Easy Homemade Apple Pie {from scratch recipe} - Little Sweet Baker (2024)

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This scrumptious and made-from-scratch apple pie recipe is so unbelievably easy to prepare. See how you can make this foolproof flaky pie crust and heavenly apple filling in just 30 minutes. Easy Homemade Apple Pie {from scratch recipe} - Little Sweet Baker (1)

This easy apple pie recipe is homemade goodness at its best. The filling is made of layers upon layers of fresh apples baked in brown sugar and cinnamon. The crust is incredibly tender and flaky. Serve it warm with some vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, and savor the moment. Easy Homemade Apple Pie {from scratch recipe} - Little Sweet Baker (2)

Why this easy apple pie recipe is so great:

  • The best flaky pie crust made with only 4 ingredients. All you need for this pie crust is all-purpose flour, vegetable oil, milk of any kind (dairy or non-dairy, so this recipe can be made vegan), and a little bit of salt. There is no chilling required, no food-processor or pastry cutter needed. All you do is mix and roll.
  • The best apple pie filling made with fresh apples and only 3 other ingredients. Other than apples, the only other ingredients you need to make the filling are brown sugar for sweetness, cinnamon for flavor, and flour to thicken the natural fruit juice that is released from the apples while baking (or else it will be like soup when you cut into the pie.)
  • There is no easier apple pie recipe out there that tastes as amazing as this one. Here is what my readers have to say:

“This is the BEST apple pie I’ve ever had! It was so easy to make and my husband and boys helped without any issues. I really love the flavor and how it’s not overpowered with sweetness; just perfectly balanced. Thank you for sharing- I will be adding this to my collections of favorites!” – Emily

“I decided to bake this with my kids and it was super easy with very little mess in the kitchen. In the end, we all loved it so much we made it together again a week later!” – Olivia

How to make apple pie:

(the ingredient amounts are listed in the printable recipe card further below)

Easy Homemade Apple Pie {from scratch recipe} - Little Sweet Baker (3)

  1. You start by preparing your pie crust. So in a large bowl, whisk together some flour and salt. Make a well in the center. Add in the milk and vegetable oil.
  2. Stir the mixture together. Then transfer the dough onto a sheet of wax paper.
  3. Gently knead it into a ball and divide into two parts. Roll each part in between two sheets of wax paper.
  4. Fit one piece into your pie plate. Set the other aside for the top crust.
  5. In another large bowl, toss together your apples, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Spoon the apple mixture into your pie plate.
  6. Top with the second pie crust. Seal and crimp the edges. Cut a few slits in the top crust for ventilation and bake for 45 minutes.

Easy Homemade Apple Pie {from scratch recipe} - Little Sweet Baker (4)

Expert tips:

  • Working with this pie crust is like playing with Playdoh. The texture of this pastry dough is different from most other pie crusts in that it’s a bit fragile and crumbly. However, that delicate texture is what makes this pie crust so tender and flaky, so it’s well worth it. When handling this pie crust, it might crack or break, but not to worry, just pinch and seal and patch it up as if you’re playing with Playdoh. This pie crust is very forgiving and easy to work within that sense.
  • Packing the apples. When you’re filling your pie with the apple mixture, pack in your apples as best you can, so when the apples cook down there aren’t any gaps.
  • How to tell when the pie is done. The best way to tell when most fruit pies are done is when the crust is golden brown AND the filling is bubbling.

FAQ:

  • Best apples for apple pie. Make sure you choose a firm variety so that it will hold its shape when cooked. Then choose a mix of sweet and tart for the best flavor profile. Here are some of my favorites:
    • Sweet – Royal Gala, Ambrosia, Honey Crisp, and Golden Delicious
    • Tart – Idared, Red Prince, Northern Spy, and Mutsu (aka Crispin)
  • Can you freeze apple pie? Yes, prepare the entire pie up to the point it’s ready for the oven. Wrap in foil or saran wrap, place in a large freezer bag, label and date, and store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready for pie, thaw overnight in the fridge, and bake as instructed. Here’s a great how-to article from King Arthur Flour.
  • How to store apple pie. Cover and store at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Easy Homemade Apple Pie {from scratch recipe} - Little Sweet Baker (5)

You might also like:

  • Toffee Apple Pecan Crumble Pie
  • Easy Apple Crumble
  • Maple Ginger Pear Pie
  • Homemade Blueberry Pie
  • Straight-Up Rhubarb Pie

Did you make this recipe? Please kindly leave a comment with your star rating below.

