If you’re anything like me, there’s just something magical about a classic apple pie that feels like coming home. This Easy Apple Pie Recipe is my go-to whenever I want a comforting dessert that hits all the right notes—sweet, tart, and perfectly spiced. Whether it’s for a cozy night in or a special holiday gathering, this pie never disappoints and comes together without any fuss.

What I love most about this Easy Apple Pie Recipe is how approachable it is, even if you’re not a seasoned baker. Using simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a beautiful, flaky crust hugging tender, cinnamon-kissed apples that taste like fall wrapped up in every bite. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be your new favorite dessert to share with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work harmoniously for that classic apple pie flavor, balancing tartness with sweetness and a hint of warm spices. When shopping, I always recommend choosing firm Granny Smith apples to keep the filling from getting mushy and fresh lemon for that bright zing.

Pie crusts: I like using store-bought for convenience, but homemade crust works wonderfully too.
Granny Smith apples: Their tartness and firmness make for the perfect pie filling texture.
Granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to balance the tart apples.
Light brown sugar: Brings a lovely caramel note that deepens the flavor.
All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the filling so it sets nicely.
Ground cinnamon: The essential spice that makes apple pie feel like fall in a bite.
Ground nutmeg: Just a touch adds warm complexity without overpowering.
Lemon juice and zest: Brightens the filling, preventing browning and adding freshness.
Egg: For the egg wash, it makes the crust golden and glisten beautifully.
Sanding sugar (optional): Sprinkled on top for extra sparkle and subtle crunch.

Variations

I love how flexible this Easy Apple Pie Recipe is—you can easily tweak it to suit your mood or dietary needs. Don’t feel like sticking strictly to tradition; have fun making it yours.

Gluten-free crust: I swap in a gluten-free pie crust mix and it tastes just as amazing!
Mixed fruit filling: Sometimes I add pears or berries for extra dimension—it brings a delightful twist.
Less sugar: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugars by a quarter cup each. I do this often when my apples are ultra-tart.
Spice it up: Adding a pinch of ground cloves or ginger gives a nice warming note perfect for chilly days.

How to Make Easy Apple Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Peel, core, and slice your Granny Smith apples into half-inch slices—this thickness is key so they hold their shape while baking. Toss the slices gently with the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a large bowl. I like to let this mixture sit for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld and the apples soften ever so slightly without getting mushy.

Step 2: Assemble the Pie

Roll out one pie crust into your 9-inch pie dish, pressing it gently so it fits nicely. Pour the apple filling into the crust, spreading it evenly. Then cover with the second crust—this can be full, latticed, or even cut into shapes for a fun flair. Trim any excess dough, and crimp the edges to seal it all up. Don’t forget to cut small vents in the top crust if it’s solid—that lets steam escape so the crust stays crisp.

Step 3: Add the Finishing Touches

Brush the entire top crust lightly with the beaten egg wash. This step is such a game-changer for that gorgeous golden color and glossy shine. Sprinkle optional sanding sugar on top if you want a bit of sparkle and crunch when it bakes.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), then bake the pie for 15 minutes at this temperature to kickstart browning. After that, lower the heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling. If you notice the crust edges browning too fast, cover them with foil halfway through baking to prevent burning.

How to Serve Easy Apple Pie Recipe

Garnishes

I usually serve this pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream because the warm apples and cold cream combo is unbeatable. A light dusting of cinnamon on top adds an extra touch of cozy charm.

Side Dishes

For a full dessert spread, I like pairing the pie with caramel sauce drizzled on the side or a small plate of sharp cheddar cheese—don’t knock it till you try it! A hot cup of coffee or tea seals the experience perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I sometimes make mini individual pies or use themed cookie cutters to cut the top crust into leaves or hearts. It’s a simple way to impress your guests and add a festive touch to your Easy Apple Pie Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I find leftover apple pie keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. I store it loosely covered with foil or plastic wrap to keep the crust from drying out while preserving the filling’s moisture.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your pie, I recommend wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. When I freeze the pie unbaked, I thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake fresh the next day. This method helps maintain that fresh-baked flavor.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I pop a slice into a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until warm and the crust is crisp again. Microwaving works when you’re in a hurry, but it tends to soften the crust, so the oven method is my favorite for keeping that perfect texture.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for this Easy Apple Pie Recipe?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are ideal because of their tartness and firmness, you can mix in sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a more complex flavor profile. Just be mindful that sweeter apples might reduce the amount of added sugar you need.
Do I need to prebake the pie crust for this recipe?

No need to prebake the crust with this recipe. Baking both crust and filling together ensures the apples stay juicy and the crust crisps up nicely. Just keep an eye on the edges so they don’t brown too fast and cover them if needed.
How do I prevent my Easy Apple Pie from getting soggy?

One trick I use is to toss the apples with a bit of flour or cornstarch—this helps thicken the juices as it bakes. Also, making sure to cut vent holes in your top crust allows steam to escape, which keeps the crust crisp. Using firmer apples helps too.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the pie the day before, keep it covered in the fridge, and bake it fresh the next day. This is great for holiday prep to save time and still enjoy a warm, freshly baked pie.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover apple pie?

Reheat leftover pie slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps the crust crisp and the filling warm without drying it out. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crust flaky.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Apple Pie Recipe is more than just dessert—it’s a little slice of comfort that brings people together. I’ve made it countless times for friends and family, and it’s always met with smiles and second helpings. Give it a try, and I’m sure it’ll become your classic go-to too—there’s really nothing like the smell of a warm apple pie baking to make any day feel special.