Classic Apple Pie is a traditional apple pie made with a no-fail, homemade pie crust that is filled and baked with fresh apples. For another delicious homemade apple pie, try Dwight’s Caramel Apple Pie.
Classic Apple Pie
This is a homemade apple pie recipe that is perfect for those who are looking for a tried and true apple pie recipe. It starts with a light and flaky pie crust (which you will want to use for all your recipes needing a crust from now on) and then is filled with sweetened Granny Smith apples. If you are short on time, try my no-bake apple pie. Or, for an apple pie at your fingertips, try my apple turnovers!
Classic Apple Pie Ingredients
There are two main parts to this apple pie recipe–the crust and the apple filling.
Shortening: The key to this homemade crust is using shortening (like Crisco).
Egg: Another common question about this recipe is using an egg. The egg causes the dough to be more pliable (easier to roll out) and compact.
Apple Filling: Granny Smith apples are the best apple to use in the filling; they remain firm when baking. In addition, Granny Smith apples won’t turn to mush and they tend to retain their shape when baked. A few other options you could try would be Honeycrisp apples, Braeburn, or Pink Lady apples.
You will crimp the crust after adding the top layer.
Do You Want a Lattice Pie Crust?
Lots of folks do! I recommend looking at this recipe for Dwight’s Caramel Apple Pie. There is a step-by-step tutorial! Although crimping the edges of the classic apple pie crust with your fingers or using a fork to do it is lovely, there are times you want to try something a little fancier. Making the lattice pie crust is a bit of an art, but once you get the basics down you will breeze right through it.
Can I Freeze Classic Apple Pie?
Yes! Allow the pie to cool to room temperature, wrap the pie tightly with plastic wrap, and place in a large freezer bag or air-tight container. If stored properly, classic apple pie will last up to 6 months in the freezer.
More Apple Desserts
Classic Apple Pie
Ingredients
Crust
- 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 ½ cups (307.5 g) shortening, cubed
- 1 large egg, room temperature, beaten
- 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
- ½ cup water
Filling
- 10 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (about 10 cups)
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (31 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 dash kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
Crust
- In the bowl of a food processor, pulse together the flour, sugar, and salt until combined. Add the shortening and pulse until pea-sized crumbs form. Transfer the dough to a large bowl and bring the dough together with a wooden spoon.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, vinegar, and water. Pour over the dough and mix until combined (dough will be sticky). Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before rolling.
- After the hour, remove the dough from the refrigerator and unwrap it. Split the dough into two equal halves and let it sit for about 15 minutes as you prepare the apples.
Filling
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and place the oven rack into its lowest position.
- Place the sliced apples in a large bowl. In a medium bowl, combine the sugar, flour, cinnamon, and kosher salt.
- Add the sugar mixture to the bowl of apples and toss to coat. Set aside as you roll the dough.
Pie Assembly
- On a lightly floured surface, roll each of your dough sections into 12-inch circles.
- Carefully add one of the crusts to a 9-inch, deep-dish pie plate.
- Spoon the apple mixture into the prepared crust, and top with the butter pieces.
- Place the other pie crust over the top of the filled pie pan and press down to crimp the edges. Use a sharp knife to cut small slits in the pie crust for venting.
- In a small bowl, mix together the egg and water for an egg wash. Brush this over the pie crust.
- Bake for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F, cover the pie loosely with aluminum foil, and bake an additional 45-50 minutes. The pie is done when the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Let the pie cool at least an hour before serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Thank you for making my recipe! You took pictures, right? Well go ahead and post them on Instagram! Be sure to mention me @iambaker and use the hashtag #YouAreBaker.
Can this be made in advance then frozen the baked the day of? Thank you for all of your yummy recipes
Love it
all i can say is WOW . Do you have a peach cobbler w/ canned peaches
Hi can i use butter instead of shortening?