Simple and Tasty Homemade Apple Pie Recipe

Learn how to make a homemade apple pie with this simple, step-by-step recipe. From preparing the flaky crust with high-quality butter and sour cream to creating a flavorful apple filling, this guide ensures a delicious dessert every time. Perfect for holidays or cozy weekends, customize with your favorite toppings for an irresistible treat. Precise baking techniques and patience are key to achieving a tender, golden crust and bubbling filling. Enjoy baking your own classic apple pie with confidence using this easy-to-follow recipe.

Nothing beats enjoying a freshly baked apple pie made at home. Many cooks look for straightforward recipes that can be customized with chocolates, fruits, or nuts, adding a personal touch. Achieving a perfect pie involves attention to detail, especially in creating a flaky, tender crust. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you make a classic apple pie from scratch, ensuring excellent results every time.

Preparing the Pie Crust

Making a buttery, flaky crust is simple once you understand the process. Patience and precision are key to a perfect outcome.

Follow this detailed step-by-step recipe with exact measurements to produce the ideal crust—fluffy, rich, and golden. Use high-quality butter to coat the flour, preventing toughness and creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Incorporate sour cream to keep the dough moist and tender, avoiding gluten overdevelopment during mixing.

Dough Ingredients:

1 cup chilled butter

½ cup sour cream

1 cup all-purpose flour

¾ cup sugar

¼ teaspoon salt

Directions:

Cut chilled butter into small cubes.

Mix the butter into flour until crumbly.

Add salt and sugar, then knead gently.

Stir in sour cream and knead until smooth.

Wrap and chill the dough for 1–2 days for best results. This dough is versatile for various pies like pumpkin, chocolate, or berry.

Apple Filling:

6 peeled, thinly sliced apples

1 tablespoon lemon juice or apple vinegar

2 tablespoons flour

¾ cup sugar

¾ teaspoon cinnamon

¼ teaspoon nutmeg

Mix all ingredients gently, and set aside.

Assembling the Pie

Let the dough sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.

Roll out two circles about 13 inches in diameter, larger than your baking dish.

Grease the baking tray and lay one dough circle, trimming excess edges.

Spread apple filling evenly over the crust.

Cover with the second dough circle, sealing edges with a fork or by pinching.

Cut small slits for ventilation, then set aside.

Baking Instructions

Preheat oven to 425°F.

Bake the pie for 20 minutes, then cover the crust edges with foil.

Reduce temperature to 400°F and continue baking for another 15–20 minutes until filling bubbles and crust turns golden.

Allow the pie to cool for 1–2 hours before serving.

For serving, cut slices and add whipped cream, ice cream, or toppings like cinnamon, cherries, or chocolate shavings. Using chilled butter and precise baking steps ensures a perfect, flaky crust. This recipe is ideal for holiday desserts or weekend treats, adaptable for various fillings.