Grandma's Secret (Almost!) Apple Pie

Want the best homemade apple pie recipes? This is it! My tweaked version of Grandma's classic is bursting with flavour. An easy crust and juicy filling – get the secret!

May 22, 2025
By Sally Thompson.

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Alright, let's talk about apple pie recipes . honestly, who doesn't love a good apple pie? i mean, it's practically the food equivalent of a warm hug.

But finding the best homemade apple pie ? that's the challenge.

Craving a Classic?

Ever wonder where the old fashioned apple pie comes from? it's more american than baseball, even though its roots are in europe.

Baking this is a medium challenge. prep takes about 30 minutes with an hour of chilling, and bake time is around an hour.

That makes it a little over two hours total time! this recipe makes eight servings.

Why This Apple Pie Rocks

One of the biggest benefits of a good homemade apple pie is its comforting vibes. plus, apples have fiber! this particular apple pie recipe homemade is special.

I tweaked it for years until it was just right. it makes the best apple pie in my humble opinion.

This apple pie recipe easy can be broken down into easy steps. the taste is out of this world. the secret isn't just the ingredients.

It is also the love you put in. plus, a little apple cider vinegar in the dough!

Okay, ready to dive into the ingredients? i promise, this homemade apple pies will be worth every single bite. let's make an apple pie filling that would make your grandma proud.

Oh my gosh, i'm getting hungry just thinking about it. these easy pie recipes are the best!

Alright, let's dive into the heart of our best homemade apple pie : the ingredients and equipment! i swear, having the right stuff makes all the difference between a delicious pie and a total kitchen disaster.

Ingredients & Equipment: The Key to Apple Pie Magic

Main Ingredients: Get the Good Stuff!

Here's what you'll need to make our Old Fashioned Apple Pie sing. Don't skimp on quality here, folks. It really shows.

• For the Dough:
  • 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour.
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) salt.
  • 1 cup (2 sticks; 226g) unsalted butter, ice cold , cubed. Cold butter is key for flakiness.
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) ice water. Seriously, use ice!
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) apple cider vinegar. This is optional, but it really makes the crust tender.
• For the Filling:
  • 6 cups (approx. 1.3 kg) apples, peeled, cored, and sliced. I like a mix of Granny Smith (tart!) and Honeycrisp (sweet!).
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar.
  • 1/4 cup (50g) packed light brown sugar.
  • 2 tablespoons (15g) all-purpose flour.
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) ground cinnamon.
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) ground nutmeg.
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) ground allspice.
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) unsalted butter, small pieces.
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice.
• Optional Extras:
  • 1 large egg + 1 tablespoon (15ml) milk or cream (for egg wash).
  • 1-2 Tablespoons granulated sugar (for topping).

For the apples, seriously, mix it up. Having just one kind makes it boring. My grandma always said a good Homemade Apple Pie needs variety. She knew her stuff!

Seasoning Notes: Spice it Right!

Okay, so this is where your Apple Pie Recipe Homemade goes from "meh" to "WOW!" Don't be shy with the spices.

• Essential Spice Combo: Cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice. This is the holy trinity, people!
• Flavor Enhancer: A pinch of cloves can add a lovely warmth.
• Aromatics: A little bit of lemon zest in the filling is amazing.
• Quick Substitution: If you don't have allspice, use a little more cinnamon and nutmeg.

Honestly, sometimes I throw in a tiny bit of cardamom for a special twist. Don't tell anyone. These small additions help create the Best Apple Pie .

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple!

You don't need fancy gadgets for this Apple Pie Recipe Easy . Just the basics.

• Essential Tools:
  • 9-inch pie plate. Glass or ceramic works great.
  • Rolling pin.
  • Large bowl.
  • Measuring cups and spoons.
• Household Alternatives:
  • Food processor: If you don't have one, use a pastry blender or your hands to cut in the butter.
  • Rolling pin: A clean wine bottle works in a pinch!

Making Homemade Apple Pies shouldn't be stressful. Simple tools, great ingredients. That's it. Now, let's get to the fun part: baking!

Alright, let’s dive into the beautiful world of apple pie recipes ! seriously, is there anything more american than a slice of warm best homemade apple pie ? i think not.

I'm gonna show you how to nail this old fashioned apple pie .

