Golden, flaky crust. Sweet-tart apple filling. A hint of cinnamon warmth. Few desserts capture the heart of American baking quite like a classic apple pie. Whether it’s served on a chilly fall evening or at a summer picnic with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this pie feels like a hug in food form.

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh apples, you can create a dessert that tastes nostalgic and comforting. Each bite brings together tender spiced apples and a crisp, buttery crust that flakes beautifully. It’s the kind of pie that doesn’t need frills to be unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love This Classic American Apple Pie

This pie is everything you want from a traditional dessert: balanced sweetness, a luscious apple filling that isn’t runny, and a golden crust that holds its shape with every slice. It’s dependable, it’s crowd-pleasing, and it will make your kitchen smell like a cozy bakery.

Whether you’re baking it for Thanksgiving or just a Sunday afternoon, this recipe is your go-to for a foolproof, delicious apple pie that never disappoints.

What Kind of Apples Are Best for Apple Pie?

The best apple pies use a mix of apple varieties for the most depth of flavor. You want a combination of sweet and tart apples that hold their shape during baking. Granny Smith is a classic tart choice, while Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Fuji add natural sweetness. Avoid apples that turn mushy like Red Delicious.

Ingredients for the Classic American Apple Pie

Name: Classic American Apple Pie
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 to 7 cups sliced apples (Granny Smith and Honeycrisp); 3 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup light brown sugar; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 double pie crust (homemade or store-bought); 1 egg (for egg wash)

A great apple pie starts with the right mix of fresh ingredients. The crust should be buttery but firm, and the filling should be juicy but not watery. Here’s what you’ll need to create the perfect pie.

Apples: The heart of the pie. A mix of tart and sweet apples provides balance and texture.
Granulated Sugar: Enhances the natural sweetness of the apples and helps create a thickened filling.
Brown Sugar: Adds depth and caramel notes to the filling.
Cinnamon: Brings warm spice that highlights the apples.
Nutmeg: A pinch adds cozy depth.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the juices so the pie isn’t runny.
Lemon Juice: Prevents browning and adds brightness to the filling.
Butter: Dotted over the filling for richness and to help with caramelization.
Pie Dough (for a double crust): Homemade or store-bought, this forms the vessel that holds all the flavor.
Egg (for egg wash): Gives the crust that shiny golden finish.

How To Make the Classic American Apple Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Peel, core, and slice the apples thinly. Toss them in a large bowl with lemon juice, sugars, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well coated. Let them sit for about 15 minutes to release their juices.

Step 2: Roll the Dough

On a floured surface, roll out half the pie dough into a 12-inch circle. Gently transfer it into a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it into the corners. Let the excess hang over the edge.

Step 3: Fill the Pie

Spoon the apple filling into the crust, spreading it evenly. Dot the top with small pieces of butter.

Step 4: Top and Seal

Roll out the second half of the dough and place it over the apples. Trim any overhang and crimp the edges to seal. Cut small slits in the top to allow steam to escape.

Step 5: Add Egg Wash

Brush the top crust with a beaten egg to give it a glossy, golden look.

Step 6: Bake the Pie

Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 20 minutes. Lower the temperature to 375°F and bake for another 35 to 40 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

Step 7: Cool Before Slicing

Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set before slicing. This helps the slices hold their shape.

How to Serve and Store Your Apple Pie

This classic pie serves about 8 people generously. It’s best served slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. If you’re saving leftovers, store the pie covered at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate it for up to four. To reheat, place a slice in the oven or microwave just until warm.

To freeze, wrap the baked (and cooled) pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep well for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

What to Serve With Apple Pie?

Vanilla Ice Cream

The classic pairing that never fails. Cold, creamy vanilla with warm apple pie is pure comfort.

Salted Caramel Sauce

A drizzle of warm caramel sauce brings out the rich notes of the apples.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese

A slice of cheese on warm apple pie is a surprisingly delightful combo rooted in tradition.

Whipped Cream

Simple and light, it complements the spiced filling without overwhelming it.

Spiced Chai Tea

A cozy drink pairing that enhances the cinnamon and nutmeg in the pie.

Hot Apple Cider

Apple on apple? Absolutely. This is a fall favorite pairing.

Maple Candied Pecans

Add a crunchy topping for extra texture and nutty sweetness.

Want More Pie Ideas?

If you love this Classic American Apple Pie, you might also want to explore other nostalgic or twisty pie favorites from the blog:

Baby Lemon Impossible Pies if you’re looking for a citrusy individual-sized dessert.
Creamy and Easy Egg Custard Pie for silky-smooth texture and old-fashioned charm.
Pecan Pie Lasagna when you’re in the mood for layers of sweet decadence.
Ooey Gooey Butter Cake for something buttery, rich, and just as crowd-pleasing.
Decadent Caramel Banana Pecan Cake if you like your pies in cake disguise.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go for a lattice crust or stick with the classic top? Did you add any twists like cloves or allspice?

I love seeing how others bring their own flair to timeless desserts. Questions and tips are welcome too!

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and more sweet creations on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your next baking obsession.

Conclusion

A Classic American Apple Pie is one of those recipes that feels like home. It doesn’t need reinventing because it’s already perfect as is: crisp crust, warm spices, and juicy apples all tucked into a sliceable delight. Whether you bake it for tradition or for fun, it’s a timeless dessert that never goes out of style.