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Best Homemade Apple Pie Recipe From Scratch

Last updated on September 28th, 2023 at 04:15 am

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Best Homemade Apple Pie [Video]

Best Homemade Apple Pie recipe with a flaky homemade pie crust and homemade apple pie filling. Take it over the top with the optional creamy cheesecake layer. 

Homemade pies are my weakness, I can never resist a buttery crust that melts in your mouth. A slice of warm apple pie topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is the ideal dessert for Thanksgiving or Christmas! If you want to make this recipe for a party we recommend you try our Apple Slab Pie. And if you need an excuse to have it for breakfast make this Apple Danish or coffee cake.

I have here for you the BEST Apple Pie Recipe made from scratch, no kidding! There is nothing more amazing than tender, sweet apples sitting on a delicious layer of creamy cheesecake. This will quickly become your favorite apple pie recipe and a great holiday tradition!

This is the perfect dessert for Thanksgiving, Christmas or anytime you crave a good dessert made from scratch. If you are ever afraid to make your pie crust, this recipe is perfect for you. It’s very easy, and it always turns out perfect. Also, watch the recipe video attached to better guide you through the cooking process. 

I like adding a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg into the dough, it adds so much flavor. My secret to perfect crust is using a mix of shortening and butter. This makes a crust that is easy to work with and still has that delicious butter flavor we all love.

Also, the homemade apple pie filling is out of this world, but you can use store-bought filling as well. The cheesecake layer is optional, but if you are looking to take your apple pie to a new level, this is the way to go. The combo of creamy and rich cheesecake, with the buttery crust and the apple filling, is a must-try!

Apple Pie Ingredients:

  • Pie Crust – you can use a homemade pie crust store-bought pie dough or a pie shell.
  • Apple Pie filling – you can make your own or use store-bought.
  • Cheesecake Layer – this layer is optional, but if you decide to add it, you will need cream cheese, sugar, eggs, flour, and cream.

Homemade Apple pie filling mixture is very easy to make and it takes only 30 minutes. Once you try this recipe, you will never buy the canned version. You will need:

  • Apples: The best apples for this recipe are crisp and tart apples. We like to use a combo of Gala and Granny Smith apples.
  • Lemon juice and zest: Keeps the sliced apples from browning and also adds freshness.
  • White and brown sugar: We like to use brown sugar in the filling, it adds a nice caramel flavor.
  • Spices: We use cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice.
  • Water
  • Cornstarch
  • Butter: While this may sound like an unusual ingredient for the filling, it adds creaminess and makes it velvety.

Homemade crust:

Always use cold butter and shortening, this is very important! Also, the water should be ice cold, so make sure you chill some in the freezer.

  • Dry ingredients: All-purpose flour, salt, white granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg
  • Wet ingredients: Cold butter, cold shortening, ice-cold water.

How to make Homemade Pie Crust?

This is how you make pie dough for the bottom crust and top crust. You can use this easy recipe for fruit pies, like Cherry Pie, Blueberry Pie, or Pumpkin Pie.

  1. Mix dry ingredients: First, mix all the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Add dairy: After that, add the unsalted butter and shortening to the flour mixture and use a pastry cutter or food processor to combine everything.
  3. Add water: Afterward, add the cold water and mix to combine again. The mixture should resemble coarse sand. It should stick together when you press it with your fingers.
  4. Chill: Next, roll the dough into a smooth ball, but make sure you don’t knead it much or work it. After that, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
  5. Roll: When ready to use, remove the dough from the fridge and place it on a floured surface or better a lightly floured waxed paper sitting on a flat surface. Flatten the ball into a disk and using a rolling pin, roll it into a circle, starting from the center.
  6. Add to pie pan: Finally, using the waxed paper, lift the dough and transfer it to a 9-inch pie plate. Gently pierce a few holes with a fork, before adding the cheesecake layer and apple pie filling.

How do you make a classic Apple Pie Recipe from scratch?

  1. The crust: First decide if you are making your dough for the crust or if you will be using store-bought pie dough. Keep in mind that you will need two dough discs for the bottom and the top of the pie.
  2. The filling: After that, decide if you are using homemade or store-bought pie filling. If making the homemade version, choose your favorite type of apples and prepare them for the recipe.
  3. Make the filling: Next, add the apple slices to a large bowl and mix with lemon juice and zest. In the meantime, add the rest of the ingredients except butter to a saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Add the apples and simmer until softened. After that, remove from heat and stir in the butter.
  4. Optional cheesecake layer: If you are making this one, in a large bowl beat cream cheese, sugar, and flour until fluffy. After that add the remaining ingredients and beat until creamy.
  5. Assemble: Add the cheesecake mixture on top of the bottom layer and freeze for one hour. After that, add the apple pie filling and the top crust.
  6. Egg wash: Beat an egg with milk and brush the top and edges of the pie. After that sprinkle coarse sugar on top.
  7. Bake: Finally, bake the easy apple pie recipe for about 55 minutes, after which cool on a wire rack.
  8. Serve: Serve warm or chilled with ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Recipe Variations:

  • Dulce de Leche: Add 1/2 cup of dulce de leche to the cream cheese mixture for an apple caramel pie.
  • Nuts: As an alternative, for a crunchier texture mix in some chopped pecans into the filling.
  • Other fruits: When making the filling, add other fruits like pears or plums.
  • Hand pies: Another option is to make this recipe in individual servings just like these hand pies.

What type of apples are best to use for apple pie?

The best apples to use are those with a good balance of sweetness and tartness, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Jonagold, or Braeburn. Also, mixing different apple varieties can enhance flavor and texture.

How do I get a golden-brown crust on my apple pie?

