5 Best Apple Pie Recipes Sweet and Delicious

Apple pie is a classic American dessert that's perfect for any occasion These 5 recipes offer a variety of fillings and crusts Enjoy a sweet and delicious apple pie that will satisfy your sweet tooth

Introduction Apples Pies The Quintessential American Dessert

Alright folks let's talk apple pie I mean seriously what's more American than apple pie Besides baseball and maybe arguing about politics nothing screams "home" quite like the smell of a freshly baked apple pie It's the dessert that graces Thanksgiving tables Christmas dinners and pretty much any potluck you can think of

But here's the thing not all apple pies are created equal You've got your classic versions your fancy-pants gourmet pies and everything in between That's why we've rounded up the 5 best apple pie recipes out there Each one brings something unique to the table whether it's a killer crust a mind-blowing filling or just that perfect balance of sweet and tart So grab your rolling pin and let's get baking

Recipe 1 Grandma's Classic Apple Pie Recipe A Timeless Treat

This is the apple pie recipe your grandma probably made the one that's been passed down through generations It's simple it's comforting and it's guaranteed to bring back some serious childhood memories

Ingredients for Classic Apple Pie Perfection

• For the Crust
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter cut into cubes
  • 1/2 cup ice water
• For the Filling
  • 6-8 medium apples such as Granny Smith Honeycrisp or a mix peeled cored and sliced
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter cut into small pieces

Instructions Baking Your Classic Apple Pie

1. Make the Crust In a large bowl whisk together the flour and salt Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs Gradually add the ice water mixing until the dough just comes together Form the dough into a disc wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes
2. Prepare the Filling In a large bowl combine the sliced apples sugar flour cinnamon and nutmeg Toss to coat evenly
3. Assemble the Pie On a lightly floured surface roll out half of the dough into a 12-inch circle Transfer it to a 9-inch pie plate Trim and crimp the edges Pour the apple filling into the crust Dot the top with butter pieces Roll out the remaining dough into a 12-inch circle Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape Place the top crust over the filling trim and crimp the edges
4. Bake the Pie Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly If the crust starts to brown too quickly cover the edges with foil Let cool completely before serving

Serving Suggestions for Your Classic Apple Pie

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream For an extra touch drizzle with caramel sauce

Recipe 2 Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe A Modern Twist

This recipe takes the classic apple pie and kicks it up a notch with a generous dose of salted caramel It's sweet it's salty and it's totally addictive

Ingredients for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Sensation

• For the Crust Use your favorite pie crust recipe or a store-bought crust
• For the Filling
  • 6-8 medium apples such as Gala or Fuji peeled cored and sliced
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• For the Salted Caramel Sauce
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions Baking Your Salted Caramel Apple Pie

1. Prepare the Crust and Filling Follow the same steps as in the Classic Apple Pie recipe for the crust and filling
2. Make the Salted Caramel Sauce In a medium saucepan combine the sugar and water over medium heat Cook stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves Continue cooking without stirring until the mixture turns a deep amber color Remove from heat and carefully whisk in the heavy cream and butter Stir until smooth and then stir in the sea salt
3. Assemble the Pie Pour the apple filling into the crust Drizzle half of the salted caramel sauce over the filling Top with the second crust cut slits and crimp the edges
4. Bake the Pie Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly After baking drizzle the remaining salted caramel sauce over the pie Let cool completely before serving

Serving Suggestions for Your Salted Caramel Apple Pie

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of sea salt For an extra caramel kick serve with extra salted caramel sauce on the side

Recipe 3 Dutch Apple Pie Recipe Streusel Topping Delight

This recipe features a crumbly streusel topping instead of a traditional crust It's perfect for those who love a little extra texture and sweetness

Ingredients for Dutch Apple Pie with Streusel Magic

• For the Crust Use your favorite pie crust recipe or a store-bought crust
• For the Filling
  • 6-8 medium apples such as Braeburn or Honeycrisp peeled cored and sliced
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• For the Streusel Topping
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter cut into cubes
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts optional

Instructions Baking Your Dutch Apple Pie

1. Prepare the Crust and Filling Follow the same steps as in the Classic Apple Pie recipe for the crust and filling
2. Make the Streusel Topping In a medium bowl combine the flour brown sugar and cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs Stir in the chopped nuts if using
3. Assemble the Pie Pour the apple filling into the crust Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the filling
4. Bake the Pie Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the streusel topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly Let cool completely before serving

Serving Suggestions for Your Dutch Apple Pie

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream For an extra nutty flavor sprinkle with toasted pecans or walnuts

Recipe 4 Apple Crumble Pie Recipe Easy and Rustic

This recipe is similar to Dutch apple pie but even easier to make Instead of a traditional crust it has a simple crumble topping It's rustic it's delicious and it's perfect for a casual gathering

Ingredients for Apple Crumble Pie Simplicity

• For the Filling
  • 6-8 medium apples such as Gala or Fuji peeled cored and sliced
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• For the Crumble Topping
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter cut into cubes
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts optional

Instructions Baking Your Apple Crumble Pie

1. Prepare the Filling In a large bowl combine the sliced apples sugar flour cinnamon nutmeg and lemon juice Toss to coat evenly Pour the filling into a 9-inch pie plate
2. Make the Crumble Topping In a medium bowl combine the flour brown sugar rolled oats and cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs Stir in the chopped nuts if using
3. Assemble the Pie Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the filling
4. Bake the Pie Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the crumble topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly Let cool slightly before serving

Serving Suggestions for Your Apple Crumble Pie

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream For an extra touch drizzle with maple syrup

Recipe 5 Vegan Apple Pie Recipe Plant-Based Delight

This recipe proves that you can enjoy a delicious apple pie without any animal products It's vegan it's flavorful and it's perfect for those with dietary restrictions

