There’s something magical about a homemade apple pie cooling on the counter, the scent of cinnamon and butter filling the kitchen. This pie isn’t just dessert—it’s a warm hug in a crust. My Best Homemade Apple Pie combines a buttery, flaky double crust with a perfectly balanced apple filling that’s tender, caramelized, and bursting with cozy fall flavor. It’s everything a classic apple pie should be—flaky, juicy, and irresistibly spiced. This is one you’ll want to pin and bake every fall!

Why You’ll Love It

✨ A buttery, flaky double crust that bakes up golden and crisp.
🍎 A mix of tart and sweet apples for the perfect flavor balance.
🥧 Cooked filling ensures the apples stay tender, never mushy.
🍂 Cozy cinnamon and nutmeg spices make every bite taste like fall.
🎉 Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or cozy baking weekends.
💛 A timeless dessert that tastes even better the next day.

Time Needed

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Cooling Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 5 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 10 slices

Ingredients

1 homemade double pie crust (top and bottom)
¼ teaspoon lemon zest
Juice from ½ lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
5 pounds apples (mix of Granny Smith, Gala, Golden Delicious)
¾ cup packed brown sugar
¾ cup granulated sugar
5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
1½ teaspoons cinnamon
¾ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon cardamom (optional but lovely)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon milk (for brushing crust)
1 tablespoon beaten egg (optional)
1 tablespoon raw sugar (for topping)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Apples Peel, core, and thinly slice your apples into ⅛-inch slices. Toss them with lemon juice and zest to keep them fresh and bright.
Cook the Filling In a large skillet, combine the sliced apples, sugars, flour, salt, and spices. Cook over medium heat for about 20 minutes, stirring often, until the apples are tender but not mushy and a luscious caramel sauce forms. Stir in the vanilla, then cool the filling completely.
Assemble the Pie Roll out one pie crust and line a 9-inch pie dish. Spoon in the cooled apple filling, mounding it slightly in the center. Top with the second crust or create a beautiful lattice design.
Brush and Bake Brush with milk or an egg wash and sprinkle raw sugar over the top. Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, then reduce to 350°F and bake another 40–45 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly.
Cool and Serve Let the pie cool at room temperature for at least 4 hours to set the filling. Slice and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel for pure comfort.

Variations to Try

Dutch-Style Apple Pie: Replace the top crust with a buttery crumble topping for extra texture.
Caramel Apple Twist: Drizzle salted caramel over the apples before sealing the pie.
Maple Cinnamon Apple Pie: Swap part of the sugar for maple syrup for deeper flavor.
Mini Hand Pies: Turn the recipe into adorable hand pies for easy serving.

Tips from Chef Emma

Use a mix of apple varieties for the best sweet-tart flavor.
Cook the filling before baking—this prevents soggy crusts and mushy apples.
Chill the assembled pie for 30 minutes before baking for an extra flaky crust.
Use foil shields on the crust edges to prevent over-browning.
Always let the pie rest before slicing—it helps the filling thicken beautifully.

Nutrition Info per Serving

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 465
Carbohydrates: 89g
Sugars: 56g
Fat: 12g
Protein: 4g
Sodium: 180mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make the pie ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can make the pie a day ahead—just cover and store it at room temperature.
Q: Can I freeze apple pie?
A: Absolutely. Freeze unbaked pies for up to 3 months and bake straight from frozen, adding 20 minutes to the bake time.
Q: What are the best apples for pie?
A: A mix of Granny Smith, Gala, and Golden Delicious gives the perfect balance of sweet and tart.
Q: How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?
A: Always preheat your oven fully and start with a hot baking sheet under the pie dish—it crisps the bottom crust beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Best Homemade Apple Pie is the heart of fall baking—flaky, buttery, and filled with perfectly spiced apples that taste like comfort in every bite. Whether it’s for Thanksgiving, a cozy weekend, or just because, this pie is always a hit. Save this recipe to your Fall Desserts board so it’s ready when you’re craving a cozy bake!