Grandma's Secret (Almost!) Apple Pie Recipe Card

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Preparation time:01 Hrs 30 Mins

Cooking time:55 Mins

Servings:8 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks; 226g) unsalted butter, very cold and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1/2 cup (120ml) ice water
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) apple cider vinegar (optional)
• 6 cups (approximately 1.3 kg) peeled, cored, and sliced apples (Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (50g) packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons (15g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) ground allspice
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice
• 1 large egg, beaten (optional)
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) milk or cream (optional)
• 1-2 Tablespoons granulated sugar for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions:

• Combine flour and salt in a food processor (or large bowl).
• Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Gradually add ice water (and vinegar, if using), pulsing (or mixing) until the dough just comes together.
• Divide the dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
• In a large bowl, combine the apple slices, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
• Gently toss to coat the apples evenly.
• Stir in the lemon juice.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll out one dough disc to a 12-inch circle.
• Carefully transfer the dough to the pie plate, trimming and crimping the edges.
• Pour the apple filling into the pie crust.
• Dot the filling with small pieces of butter.
• Roll out the second dough disc to a 12-inch circle.
• Place the dough over the filling, trimming and crimping the edges to seal. Cut slits in the top crust to vent steam. Or, cut dough into strips and make a lattice top.
• Brush the top crust with egg wash (if using) and sprinkle with sugar (if using).
• Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes.
• Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the crust is browning too quickly, cover the edges with foil or a pie shield.
• Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Cooking the Apple Pie Filling Like a Pro

Listen, the apple pie filling is where the magic really happens. it’s more than just apples and sugar. trust me! the apple pie recipe easy version is tempting, but let's aim for extraordinary.

I once made the mistake of using only one kind of apple. big mistake. huge!

Prep Steps: Mise en Place for Apple Domination

• Get your mise en place on! Peel, core, and slice 6 cups of apples. I like a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp.
• Mix 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon allspice.
• Safety first! Watch those fingers when slicing. A band-aid doesn’t taste good in pie. I know from experience!

Step-by-Step Process: Apple Filling Bliss

1. Combine apple slices and sugar mixture in a bowl.
2. Toss gently to coat every slice of apple.
3. Stir in 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Brightness is key!
4. Dot with 2 tablespoons of butter cut into small pieces. Flavor bomb!
5. Let it sit for 15 minutes . This helps those juices release.

Pro Tips: Secret Apple Filling Weaponry

• Don't overcook the filling! Apples should still have some bite.
• Use a splash of bourbon. Seriously, a teaspoon will elevate it!
• Make-ahead? Sure! Fill the pie crust and freeze before baking.

This homemade apple pie recipe is just the start. once you’ve got the best apple pie filling down, you can conquer the world of homemade apple pies .

Seriously! plus, it's one of those easy pie recipes that anyone can master. i promise!

Alright, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of crafting the perfect apple pie recipes . this is where we take our homemade apple pie to the next level.

We'll go over serving, storing and more! honestly, it's all about the little things, you know?

Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Pie Game

This section covers a few extra bits of helpful advice.

Serving Suggestions: Make it Look Good

Okay, so you've baked this gorgeous Best Apple Pie . Now, let's talk presentation.

• Plating and Presentation Ideas: A dollop of vanilla ice cream? Classic! A sprinkle of cinnamon? Always a win. But have you ever tried a drizzle of warm caramel sauce? Oh. My. Gosh. Trust me on this. Consider dusting the plate with powdered sugar for a fancy touch.
• Complementary Sides or Beverages: Old Fashioned Apple Pie goes perfectly with a strong cup of coffee or even a glass of chilled milk. For something a little different, try pairing it with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese. Seriously, don't knock it till you try it! Many of our friends and family insist that cheese with apple pie is divine.

Storage Tips: Keep That Goodness Fresh

Nobody wants a soggy Apple Pie Recipe Homemade . So here's the lowdown on storage.

• Refrigeration Guidelines: Wrap your Homemade Apple Pies tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. They'll keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing Options (if applicable): Believe it or not, you can freeze apple pie. Wrap it super well or freeze individual slices. It'll last for about 2-3 months. Honestly? It's almost as good as fresh baked.
• Reheating Instructions: To reheat, warm in a 350° F ( 175° C) oven for about 15- 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual slices, but the crust might not be as crispy.

Variations: Put Your Own Spin On It!

Feeling adventurous? Let's play with this Apple Pie Recipe Easy .

• Dietary Adaptations: For a gluten-free pie, use a gluten-free pie crust recipe and ensure your flour in the filling is also gluten-free. For a vegan option, use vegan butter and a plant-based milk for the egg wash. It is possible to adapt.
• Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: Swap out some of the apples for pears in the fall. Or add a handful of cranberries for a festive holiday twist. Just follow the recipe!

Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff

Let's keep it real. Pie isn't exactly health food. But it's okay to indulge sometimes, right? Here are some simplified nutrition numbers for you.

• Simplified Nutrition Information: (Per serving, roughly) Calories: 400-450, Fat: 20-25g, Sugar: 25-30g.
• Key Health Benefits: Hey, apples have fiber! And cinnamon might help regulate blood sugar. Look, it's not kale. Enjoy it in moderation.

So, there you have it! all the extra tips and tricks to make your best homemade apple pie truly amazing.

Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. the point is to have fun and create something delicious.

Now go bake some easy pie recipes ! and hey, if you mess it up, that's okay too. we've all been there, you know? keep practicing, and you'll be whipping up apple pie filling like a pro in no time!