Traditional Apple Pie Recipe

Thank you so much for stopping by. I can’t tell you how much joy it brings me to share a recipe that feels like a warm hug from generations past. If you’re craving a slice of something comforting, golden, and just the right amount of sweet, this Traditional Apple Pie Recipe is exactly what you need.

Made with a flaky, buttery crust and a cinnamon-spiced apple filling, this pie is everything I love about old-fashioned baking. It’s the kind of dessert that brings people together, whether it’s for a holiday feast or just a quiet Sunday afternoon. And the smell when it’s baking? Pure heaven.

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Why You’ll Love This Traditional Apple Pie

This isn’t a shortcut pie or a modern twist—it’s the classic version, done right. Here’s why it stands the test of time:

• Flaky, golden crust – Made from scratch or with your favorite pre-made dough.

• Juicy, tender apples – Cooked just right with cinnamon, sugar, and a hint of nutmeg.

• Not too sweet – The perfect balance between tart apples and warm spices.

• Beautifully rustic – The kind of pie that looks homemade in the best way.

• Make-ahead friendly – Prep the filling or freeze the whole pie for later.

What It Tastes Like

This pie tastes like autumn afternoons, family dinners, and cozy kitchen moments. The apples are tender and flavorful—never mushy—while the filling stays thick, not runny. The crust is buttery and crisp, and every bite is packed with cinnamon-spiced apple goodness.

Health Benefits (and Real Talk!)

Let’s be honest—apple pie isn’t a health food, and that’s okay. It’s a celebration food. But if you want to feel a little better about it:

• Made with real fruit—hello, fiber and vitamin C

• You control the sugar—use less or swap in coconut sugar

• Can be made gluten-free with the right crust

• Baked with love, which definitely counts for something ❤️

Ingredients

For the crust (makes 2 crusts for top and bottom):

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tbsp sugar

• 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes

• 6–8 tbsp ice water

For the apple filling:

• 6–7 medium apples (mix of Granny Smith & Honeycrisp recommended)

• ⅔ cup granulated sugar

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon

• ¼ tsp nutmeg

• 2 tbsp flour or cornstarch (for thickening)

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tbsp butter (to dot on filling before topping crust)

For the top:

• 1 egg (for egg wash)

• 1 tbsp milk or cream

• Optional: 1 tbsp coarse sugar for sprinkling

Tools You’ll Need

• 9-inch pie dish

• Rolling pin

• Mixing bowls

• Pastry cutter or food processor (for crust)

• Apple peeler and corer

• Pastry brush (for egg wash)

Ingredient Swaps & Tips

• Crust: Use store-bought pie dough if you’re short on time—still delicious!

• Apples: Stick to firm, tart-sweet varieties. A mix adds depth.

• Sugar: Reduce to ½ cup total if your apples are extra sweet.

• Spices: Add a pinch of cardamom or cloves for a unique twist.

• Dairy-free: Use vegan butter and skip the egg wash (or brush with almond milk).

• Gluten-free: Sub in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the crust.

How to Make Traditional Apple Pie

1. Make the Pie Dough

In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in cold butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Add ice water, 1 tbsp at a time, until dough comes together. Divide in half, shape into discs, wrap, and chill for 1 hour.

2. Prepare the Filling

Peel, core, and slice the apples. Toss them in a bowl with both sugars, spices, flour/cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla. Let sit for 10–15 minutes.

3. Roll Out the Dough

On a floured surface, roll out one disc of dough and fit it into your pie dish. Trim the edges, leaving a slight overhang.

4. Assemble the Pie

Pour in the apple filling. Dot with small cubes of butter. Roll out the second disc and place over the top. Crimp edges to seal and cut a few slits to vent.

5. Brush and Bake

Mix the egg with milk and brush over the top crust. Sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20 minutes, then reduce heat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for another 35–40 minutes, or until the crust is golden and filling is bubbly.

6. Cool and Serve

Let the pie cool for 2–3 hours to allow the filling to set. Serve warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

What to Serve with Apple Pie

This pie is a star on its own, but here are some perfect pairings:

• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream

• Salted caramel drizzle (oh yes)

• A mug of hot cider or chai tea

• A slice of cheddar cheese (a regional classic!)

Tips for the Best Apple Pie

• Chill your dough – It’s the secret to flaky crust.

• Use a mix of apples – Better flavor and texture.

• Preheat your oven – So the crust gets a good start.

• Let it rest – Slicing too soon = runny filling. Patience pays off.

• Shield the crust – Use foil or a crust shield if the edges brown too fast.

Storage Instructions

• Room Temp: Store loosely covered for up to 2 days.

• Fridge: Keep covered for up to 5 days.

• Freezer: Freeze unbaked (double-wrapped) for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to cook time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the best apples for pie?
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, and Jonagold are all great options. Use a mix for complexity!

Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes! Bake it the day before and reheat at 300°F for 15–20 minutes before serving.

How do I keep the bottom crust from getting soggy?
Bake on the lower rack and consider blind baking the bottom crust for 5–7 minutes before adding filling.

Can I freeze the whole pie?
Absolutely—freeze before baking and bake straight from frozen when ready.

In Conclusion

There’s something timeless and beautiful about a Traditional Apple Pie. It’s a dessert that doesn’t need reinventing—just a little love and a good recipe. This version is simple, classic, and made to be shared. Whether you’re baking for a holiday table or just because it’s Wednesday and apples are on sale, this pie will make your kitchen smell amazing and your heart feel full.

If you try it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Leave a review, tag your photos on Pinterest, or share your favorite variation. Let’s keep this classic alive—one homemade pie at a time. 🥧💛

More Cozy Dessert Recipes You’ll Love

• [Classic Pumpkin Pie with a Buttery Crust]

• [Rustic Peach Galette with Almond Flour Crust]

• [Brown Butter Apple Crisp with Oat Topping]

• [Maple Pecan Bars (Gluten-Free Option)]

Nutritional Information (Per Slice – serves 8)

• Calories: ~380

• Fat: 17g

• Carbs: 55g

• Sugar: 28g

• Protein: 3g

• Fiber: 4g

Traditional Apple Pie Recipe

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• Author: Kayla Neff
• Total Time: 3 hours (includes chilling and cooling)
• Yield: 1 pie (serves 8) 1x

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Description

This Traditional Apple Pie Recipe is warm, cozy, and packed with cinnamon-spiced apples wrapped in a flaky, buttery crust. A classic dessert that brings people together and makes any day feel like a celebration.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 6–8 tbsp ice water
• 6–7 medium apples (Granny Smith & Honeycrisp recommended)
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• 2 tbsp flour or cornstarch
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp butter (for dotting)
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp milk or cream
• Optional: 1 tbsp coarse sugar for topping

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Add ice water, 1 tbsp at a time, until dough forms. Divide, shape into discs, wrap, and chill for 1 hour.
2. Peel, core, and slice apples. Toss with sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, lemon juice, and vanilla. Let sit 10–15 minutes.
3. Roll out one dough disc on a floured surface and place in a 9-inch pie dish, trimming edges slightly.
4. Pour in apple filling and dot with butter. Roll out second dough disc, cover the pie, crimp edges, and cut slits to vent.
5. Mix egg and milk. Brush over top crust and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20 minutes, then reduce to 375°F (190°C) and bake 35–40 minutes more.
6. Cool for 2–3 hours before serving to let the filling set. Serve warm or at room temp with ice cream if desired.

Notes

Chill the dough thoroughly before rolling. Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for flavor. If the crust browns too quickly, cover edges with foil mid-bake. Let cool fully for clean slices.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: apple pie, traditional, dessert, classic, homemade, cinnamon, pastry