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Easy Homemade Apple Pie {from scratch recipe} - Little Sweet Baker (6)

Easy Homemade Apple Pie

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 32 reviews

  • Author: Lily Ernst
  • Prep Time: 30 min
  • Cook Time: 45 min
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8-10
  • Category: dessert
  • Method: bake
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

This scrumptious and made-from-scratch apple pie recipe is so unbelievably easy to prepare. See how you can make this foolproof flaky pie crust and heavenly apple filling in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Crust

  • 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp (5g) salt
  • 3/4 cup (155g) vegetable oil
  • 1/3 cup (83ml) milk (any kind, dairy or non-dairy works)

Filling

  • 8 cups sliced apples (about 6 large apples, approx 2 lbs, cut 1/4″ thick)
  • 1/2 cup (115g) packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425F and start by preparing the crust.
  2. Sift the flour twice, then whisk in the salt and create a little well.
  3. Pour in the oil, then milk and stir everything together.
  4. Once the dough starts to form, finish working it by gently kneading it on a sheet of wax paper. Dampen the work area with a wet cloth or paper towel to prevent the wax paper from slipping.
  5. Divide into two parts. Roll each part out in between 2 sheets of wax paper to about 11″ in diameter.
  6. Fit one piece into a 9″ pie plate by placing your hand underneath the wax paper and quickly flip the crust over and onto your pie plate. Fit it in with the wax paper, then carefully remove the wax paper and fix any cracks or tears by pinching and sealing the dough.
  7. Toss the apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour together. Spoon the apple mixture into the pie plate, packing in the apples the best you can.
  8. Place the second pie crust on top. Remove the wax paper. Seal and crimp the edges. Cut a few slits for ventilation.
  9. Bake at 425F for 15 minutes, then reduce oven temperature to 375F and bake for another 30 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling starts to bubble. Cover the edges with foil if it starts to brown too quickly.
  10. Let cool for 2 hours before serving.
  11. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.

Notes

If you want to make this recipe even simpler, feel free to use a store-bought pie crust for when you are short on time, but still want to be a rockstar in the kitchen.

Leftovers can be cover and store at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Working with this pie crust – The texture of this pastry dough is different from most other pie crusts in that it’s a bit fragile and crumbly. However, that delicate texture is what makes this pie crust so tender and flaky, so it’s well worth it. When handling this pie crust, it might crack or break, but not to worry, just pinch and seal and patch it up as if you’re playing with Playdoh.

This post was originally published on Jan 8th, 2016 and has been recently updated with more information, a new video, and new step-by-step photo instructions.

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by Lily Ernst on Jun 9, 2019 (updated Jan 24, 2023)

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  1. Easy Homemade Apple Pie {from scratch recipe} - Little Sweet Baker (7)

    AmyReply

    I love this recipie and I can’t wait to share it with my family for Thanksgiving and to be fair I love all of your recipies, my kids love this recipie to, tank you so much and have a happy happy holiday!!

    • Easy Homemade Apple Pie {from scratch recipe} - Little Sweet Baker (8)

      Lily ErnstReply

      You’re very welcome, Amy! Thank you for the kind words and happy holidays to you too!

  2. Easy Homemade Apple Pie {from scratch recipe} - Little Sweet Baker (9)

    Nereida M MunozReply

    Yes, I did make the pie as instructed… I did have problems with the crust, It probably needed more liquid. After it was finished baking I did give the tasted test…yes, I do like it. I will try again and I will add more liquid and hopefully, that will will.
    Yes, it is simple but apparently I have butter fingers!
    Thank you. Nereida

  3. Easy Homemade Apple Pie {from scratch recipe} - Little Sweet Baker (10)

    DouglasReply

    Made this pie again….thank you for this recipe, easy to meke

  4. Easy Homemade Apple Pie {from scratch recipe} - Little Sweet Baker (11)

    Valerie RobertsReply

    AWESOME🧡❗️🧡❗️🧡

  5. Easy Homemade Apple Pie {from scratch recipe} - Little Sweet Baker (12)

    ChristineReply

    This looks delicious going to try it this week/end will let you know how it comes out

    • Easy Homemade Apple Pie {from scratch recipe} - Little Sweet Baker (13)

      Lily ErnstReply

      Thank you and please do!

