step Basics
You’ve got your apples ready. Now let’s get baking. Here’s the simple flow:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C)
- Line a 9-inch pie plate with bottom crust and trim edges
- Fill with the apple mix, let it mound slightly in the center
- Place the second crust on top and crimp the edges
- Cut 3 to 4 slits on top for steam to escape
- Mix 2 tbsp milk with 1 tsp maple syrup, brush over top
- Sprinkle a bit of sugar
For a crust that stays crisp, use tricks from our Pecan Pie Dump Cake or Old-Fashioned Rhubarb Cake.
Quick Fixes if Things Go Sideways
- Juice bubbling over? Don’t overfill the crust
- Soggy bottom? Bake on a preheated tray
- Edges browning fast? Cover with foil after 15 minutes
Cool on a wire rack before cutting. Letting it set gives you cleaner slices and better texture.
Store and Serve Apple Pie the Right Way
How to Keep It Fresh for Days
You’ve baked a beautiful apple pie, but what if there’s some left? Don’t worry. Storing it right means every slice still tastes like it just came out of the oven.
Here’s what to do:
- At room temperature: Cover lightly with foil or a clean towel and store for up to 2 days
- In the fridge: Wrap with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Keeps well for 4 to 5 days
Want to enjoy it warm again? Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. The crust crisps back up without turning soggy.
You can serve it next to a chilled dessert like No-Bake Pistachio Cheesecake Bars or Dolly Parton’s No-Bake Delight for a fun hot-cold combo.
Can You Freeze Apple Pie?
Yes, absolutely. Apple pie freezes beautifully:
- Before baking: Wrap the assembled pie tightly in foil and freeze. Bake from frozen, just add 15 more minutes to the baking time.
- After baking: Let it cool fully, then wrap and freeze for up to 3 months
Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven. The crust stays flaky and the apples hold their shape.
Store and Serve Apple Pie the Right Way
How to Keep It Fresh for Days
You’ve baked a beautiful apple pie, but what if there’s some left? Don’t worry. Storing it right means every slice still tastes like it just came out of the oven.
Here’s what to do:
- At room temperature: Cover lightly with foil or a clean towel and store for up to 2 days
- In the fridge: Wrap with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Keeps well for 4 to 5 days
Want to enjoy it warm again? Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. The crust crisps back up without turning soggy.
You can serve it next to a chilled dessert like No-Bake Pistachio Cheesecake Bars or Dolly Parton’s No-Bake Delight for a fun hot-cold combo.
Can You Freeze Apple Pie?
Yes, absolutely. Apple pie freezes beautifully:
- Before baking: Wrap the assembled pie tightly in foil and freeze. Bake from frozen, just add 15 more minutes to the baking time.
- After baking: Let it cool fully, then wrap and freeze for up to 3 months
Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven. The crust stays flaky and the apples hold their shape.
Final Thoughts
This apple pie recipe is all about comfort, simplicity, and flavor. With just a few everyday ingredients, a no-fuss crust, and tips to make it shine, you’ve got a dessert that brings people together. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a holiday favorite, this pie delivers joy in every bite. Try it once, and it might just become your go-to sweet tradition.
