If you’ve ever dreamed of the perfect homemade dessert that fills your kitchen with intoxicating aromas and wraps you in cozy nostalgia, then this Classic Spiced Baked Apple Pie Recipe is exactly what you need. This timeless pie balances tender, cinnamon-kissed apples and a flaky golden crust that melts in your mouth, making it an all-time favorite for any occasion. Whether you bake it for a holiday feast or a simple family gathering, this recipe brings warmth, spice, and that irresistible homemade charm to every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every unforgettable pie starts with simple, quality ingredients that come together beautifully to create that iconic balance of flavor and texture. Each component from the tart Granny Smith apples to the flaky chilled butter plays a crucial role in making this Classic Spiced Baked Apple Pie Recipe a definitive crowd-pleaser.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the tender, flaky crust that cradles the filling perfectly.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness in the pastry.
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to the dough for depth.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced: The key to a buttery, flaky crust that breaks apart with a satisfying crispness.
- 6 to 8 tbsp ice water: Helps the dough come together while keeping it cool for flakiness.
- 6 to 8 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced: Their tartness balances the pie’s sweetness beautifully.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the apples just right without overpowering them.
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour: Thickens the apple juices so the filling is perfectly set.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Adds warm, comforting spice to the filling’s flavor profile.
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg: A subtle nutty note that enhances the spices and apples.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: Brightens and balances the sweetness with a fresh zing.
- 1 egg yolk: Used for glazing the crust to give it a beautiful golden shine.
- 1 tbsp milk: Mixed with egg yolk for a smooth, glossy finish on the pie crust.
- Additional sugar for sprinkling: Adds a sparkling, sweet crunch on top.
How to Make Classic Spiced Baked Apple Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dough
Start by preheating your oven to a toasty 425°F (220°C) to set the stage for perfectly baked crust and tender apples. In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and sugar, then add chilled butter. Work the butter into the flour using either a pastry cutter or your fingertips until you see coarse crumbs—this texture is the secret to that flaky crust everyone loves. Slowly add ice water to bring the dough together, then split it in two, shape into discs, wrap tightly, and chill for an hour so it’s firm enough to roll out later.
Step 2: Toss the Spiced Apple Filling
Next, it’s time to awaken those apples! Toss your peeled, cored, and sliced Granny Smith apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice in a big bowl. The sugar sweetens, flour thickens, and spices create that warm, inviting flavor that’s the heart of the Classic Spiced Baked Apple Pie Recipe. The lemon juice keeps the apples bright and prevents browning—a little trick for a vibrant filling.
Step 3: Roll Out and Assemble
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of chilled dough into a 12-inch circle. Gently lift it into a 9-inch pie plate, letting the edges hang over. Pour the spiced apple mixture in, spreading it evenly. Roll out the second dough disk to cover the pie filling, then trim and fold the edges neatly, pressing to seal and flute for that classic look. Your pie is already starting to look like a masterpiece.
Step 4: Glaze and Add Finishing Touches
Whisk the egg yolk with milk, then brush this luscious glaze all over the top crust. This step is vital as it gives your pie that golden, glossy finish. Don’t forget to cut small slits in the crust to let steam escape while baking. Finally, sprinkle some sugar over the top to create a delightful sparkly crunch once baked. These little details elevate the Classic Spiced Baked Apple Pie Recipe from homey to showstopper.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop your pie into the hot oven for 15 minutes at 425°F, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C). Continue baking for 35 to 45 minutes until the crust is beautifully golden and the apples inside have softened to juicy perfection. Let the pie cool on a wire rack so the filling sets just right before serving—you’ll be rewarded with the ultimate comfort dessert.
How to Serve Classic Spiced Baked Apple Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream is the classic way to complement the spiced apple filling. A light dusting of cinnamon or a few crisp fresh apple slices on top can also brighten the presentation and add an extra hint of warmth and color.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a robust glass of apple cider. For a more indulgent spread, serve alongside caramel sauce or a sprinkle of toasted pecans to bring texture and depth to your dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual mini pies using this Classic Spiced Baked Apple Pie Recipe in ramekins or muffin tins. Alternatively, cut the pie into rustic wedges and plate with a drizzle of warm caramel or chocolate sauce to impress guests with a polished, restaurant-style finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pie is a treasure! Wrap any uneaten slices tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days to enjoy the flavors fresh and the crust still somewhat crisp.
