This homemade apple pie combines tender cinnamon-spiced apples with a crisp, golden crust. A mixture of tart and sweet apples gives the filling a balanced flavor, while a little lemon juice keeps it bright. Use homemade pastry or ready-made pie crust for a comforting dessert to share with family.

Ingredients

Makes: One 9-inch pie, about 8 servings

• 2 unbaked 9-inch pie crusts, made with butter or suitable vegetable shortening
• 6 cups peeled, cored, and thinly sliced apples, about 750 g
• ½ cup granulated sugar (100 g)
• ¼ cup packed light brown sugar (50 g)
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (30 g)
• 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water, for brushing
• 1 tablespoon coarse sugar, optional

How to Make It

1. Prepare the oven. Preheat to 425°F (220°C). Place a rimmed baking sheet on the lower oven rack to heat.
2. Make the filling. Toss the apples with both sugars, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice until evenly coated.
3. Fill the pie. Fit one crust into a 9-inch pie dish. Add the apple mixture, including its juices, and arrange the slices to reduce large gaps. Dot with butter.
4. Add the top crust. Cover with the second crust. Trim excess pastry, seal and crimp the edges, then cut several slits in the top to release steam.
5. Brush and chill. Brush lightly with egg wash and sprinkle with optional coarse sugar. Refrigerate the assembled pie for 15 minutes.
6. Bake. Set the pie on the hot baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, then reduce the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for another 40–50 minutes. The crust should be golden, the apples tender, and the filling bubbling through the center vents.
7. Protect the crust. Cover the edges with foil if they brown too quickly. Loosely tent the whole pie if necessary.
8. Cool before slicing. Let the pie cool for at least 3 hours so the filling has time to set.

Tips for a Better Apple Pie

Use apples that hold their shape, such as Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Pink Lady. Combining tart and sweet varieties adds depth without needing extra spices.

Slice the apples evenly, about ¼ inch thick. Check for tenderness through a vent with a thin knife, and wait for bubbling near the center before taking the pie out of the oven.

Easy Variations

Add ½ teaspoon ground ginger for extra warmth, or stir 1 teaspoon lemon zest into the filling for a brighter flavor. You can also cut the top pastry into strips and make a lattice instead of using a solid crust.

Serving Ideas

Serve at room temperature or gently warm individual slices. Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a spoonful of plain yogurt makes a simple accompaniment.

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Prep time: 30 minutes
Chill time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 60–70 minutes
Cooling time: At least 3 hours

Meta description: Make homemade apple pie with cinnamon-spiced apples and a flaky golden crust. Includes simple steps and tips for a filling that slices neatly.

Photo alt text: Golden homemade apple pie with a slice showing tender cinnamon-spiced apples.