  6. Easy Homemade Apple Pie {from scratch recipe} - Little Sweet Baker (14)

    Carolyn GledhillReply

    Hi there, for the pie crust it says to sift twice. Do I sift before or after I’ve measured the 3 cups of flour?
    Thanks!

    • Easy Homemade Apple Pie {from scratch recipe} - Little Sweet Baker (15)

      Lily ErnstReply

      Sift after. Thank you for your question and I hope you enjoy the pie!

  7. Easy Homemade Apple Pie {from scratch recipe} - Little Sweet Baker (16)

    DouglasReply

    Your right!!!!…..super easy and soooooo good!!!….today I made it a second time in less than a week…..thank you so very much for a great recipe

    • Easy Homemade Apple Pie {from scratch recipe} - Little Sweet Baker (17)

      Lily ErnstReply

      You’re very welcome, Douglas! And thank you for kind words:)

  8. Easy Homemade Apple Pie {from scratch recipe} - Little Sweet Baker (18)

    Rebecca SpearsReply

    I’m going to make your apple pie now. Do I need to cook the apples before I put them in the crust?

    • Easy Homemade Apple Pie {from scratch recipe} - Little Sweet Baker (19)

      Lily ErnstReply

      No, you do not:) Enjoy the pie!

  9. Easy Homemade Apple Pie {from scratch recipe} - Little Sweet Baker (20)

    Antoinette RamosReply

    No, where are measurements??

    • Easy Homemade Apple Pie {from scratch recipe} - Little Sweet Baker (21)

      Lily ErnstReply

      Just above where you left this comment there is a recipe card with the measurements and full recipe instructions. Enjoy the pie!

  10. Easy Homemade Apple Pie {from scratch recipe} - Little Sweet Baker (22)

    YvonneReply

    Everytime I bake apple pie, I only use your recipe. Because it’s really easy and delicious. My family loves it everytime I bake it. Thank you!

    • Easy Homemade Apple Pie {from scratch recipe} - Little Sweet Baker (23)

      Lily ErnstReply

      You’re very welcome and thank you for your kind words, Yvonne! I’m thrilled that your family loves it:)

  11. Easy Homemade Apple Pie {from scratch recipe} - Little Sweet Baker (24)

    Jesusita I. RiveraReply

    I can’t believe I made this delicious apple pie from scratch. So simple that even I could make it and it was bomb!!! It tasted super buttery yet it had no butter. Flaky deliciousness not to sweet, just right. Thank you! First pie I have ever made and it was DELICIOUS!

    • Easy Homemade Apple Pie {from scratch recipe} - Little Sweet Baker (25)

      Lily ErnstReply

      You’re very welcome, Jesusita! I’m glad it turned out so well for you. Enjoy and Happy New Year!

  12. Easy Homemade Apple Pie {from scratch recipe} - Little Sweet Baker (26)

    LenaReply

    Thank You for the receipee..My Family loved it ❤ And so did I .

    • Easy Homemade Apple Pie {from scratch recipe} - Little Sweet Baker (27)

      Lily ErnstReply

      You’re very welcome, Lena! I’m so happy your whole family loved it. Thank you for your kind words!

  13. Easy Homemade Apple Pie {from scratch recipe} - Little Sweet Baker (28)

    Keri and LaurenReply

    This was the most delicious pie ever!!!! My daughter and I made it together for thanksgiving and did a lattice crust on top and used honey crisp apples. So yummy!!! I’ve saved in Pinterest and will definitely make again!!

    • Easy Homemade Apple Pie {from scratch recipe} - Little Sweet Baker (29)

      Lily ErnstReply

      I’m so glad to hear and thank you for your kind words, Keri! Enjoy and have a great weekend you two!

Easy Homemade Apple Pie {from scratch recipe} - Little Sweet Baker (2024)

FAQs

What must you invent to make an apple pie from scratch? ›

Usually, it's a bit of wisdom from an ancient philosopher, or something a bit trite from a self-help book, but on this particular day they had written up the quote from Carl Sagan, 'If you wish to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first invent the universe'.

Why should you use tart apples instead of sweet apples in a pie recipe? ›

Since the caramel sauce is ultra-sweet, she likes the fact that Granny Smiths have a bit of tartness. "They're firm and hold their integrity through the baking process. Plus, they're just so darn purty," she says. If you want to mix and match for a balanced flavor, be sure to use both sweet and tart apples.

