Dessert

Homemade Apple Pie Recipe

ByHugo Harnd January 6, 2026January 6, 2026

Introduction

This homemade apple pie is a classic dessert that features a flaky crust and a spiced, tender apple filling. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

A slice of apple pie with thick, golden-brown crust on the top layer, showing large pieces of cooked apple coated in a shiny, sticky caramel sauce. The crust is flaky and uneven at the edges, sitting on a firm, slightly crumbly base layer. The pie slice rests on a smooth white plate with a silver fork partly visible behind it, all placed on a white marbled surface. Steam rises gently from the warm pie. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 9-inch pie crusts
6 to 8 Granny Smith apples (high quality)
2 tbsp lemon juice
¾ cup sugar
2 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp apple pie spice*
¼ cup apple juice concentrate (undiluted)
2 tbsp butter (cut into small pieces)
1 to 2 tbsp whole milk
1 tbsp coarse/turbinado sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Peel and thinly slice the apples, then place them in a large bowl. Toss the apples with the lemon juice to prevent browning.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, cornstarch, flour, and apple pie spice. Sprinkle this mixture over the apples and stir until they are evenly coated. Then, mix in the apple juice concentrate.
Step 3: Roll out one disc of pie dough to fit a 9-inch pie pan that is 2 inches deep (about 13 inches around). Spoon the apple filling into the pie pan, and dot the top with the small pieces of butter.
Step 4: Roll out the remaining pie dough to about 11 inches around. Cut decorative vent holes in the dough or weave a lattice pattern if desired.
Step 5: Crimp the edges of the pie crust to seal it. Gently brush the top crust with whole milk and sprinkle with coarse sugar. Chill the pie in the fridge for 15 minutes to firm up the crust.
Step 6: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the pie on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes. Then reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for another 40 minutes, or until the filling is bubbling. Cover the edges with foil if they brown too quickly.
Step 7: Allow the pie to cool completely, at least 2 hours, so the filling can thicken and set before slicing. Enjoy your delicious homemade apple pie!

Tips & Variations

Use Granny Smith apples for a tart flavor and firm texture that holds up well during baking.
If you don’t have apple pie spice, you can substitute with 1 tsp cinnamon and ½ tsp nutmeg.
For a richer crust, brush the edges with an egg wash instead of milk before sprinkling with sugar.
Add a handful of chopped nuts or raisins to the filling for extra texture and flavor.

Storage

Store leftover apple pie covered loosely with foil or plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep it refrigerated for up to 5 days. Reheat slices in a warm oven or microwave before serving to refresh the crust and warm the filling.