Ingredients for Vegan Apple Pie Plant-Based Goodness

• For the Crust
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup cold vegan butter or shortening cut into cubes
  • 1/2 cup ice water
• For the Filling
  • 6-8 medium apples such as Granny Smith Honeycrisp or a mix peeled cored and sliced
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons vegan butter cut into small pieces

Instructions Baking Your Vegan Apple Pie

1. Make the Crust Follow the same steps as in the Classic Apple Pie recipe but use vegan butter or shortening instead of regular butter
2. Prepare the Filling Follow the same steps as in the Classic Apple Pie recipe but use vegan butter instead of regular butter
3. Assemble the Pie Follow the same steps as in the Classic Apple Pie recipe
4. Bake the Pie Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly Let cool completely before serving

Serving Suggestions for Your Vegan Apple Pie

Serve warm with a scoop of vegan ice cream or a dollop of vegan whipped cream For an extra touch drizzle with maple syrup

Apple Pie Baking Tools Must-Have Equipment Review

Okay so you've got the recipes now let's talk tools You don't need a fancy kitchen to make a great apple pie but having the right equipment can definitely make the process easier and more enjoyable

Pastry Blender Review Best Tool for Crust Making

A pastry blender is your best friend when it comes to making pie crust It helps you cut the cold butter into the flour without melting it which is crucial for a flaky crust The OXO Good Grips Pastry Blender is a solid choice It's comfortable to hold durable and gets the job done Price around $15

Rolling Pin Comparison Wood vs Marble vs Silicone

A good rolling pin is essential for rolling out your pie crust You've got a few options here Wood is classic and affordable but can be harder to clean Marble stays cool which is great for preventing the butter from melting Silicone is non-stick and easy to clean The Fox Run Marble Rolling Pin is a good mid-range option It stays cool and is easy to handle Price around $30

Pie Plate Recommendations Glass vs Ceramic vs Metal

The type of pie plate you use can affect how your pie bakes Glass pie plates allow you to see the bottom crust so you can tell when it's done Ceramic pie plates distribute heat evenly Metal pie plates heat up quickly but can sometimes cause the crust to brown too quickly The Pyrex Easy Grab Glass Pie Plate is a classic and affordable option Price around $10

Apple Peeler Corer Slicer Is It Worth It

If you're making a lot of apple pies an apple peeler corer slicer can be a lifesaver It peels cores and slices apples in seconds saving you a ton of time and effort The Starfrit Apple Peeler is a popular and affordable option Price around $20

Mixing Bowls Stainless Steel vs Glass vs Plastic

You'll need a good set of mixing bowls for both the crust and the filling Stainless steel bowls are durable and easy to clean Glass bowls are great for seeing what you're mixing Plastic bowls are lightweight and affordable but can stain over time The Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls with Lids are a versatile and affordable option Price around $25 for a set

Apple Varieties A Guide to Selecting the Best Apples for Pie

Choosing the right apples is crucial for a delicious apple pie Different apple varieties have different flavors textures and levels of sweetness Here's a quick guide to some of the best apples for pie

Granny Smith Apples Tart and Firm

Granny Smith apples are known for their tart flavor and firm texture They hold their shape well during baking making them a great choice for apple pie They're also readily available in most grocery stores

Honeycrisp Apples Sweet and Crisp

Honeycrisp apples are known for their sweet flavor and crisp texture They're a popular choice for eating raw but they also work well in apple pie They tend to soften slightly during baking but they still retain some of their crispness

Gala Apples Mild and Sweet

Gala apples are a good all-purpose apple They have a mild sweet flavor and a slightly soft texture They're a good choice for apple pie if you prefer a softer filling

Fuji Apples Sweet and Juicy

Fuji apples are known for their sweet flavor and juicy texture They're a good choice for apple pie if you want a very sweet filling They tend to soften during baking so they're best used in combination with a firmer apple variety

Braeburn Apples Complex and Aromatic

Braeburn apples have a complex flavor with notes of spice and a firm texture They hold their shape well during baking making them a great choice for apple pie They're a good option if you want a more interesting and nuanced flavor

Ultimately the best apples for apple pie are the ones you enjoy the most Don't be afraid to experiment with different varieties to find your perfect blend

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Apple Pie Every Time

Making apple pie can seem intimidating but with a few tips and tricks you can bake a perfect pie every time

Keep Your Butter Cold

This is the most important tip for a flaky crust Cold butter creates pockets of steam that separate the layers of dough resulting in a light and flaky texture Make sure your butter is cold when you cut it into the flour and use ice water to bring the dough together

Don't Overwork the Dough

Overworking the dough will develop the gluten making the crust tough and chewy Mix the dough just until it comes together and then chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes This will relax the gluten and make the dough easier to roll out

Use a Mix of Apples

Using a mix of apple varieties will add complexity and depth of flavor to your pie Try combining a tart apple like Granny Smith with a sweet apple like Honeycrisp or Gala

Don't Overfill the Pie

Overfilling the pie can cause the filling to bubble over and make the crust soggy Leave about an inch of space between the filling and the top of the crust

Cut Slits in the Top Crust

Cutting slits in the top crust allows steam to escape preventing the crust from puffing up and becoming soggy You can also use decorative cookie cutters to create vents

Bake at the Right Temperature

Bake the pie at 375°F (190°C) for 45-50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly If the crust starts to brown too quickly cover the edges with foil

Let the Pie Cool Completely

This is the hardest part but it's crucial for a perfect pie Letting the pie cool completely allows the filling to set up and prevents it from being runny

With these tips and tricks you'll be baking perfect apple pies in no time Happy baking