Best Apple Pie
A classic apple pie featuring tender sliced apples spiced with cinnamon and orange peel, encased in a flaky double crust, perfect for comforting gatherings and dessert lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine sugar, cornstarch, grated orange peel, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Place peeled, thinly sliced apples in the unbaked double crust pie shell.
- Sprinkle the sugar mixture over the apples.
- Dot the apples with small pieces of butter.
- Moisten the pastry edge with water and cover with the top crust.
- Flute the edge with fingers or a fork to seal.
- Cut slits or decorative designs in the top crust to allow steam escape.
- Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 40 to 45 minutes until crust is golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a perfectly textured filling, use a mix of tart and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar to 1/2 cup. To prevent a soggy bottom crust, consider pre-baking the crust for 5-10 minutes before adding the filling. For an extra layer of flavor, add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the apple mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a classic pairing. This apple pie also pairs beautifully with Lemon Or Lime Fluff, adding a refreshing contrast to the sweetness. For a fun twist, try serving it with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover apple pie in the refrigerator, loosely covered with foil or plastic wrap, for up to 4 days. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. For a crispy crust, reheat in an oven rather than a microwave.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Best Apple Pie contains roughly 129 calories, with 1g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (17% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 881mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?
While fresh apples are preferred for the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen apples. Make sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture. You may need to adjust the sugar and cornstarch based on the sweetness and moisture content of the thawed apples.
What types of apples are best for apple pie?
Tart apples like Granny Smith, combined with sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp, are ideal for a balanced flavor. A mix creates a deliciously complex taste. Avoid cooking apples like Red Delicious, as they tend to become mushy during baking.
How do I prevent the crust from getting too brown?
If the crust is browning too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil halfway through baking. This will protect them while allowing the pie to continue cooking evenly. You can also reduce the oven temperature slightly to ensure the filling cooks through without overbaking the crust.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).