Name: Crust Apple Pie Recipe
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon sea salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced; 6-8 tablespoons ice-cold water; 6-7 medium-sized Honeycrisp apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces; 1 small egg, beaten; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 60 reviews

If you have a soft spot for classic American desserts, then this Crust Apple Pie Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. Imagine tender, juicy Honeycrisp apples enveloped in a perfectly flaky, buttery crust that offers just the right balance of sweet and spice. This homemade pie combines simple pantry staples and fresh apples to create something truly magical—a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a crisp fall day but is delightful any time of the year. Sharing this recipe feels like passing on a timeless secret that never fails to impress family and friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows various baking ingredients neatly arranged on a white marbled surface. There are five red and yellow apples in the top right corner. Around them, there are small white bowls and wooden bowls filled with white sugar, brown sugar, flour, and spices including cinnamon, nutmeg, and turmeric. A small white bowl holds white granulated sugar, and another wooden bowl is filled with flour. There is a white bowl with cubed butter near the bottom left and a white egg near the top left. Two small white pitchers hold liquid ingredients, one likely oil and the other water or milk. A small wooden spoon with salt is placed near the bottom center. All containers are white or wooden, complementing the clean and organized presentation. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the ingredients for this Crust Apple Pie Recipe is refreshingly straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role in delivering those classic flavors and textures. From the all-purpose flour that forms the tender crust to the spiced sugar mixture that brings out the apples’ natural sweetness, every component is essential.

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for your flaky pie crust; use fresh flour for best results.
1 teaspoon sea salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness in the crust.
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced: The secret to flakiness; keeping butter cold ensures the crust bakes perfectly.
6-8 tablespoons ice-cold water: Helps bind the dough without making it tough; add gradually.
6-7 medium-sized Honeycrisp apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced: Crisp and juicy apples that hold their shape while baking.
2 tablespoons lemon juice: Prevents apple slices from browning and adds a subtle tang.
3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling with classic brightness.
1/4 cup brown sugar: Adds depth and a hint of caramel flavor to the apples.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the filling so it’s perfectly set after baking.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The quintessential pie spice that brings warmth and aroma.
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds subtle earthiness and complexity.
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger: Provides a gentle zing to balance sweetness.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Intensifies all the spices and balances flavors.
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces: Dotting butter over the filling enriches the texture and taste.
1 small egg, beaten: For brushing on top to create a golden, shiny crust.
1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Sprinkled over the crust for a delicate crunch and sparkle.

How to Make Crust Apple Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust Dough

Start by combining the all-purpose flour and sea salt in a large mixing bowl. Then toss in the cold, diced butter and mix it in with your hands until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. It’s key to keep the butter cold and work quickly to achieve a flaky texture. Slowly add ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, stirring gently until the dough just begins to come together. Overworking the dough will make it tough, so stop as soon as it holds.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough into two equal balls, wrap each tightly in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting period allows the gluten to relax and results in a tender crust that is much easier to roll out.

Step 3: Roll Out Bottom Crust

When ready, remove one dough ball from the fridge and let it sit a few minutes to ease rolling. On a floured surface, roll it into a circle large enough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Carefully transfer the dough into the dish, pressing gently to line the bottom and sides evenly without stretching the dough. This forms the beautiful, golden base of your pie.

Step 4: Prepare the Apple Filling

In a large bowl, toss the thinly sliced Honeycrisp apples with lemon juice to keep them fresh and vibrant. Combine sugars, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt in a smaller bowl, then sprinkle this fragrant mixture over the apples. Toss everything together to coat each slice evenly, creating that classic sweet-spiced flavor that makes apple pie irresistible.

Step 5: Assemble the Pie

Pour the apple filling into your crust-lined pie dish, mounding it gently in the center for a lovely dome shape. Dot the top with the small butter pieces, which melt into the filling as the pie bakes, adding richness. Next, roll out the second dough ball into a circle slightly larger than the dish. Place this on top carefully, trim any excess dough leaving about a 1-inch overhang, then fold and crimp the edges to seal in all those delicious juices.

Step 6: Add Final Touches and Bake

Don’t forget to cut small slits or create decorative vents in the top crust—that’s how steam escapes, so your pie bakes evenly without sogginess. Brush the top with beaten egg for a stunning golden sheen and sprinkle with granulated sugar for a subtle crunch. Bake in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 45-50 minutes, until the crust turns a gorgeous golden brown and the filling bubbles with sweet cinnamon aroma.

Step 7: Cooling and Serving

Once baked, cool the pie on a wire rack for at least two hours to let the filling set perfectly—this makes slicing neat and prevents juices from spilling. Serve it warm or at room temperature, and watch everyone’s faces light up with pure joy.

How to Serve Crust Apple Pie Recipe

A white round baking dish filled with a golden brown apple pie, the top layer is a flaky crust with a slight sugar sprinkle and a small opening showing layered apple slices inside. One slice is missing, revealing neatly stacked thin apple slices covered by the crust and some juice at the bottom of the dish. In the background, a white plate holds a slice of the pie topped with a dollop of white cream next to a fork with a wooden handle. Two apples are nearby on a white marbled surface, and the dish sits on a light cloth on top of a wooden board. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance each slice with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to add an irresistible contrast of temperatures and textures. A sprinkle of finely chopped toasted nuts or a drizzle of caramel sauce can also take your presentation and flavors up a notch.

Side Dishes

Apple pie is a star all on its own, but serving it alongside a simple glass of cold milk or a cup of strong coffee or chai tea can balance sweetness beautifully. For an extra indulgent treat, pair with a smooth, slightly tangy Greek yogurt which cuts through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual tartlets using the same Crust Apple Pie Recipe dough and filling for a charming, handheld experience. Alternatively, a lattice crust on top brings a rustic touch that looks as delightful as it tastes. Another idea is to sprinkle some cinnamon sugar on top for extra sparkle and warmth.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Apple pie keeps wonderfully covered at room temperature or refrigerated for up to 3 days. Just ensure it’s wrapped tightly or stored in an airtight container to preserve freshness and prevent the crust from absorbing moisture.

Freezing

You can freeze your pie either baked or unbaked. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn, and it will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or baking.

Reheating

To reheat, place slices or the whole pie in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the crust regains some crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the texture just right.

FAQs

Can I use other apple varieties for this Crust Apple Pie Recipe?

Absolutely! While Honeycrisp apples provide a great balance of sweetness and firmness, you can substitute with Granny Smith, Fuji, or Braeburn apples. Just make sure they hold their shape well during baking.

How can I make sure my pie crust is perfectly flaky?

The trick is in keeping your butter cold and working quickly. Also, avoid overmixing the dough to prevent gluten development, which can make the crust tough instead of tender and flaky.

What’s the best way to prevent the apple slices from turning brown?

Tossing the sliced apples in fresh lemon juice right after peeling and slicing is an easy and effective way to keep them bright and fresh until you’re ready to bake.

Can I make this Crust Apple Pie Recipe vegan?

Yes! Use a vegan butter substitute in the dough and filling, swap the egg wash for a little almond milk or maple syrup for shine, and ensure your sugars are vegan-friendly.

Should I cover the pie with foil during baking?

If the crust edges brown too quickly while the filling is still cooking, tent the edges with foil halfway through baking to prevent burning while the center finishes baking.

Final Thoughts

This Crust Apple Pie Recipe is a wonderful celebration of fall flavors and simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. Whether it’s a weekend baking project or an impressive dessert for a gathering, the warm, flaky crust and spiced apple filling never fail to bring smiles. Don’t hesitate—bake this pie soon and make some delicious memories!