This easy apple pie recipe is a fall and holiday favorite. The filling is warmly spiced and tucked into a buttery, flaky double crust — no precooking required. Just slice the apples, toss them with the seasonings, fill the crust, and bake the old-fashioned way.
This apple pie tastes like home: tart and sweet apples coated with cinnamon and nutmeg, piled into a golden crust and finished with a classic lattice. It’s simple, nostalgic, and always popular. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the best experience.
If you enjoy classic desserts, try Butter Cake, Sweet Potato Pie, or Strawberry Pretzel Salad. For quick treats, no-bake Hamburger Cookies or Oreo Popcorn are fun options.
Apple Pie Recipe Ingredients
“Every family gathering needs this classic, old fashioned apple pie!”
-Becky
- Pastry for a 9-inch double crust – Use store-bought dough, a gluten-free crust, or the homemade butter crust below.
- tart apples – Peeled and chopped. Granny Smith are classic; you can mix in Honeycrisp for sweetness.
- granulated sugar – Sweetens without overwhelming the apples.
- all purpose flour – Thickens the juices as the pie bakes.
- ground cinnamon – The warm, classic pairing for apples.
- ground nutmeg – Adds a subtle depth.
- butter – Dotted over the filling for richness.
- egg – Lightly beaten for an egg wash that gives the crust a glossy finish.
A full ingredient list is included in the recipe card below.
Variations
- Switch up apples: Combine tart and sweet varieties, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp.
- Decorative crust: Use cutouts, braids, or a themed design for holidays.
- Mini pies: Bake in a muffin tin for single servings.
- Dutch topping: Swap the lattice for a brown sugar–oat crumble.
- Extra spice: Add a pinch of cloves or cardamom for a warmer flavor.
Homemade Butter Pie Crust (Makes 2 crusts)
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter (cut into cubes)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6 to 8 tablespoons cold water
How to Make Homemade Pie Crust
Cut the cold butter into the flour and salt until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces. Add cold water a tablespoon at a time until a soft dough forms, then divide the dough in half.
Roll out one half and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan, trimming the edges. Wrap the other half and chill while you prepare the filling. When ready, roll the second half, cut into 1-inch strips, and weave into a lattice top.
How to Make this Easy Apple Pie Recipe
Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Fit the bottom crust into a 9-inch pie plate and trim any overhang.
- Mix sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small bowl.
- Peel and cut apples into slices or bite-size pieces. Toss the apples with the flour mixture until they’re evenly coated.
- Pour the apple filling into the prepared crust and dot with butter pieces.
- On a floured surface, roll the remaining dough and cut 1-inch strips. Lay half the strips one way, then weave the rest across to form a lattice. Trim and seal the edges.
- Brush the lattice with a beaten egg for a glossy, golden finish.
- Bake in the center of the oven for 45–50 minutes, until the crust is golden and the filling bubbles. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil for the final 15 minutes. Cool at least 30 minutes before slicing so the filling sets.
Expert Tips
- Use cold dough – Cold butter makes a flakier crust. Chill dough before rolling.
- Cover the edges – Foil around the rim prevents overbrowning.
- Let it rest – Cooling for at least 30 minutes helps the filling thicken before slicing.
- Bake on a sheet pan – A rimmed baking sheet catches drips and helps crisp the bottom crust.
- Prevent browning – If prepping ahead, soak apple pieces briefly in cold water with a splash of lemon, then drain and pat dry.
Apple Pie FAQs
Watery filling usually means not enough thickener or slicing too soon. Use the flour in the filling and allow the pie to cool before cutting.
Bake the pie in the lower third of the oven and place it on a preheated baking sheet to help the bottom crisp up.
Yes. Once cool, loosely cover and keep at room temperature. Reheat slices in the oven to revive the just-baked texture.
Yes. Apple skins can become chewy when baked, so peeling gives a smoother filling.
Yes. Once fully cool, wrap tightly and freeze whole or in slices for up to 2 months.
Planning a holiday menu? This pie is a cozy finish to any dinner. Pair with your favorite main and sides, and offer warm drinks or cocoa for a festive touch.
More Holiday Recipes
Cookies
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Cocktail Recipes
Limoncello Spritz
Dips
Dip Recipes
Appetizers
Deviled Eggs
If you try this recipe or others from Celebrating Simply, please leave a star rating and share your thoughts in the comments — feedback is appreciated!
Apple Pie Recipe
Equipment
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Mixing Bowl
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Pie Plate
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Rolling Pin
Ingredients
- Pastry for Double Crust Pie
- 6 medium tart apples
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 egg, for egg wash
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Prepare and fit the bottom crust into a 9-inch pie plate and trim any overhang.
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In a small bowl, mix sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In a large bowl, peel and cut apples, then toss them with the spice mixture until coated.
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Pour the apple mixture into the crust and dot with butter.
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Roll the remaining dough, cut into 1-inch strips, and arrange half across the pie. Weave the remaining strips to form a lattice, press and trim the edges.
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Brush the lattice with beaten egg. Bake 45–50 minutes until golden and bubbling. Cover edges with foil during the last 15 minutes if needed.
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Cool at least 30 minutes before slicing so the filling can set.
Notes
- Use cold dough – Cold butter creates a flakier crust; chill before rolling.
- Cover the edges – Protect the rim with foil if it browns too quickly.
- Let it rest – Allow cooling so juices thicken before slicing.
- Bake on a sheet pan – Catches drips and helps the bottom crust crisp.
- Soak apple pieces in lemon water – Prevents browning while prepping; drain and pat dry before mixing.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 34g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 4g
Nutrition information is an approximation.