Description
This homemade apple pie recipe features a flaky double crust filled with tender, spiced Granny Smith apples. The filling is enhanced with apple pie spice and apple juice concentrate for rich flavor, while butter dots add a luscious finish. The pie is baked to golden perfection, with a sweet, crisp top crust sprinkled with coarse sugar. Ideal for classic dessert lovers seeking a comforting, traditional apple pie experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Pie Crusts
- 2 9 inch pie crusts
Apple Filling
- 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)
Finishing Touches
- 1 to 2 tbsp whole milk
- 1 tbsp coarse/turbinado sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the apples: Peel and thinly slice the Granny Smith apples, then place them in a large bowl. Toss the apples with lemon juice to prevent browning and add a tart flavor.
- Mix filling ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine sugar, cornstarch, all-purpose flour, and apple pie spice. Sprinkle this mixture over the apples and stir until the apples are evenly coated. Add in the undiluted apple juice concentrate and mix well to incorporate.
- Assemble the pie base: Roll out one disc of pie dough to fit a 9-inch pie pan with a 2-inch depth, approximately 13 inches in diameter. Spoon the apple filling into the crust-lined pan, then dot the surface evenly with small pieces of butter to enrich the filling as it bakes.
- Top crust and chilling: Roll out the second disc of dough to about 11 inches around. Cut decorative vent holes or weave into a lattice pattern if desired. Place the top crust over the filling, then crimp the edges securely to seal the pie. Gently brush the pie’s surface with whole milk and sprinkle with coarse or turbinado sugar for a sparkling, crisp finish. Refrigerate the assembled pie for 15 minutes to firm up the crust before baking.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking.
- Bake the pie: Place the pie on a parchment-lined baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake for 20 minutes at 425°F, then reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 40 minutes. If the crust edges begin to brown too quickly, cover them with foil to prevent burning. Bake until the filling bubbles vigorously inside the pie.
- Cool before serving: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely for at least 2 hours. This resting time lets the filling thicken and settle, ensuring clean slices and a perfect texture. Serve and enjoy your classic homemade apple pie!
Notes
- Use tart Granny Smith apples for the best balance of sweetness and acidity.
- Apple pie spice can be substituted with a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice if unavailable.
- Chilling the pie before baking helps prevent the crust from shrinking.
- Cover pie edges with foil midway through baking if they brown too fast.
- Allow the pie to cool fully before slicing to ensure the filling sets properly.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: apple pie, homemade apple pie, classic apple pie, apple dessert, fall recipe, baking pie, Granny Smith apple pie
