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.

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.

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