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Few desserts capture the warmth of home quite like a Classic Baked Spiced Apple Pie. With its flaky, buttery crust and perfectly spiced apple filling, this traditional pie is a celebration of comfort and nostalgia. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, Sunday dinner, or simply craving a slice of something sweet, this recipe delivers that cozy, made-from-scratch goodness every time.
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This apple pie combines tart Granny Smiths and sweet Honeycrisps for the perfect balance, with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to bring out the rich apple flavor. The golden, buttery crust is tender yet crisp, and the aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes is simply irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic flavor combination: Sweet, tart apples with warm spices and buttery pastry.
- Homemade crust: Flaky and tender—better than anything store-bought.
- Perfect for all occasions: Ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any family gathering.
- Make-ahead friendly: The pie crust can be prepared in advance for easy assembly.
- Customizable: Works beautifully with different apple varieties and spice blends.
This is more than just dessert—it’s the taste of tradition baked into every bite.
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Ingredients Breakdown
For the Pie Crust
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for a sturdy yet flaky crust.
- Unsalted butter (chilled): Cold butter ensures flaky layers that melt in your mouth.
- Salt and sugar: Enhance the flavor and balance sweetness.
- Ice water: Keeps the dough cold and helps it come together smoothly.
For the Apple Filling
- Fresh apples: A mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp provides the best balance of tartness and sweetness.
- Granulated and brown sugar: Add depth of flavor and create a caramelized filling.
- Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves: The trio of warm spices that define a classic apple pie.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the filling so it’s perfectly gooey without being runny.
- Vanilla extract and lemon juice: Brighten and enhance the flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create a glossy finish.
For the Egg Wash
- Egg yolk and milk: Create a golden, shiny finish on the crust.
Tips and Tricks
- Keep ingredients cold: Cold butter and ice water are key to a flaky crust.
- Use a mix of apples: Combining tart and sweet varieties gives balanced flavor and texture.
- Chill the dough: Resting the dough in the fridge prevents shrinking during baking.
- Avoid soggy bottoms: Sprinkle a little flour or breadcrumbs at the bottom of the crust before adding the filling.
- Protect crust edges: Cover with aluminum foil halfway through baking to prevent over-browning.
- Cool before slicing: Allow the pie to rest for at least an hour so the filling sets perfectly.
Variations and Customizations
- Dutch Apple Pie: Top the pie with a crumbly streusel instead of a second crust.
- Caramel Apple Pie: Drizzle caramel sauce over the apple filling before sealing with the top crust.
- Maple-Infused Pie: Substitute part of the sugar with pure maple syrup for a cozy fall twist.
- Mini Pies: Use muffin tins for individual servings—perfect for parties or picnics.
- Apple Cranberry Pie: Add a handful of dried cranberries for tartness and color.
Pairing Suggestions
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing—creamy, cold, and perfect with warm pie.
- Whipped Cream: Adds lightness and complements the pie’s sweetness.
- Hot Coffee or Apple Cider: Perfect beverage companions for cozy enjoyment.
- Salted Caramel Sauce: A decadent drizzle for extra richness.
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Cover loosely with foil and store for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days. Warm slices in the oven before serving.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil; freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Popular Questions
Can I make the crust ahead of time?
Absolutely. The dough can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator, or frozen for up to a month.
What are the best apples for pie?
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are classic choices, but you can also use Braeburn, Fuji, or Golden Delicious for a slightly different flavor.
How do I prevent the filling from becoming runny?
Be sure to use cornstarch, and allow the pie to cool before slicing. This gives the filling time to set properly.
Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Yes, if you’re short on time, a pre-made crust works fine—though homemade always delivers superior flavor and texture.
Classic Baked Spiced Apple Pie
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in chilled butter with a pastry blender or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in ice water, one tablespoon at a time, just until dough forms. Divide into two equal balls, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- In another bowl, combine sliced apples, sugars, spices, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Toss until evenly coated.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll one dough ball to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Transfer to the pan and trim any excess edges.
- Pour apple filling into the crust and dot with small butter pieces. Roll the second dough ball and place it over the filling. Trim and crimp edges to seal. Cut small slits on top for steam to escape.
- In a small bowl, whisk egg yolk with milk and brush over the top crust.
- Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, then reduce temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 35–45 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and apples are tender.
- Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for the most balanced flavor.
- Cover crust edges with foil if they brown too quickly.
- Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream for the best experience.
- You can prepare the crust a day ahead to save time.
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