Freezing
You can freeze the entire pie unbaked, wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil, for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as per instructions. Alternatively, slice baked pie, freeze portions individually, and thaw when craving a quick, homemade dessert.
Reheating
To revive the warm, melty goodness of the pie, reheat slices in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes. This refreshes the flaky crust and reheats the succulent spiced apples without turning soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples provide the perfect tartness and firmness, blending in sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp can add complexity to the flavor and balance the spices nicely.
How can I make the crust extra flaky?
Keeping your butter cold and handling the dough minimally are key tips. Work quickly to mix the butter into flour while keeping the chunks intact, then chill the dough thoroughly before rolling out to ensure a flaky texture.
Is there a way to make this pie gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Just ensure the blend includes xanthan gum or a similar binder to help maintain the structure of the crust.
Can I prepare the pie dough in advance?
Definitely. The dough can be made up to two days ahead and kept wrapped in the refrigerator. Just let it rest and chill; this actually helps develop a better crust when baked later.
Why do I need to let the pie cool before serving?
Cooling allows the apple filling to thicken and set, making it easier to slice and preventing the filling from spilling out. Plus, it lets the flavors marry beautifully for the best taste experience.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Spiced Baked Apple Pie Recipe is a true hug in dessert form—a warm, inviting slice of tradition that you’ll want to make again and again. Its perfectly balanced spices, flaky crust, and tender apples make it a standout at any table. So preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this timeless delight that’s truly worth every bite!
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Classic Spiced Baked Apple Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 1h 0m
- Cook Time: 1h 0m
- Total Time: 2h 0m
- Yield: 1 (9-inch) pie, about 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Classic Spiced Baked Apple Pie features a flaky, buttery crust filled with tender Granny Smith apples tossed in a cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar mixture. The pie is baked to golden perfection and finished with a sweet, shimmering top crust, making it the perfect traditional dessert for any season.
Ingredients
Pie Dough
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 6 to 8 tbsp ice water
Filling
- 6 to 8 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Top Crust
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tbsp milk
- Additional sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it is hot enough to start baking the pie crust.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix 2 1/2 cups flour, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tbsp sugar to combine the pie dough base.
- Incorporate Butter: Add chilled and diced butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, creating a flaky texture.
- Add Ice Water: Gradually add 6 to 8 tablespoons of ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough just holds together, ensuring proper consistency.
- Chill Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions. Flatten into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up before rolling.
- Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, 3/4 cup sugar, 2 tbsp flour, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss to evenly coat the apple slices with the spiced sugar mixture.
- Roll Bottom Crust: Roll out one disk of dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch circle. Place it into a 9-inch pie plate with the edges hanging over.
- Add Filling: Pour the prepared apple mixture evenly into the dough-lined pie plate.
- Roll Top Crust: Roll out the second dough disk and place it over the apple filling. Trim excess dough to leave a 1-inch overhang.
- Seal Edges: Tuck the edge of the top crust under the bottom crust edge and press to seal. Flute the edges decoratively as desired to secure the pie.
- Apply Egg Wash: Beat the egg yolk with milk in a small bowl. Brush this mixture over the top crust for a golden shine.
- Vent Pie: Make a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking, preventing sogginess.
- Sprinkle Sugar: Lightly sprinkle additional sugar on top for a sweet, sparkling finish.
- Bake Pie: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes. Then reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 35 to 45 minutes or until the apples are tender and crust is golden brown.
- Cool: Remove pie from oven and cool on a wire rack before serving to allow filling to set for clean slices.
Notes
- Use chilled butter and ice water to ensure a flaky pie crust.
- Granny Smith apples are preferred for their tartness and firmness, but other baking apples can be substituted.
- Letting the dough rest in the refrigerator prevents shrinking during baking.
- Make sure to vent the top crust to avoid a soggy interior.
- Cooling before slicing helps the filling set and makes it easier to serve neat slices.