Which is an excellent apple to use when baking a pie? ›

Jonagold or Jonathan.

Crunchy and sweet-tart, Jonagolds are a cross between Jonathan and Golden Delicious apples. They're one of pastry chef Paola Velez's favorite apples to use in pie along with Granny Smith and Honeycrisp.

Should I cook my apples before making pie? ›

Should you cook the apples before baking apple pie? You don't have to pre-cook the filling before spooning it into the pie crust, but it's a quick step I recommend. Just 5 minutes on the stove begins the softening process, and also helps the flavors start to mingle.

When you wish to make an apple pie from scratch? ›

“If you wish to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first invent the universe” Quote from Carl Sagan, American astronomer, cosmologist, astrophysicist, astrobiologist, author, science popularizer, and science communicator in astronomy and other natural sciences.

What is the best thickener for apple pie? ›

Cornstarch has thickening power similar to Instant ClearJel. Like flour, it lends a cloudy, semi-transparent look to filling. It can also give filling a starchy taste. For full effectiveness, make sure the pie filling is bubbling up through the crust before removing your pie from the oven.

What apples not to use for pie? ›

For more on all these apples, including what they look and taste like, see our baking apple guide below. There are a few apples that don't make the cut. While great for snacking, Gala, Fuji and Red Delicious are the most common apples that won't hold up in the oven and will give you a watery-mushy pie, tart or cake.

What is one thing you should not do when making pie crust? ›

In pie crust, you don't want gluten to form so you don't want to mix too much and overwork the dough. For a flaky crust, cut the butter so that chunks of butter about the size of walnut halves remain.

What combination of apples make the best pie? ›

My best apple pie would include a combination of these three: Cortland, for flavor; Russet, for texture; and Granny Smith, for its combination of the two.

What are the three best apples for apple pie? ›

The exact ratio is up to you. If you prioritize a more puckery pie, use mostly Granny Smiths and toss in a Honeycrisp and a Jonagold. If you like your apples to slump and soften, use mostly Golden Delicious with a Braeburn thrown in.

What is the sweetest apple for pie? ›

Honeycrisp apples are known for their intense sweetness and crisp snap. They're a delicious apple to incorporate into either pie or crisp filling because they pack a bold punch in the flavor department and are neither too wet nor too firm when cooked.

Should you mix apples for apple pie? ›

Mix Them Up

The best apple pies are made with a combination of varieties, according to Traverso. "Some apples are sweeter, some are juicier, some are lemony, and others syrupy. Some stay very firm and some soften in cooking," she says. "Multi-variety pies give you that whole spectrum of flavors and textures."

Why is my apple pie watery? ›

One of the chief reasons bakers end up with apple soup under the crust is failure to bake their pie long enough. There's almost no such thing as over-baking an apple pie; I've baked apple pies for 2 hours and longer, and they turn out just fine.

Which apples make the best applesauce? ›

Since you'll be cooking your apples down, your best apple picks for applesauce are softer varieties like Golden Delicious and Fuji. McIntosh has a tender flesh that easily breaks down when cooked, making it a great choice for sauce hausarbeiten schreiben lassen.

What materials do you need to make a pie? ›

Essential pie making tools
  1. Digital scale.
  2. Mixing bowls.
  3. Bench scraper.
  4. Pastry blender.
  5. Food processor.
  6. Rolling pin.
  7. Pie and tart pans.
  8. Rimmed baking sheet.
Mar 1, 2022

What does to make a thing as simple as an apple pie you have to create the whole wide world mean? ›

“To make a thing as simple as an apple pie, you have to create the whole wide world.” (Prologue, Page 1) The novel opens with Carl Sagan's comparison of the creation of the universe with making an apple pie from scratch. His words suggest that to make anything, one has to start from nothing.

When Carl Sagan said if you want to make an apple pie from scratch you must first invent the universe? ›

An Excerpt fromThe Sun Is Also a Star. CARL SAGAN SAID that if you want to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first invent the universe. When he says “from scratch,” he means from nothing. He means from a time before the world even existed.

How was apple pie created? ›

According to Food52, apple pie originated in England. It arose from culinary influences from France, the Netherlands, and the Ottoman Empire as early as 1390—centuries before the Pilgrims set foot on Plymouth Rock. Eventually, apple pie was brought to the colonies by European settlers, where the dish quickly caught on.

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