To achieve a golden-brown crust, you can brush the top of the pie with an egg wash (a beaten egg mixed with a tablespoon of water) before baking. This gives the pie a beautiful sheen and color.

Can I make a vegan or gluten-free apple pie?

Yes! To make it a vegan pie, simply use plant-based butter or margarine and a vegan pie crust.

Also, if you are looking for a gluten-free version, then  use a gluten-free pie crust mix or almond flour in the crust and a gluten-free flour blend for thickening the filling. The cooking time and steps will remain the same. 

Can I store leftovers?

Yes! First, let the pie cool to room temperature first. Then, cover it with plastic wrap or transfer the leftovers to an airtight container, and store them in the fridge for 3-4 days.

How to freeze an unbaked pie?

  1. First, layer all the ingredients in the pie dish per recipe directions.
  2. Then, wrap the pie tightly with aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap.
  3. Properly stored, it will maintain the best quality for about 2 to 3 months.
  4. When ready to bake, remove it from the freezer, and transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw gradually for 24 hours. Bake for 60 minutes in a preheated oven.

How to freeze a baked pie?

  1. First, make sure the apple pie has fully cooled and is refrigerated for at least 6 hours.
  2. Then, wrap the pie tightly with aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap.
  3. Properly stored, it will maintain the best quality for about 2 to 3 months.
  4. When ready to use, remove it from the freezer, and transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw gradually for 24 hours.

More homemade pie recipes:

Cooking tips:

  • When rolling the crust, work quickly, this is very important. Once at room temperature, the butter will change in temperature and start to affect the texture of the dough.
  • While I prefer to make the dough for the top of the crust and bottom of the crust, you can double the recipe and divide the dough into two equal balls.
  • Also, if you decide to add the cheesecake layer, you will have to serve this dessert ONLY chilled.
  • At the same time keep in mind to not keep it at room temperature for more than 3 hours because of the cheesecake layer.
  • Allow the pie to cool for at least 2-3 hours before slicing. This allows the filling to set, making it easier to cut and serve without falling apart.
  • Homemade apple pie pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a delightful dessert experience.

Best Homemade Apple Pie

  • Prep Time30 MIN
  • Cook Time1H
  • Servings 8 slices

Ingredients

Pie Crust Bottom or use store-bought:

  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cold butter unsalted and diced
  • 1/4 cup cold shortening diced
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg optional
  • 4 tablespoons cold water

Pie Crust Top or use store-bought:

  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cold butter unsalted and diced
  • 1/4 cup cold shortening diced
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg optional
  • 4 tablespoons cold water

Cheesecake Layer Optional:

  • 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese room temperature
  • 1/4 cup white sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup cream room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Apple Pie Filling:

  • 2 20 oz cans (4 cups) apple pie filling or 6 cups if you are not making the cheesecake layer

Egg Wash:

  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon milk

Instructions

Pie Crust:

  • I prefer to make the bottom and top separately, it makes it easier to roll the dough. Follow the instructions and make two dough balls, one for the bottom and one for the top.
  • Add flour, salt, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg to a food processor. Add butter and shortening and process until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Add the water and pulsate to combine.
  • The dough can also be made in a large bowl, using a pastry blender or your fingers.
  • Shape the dough into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 3 hours or overnight.
  • Repeat to make the Top crust and also place in the fridge.
  • When ready to use, place waxed paper on a flat surface and lightly dust with flour.
  • Roll one dough ball out to fit a 9-inch pie plate.
  • Transfer crust to the pie plate and press evenly into the bottom and sides of the pie dish.

Cheesecake Layer (Optional):

  • Make sure all the ingredients are at room temperature before you begin.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer or in a large bowl using a hand mixer, beat cream cheese, flour, and sugar until light and fluffy on medium-low speed.
  • Add the rest of the ingredients from the "Cheesecake Layer" list and continue beating until well combined and creamy. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl with a spatula.
  • Add the cheesecake batter to the prepared bottom of the prepared crust. Level the top with a spatula.
  • Transfer to the freezer for about one hour, until the cheesecake layer is hard enough to pour the apple pie filling on top of it.

Apple Pie Filling:

Pie Crust Top:

  • When you are ready to bake the pie, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Roll the remaining dough ball out to fit a 9-inch pie plate and place it on top of the apple pie filling.
  • Another option is to cut one-inch strings and arrange them on top of the apple pie filling.
  • Trim the edges of the pie, leave a half-inch overhang. Fold the dough under itself and use your fingertips to seal it.

Egg Wash:

  • Whisk egg and milk until fully combined.
  • Brush the top and edges of the pie with the egg wash. Sprinkle some sugar on top.

Bake:

  • Bake the pie in the preheated oven covered with foil for 25 minutes.
  • Remove foil and bake for another 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the apple pie filling is bubbly.
  • Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack.

Serve:

  • The pie can be served immediately, warm if you didn't add the cheesecake layer.
  • Otherwise, let it cool on a wire rack, and after that refrigerate for at least 3 hours before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Facts

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Comments

(22)
Lavanda

Lavanda

Coming form someone with an absolute obsession with apple pie this recipe is amazing!!


Catalina Castravet

Catalina Castravet

thank you for the feedback! :)

Jess

Jess

Apple pie and cheesecake are two of my most favorite desserts! This looks amazing!

Everything Enchanting

Everything Enchanting

Looks delicious 😍. I love apple pie so much!I'll definitely give this recipe a try.

Christy G

Christy G

It’s been a long time since I’ve made a homemade apple pie. I’ll have to make one for Thanksgiving. When I see pie recipes, I always think of my grandma. She would make homemade apple, peach, and apricot. They had those trees in their backyard.

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