Easy Apple Pie Recipe — Classic Homemade Apple Pie

This easy apple pie recipe is perfect when you want a warm, comforting dessert without making a crust from scratch. Using a store-bought crust keeps it simple, while the filling is loaded with juicy cinnamon-spiced apples. For those who love a homemade touch, I also shared my favorite pie crust recipe so you can go classic if you want. Perfect for fall, the holidays, or any time you crave a cozy dessert.

Our family loves homemade apple pie topped with vanilla ice cream. Does yours? Are you looking for a different recipe? Find more apple recipes here. Pie recipes or see our dessert category.

Apple Pie With Store-Bought Crust

Easy as pie!

• Pick from a variety of red and green apples to make pies with. Pick apples that are firm, ripe, and crisp!
• Whether you go apple picking, go to the farmers market, or grocery store make sure to get at least 2lbs. or more.
• To make pies you need at least 6 cups of apple slices. I will link to a list of the best apples for apple pies below.

Recipe For Apple Pie

You can easily double this recipe to make 2 apple pies.

Ingredients for Easy Apple Pie (Store-Bought Crust Shortcut)

• Apples (6 cups)
  About 2-3 pounds of apples.
• Pie Crust (store-bought pie crust or homemade pie crust)
• Lemon Juice
• 1 teaspoon of Ground Cinnamon
• 3/4 cup of Sugar (granulated)
• 2 Tablespoons of Flour (all-purpose)
• Butter or Milk

I bought my apples from Target and combined them with apples from my son's apple tree with green apples. Are you headed to Target (or doing a pickup order) for Target Circle Week – Here's where to find all the deals!

Kitchen Tools You Need For This Recipe

• Measuring Cups (my fav especially for recipes like this) and Measuring Spoons
• Baking Spoon or Baking Spatula
• Large Mixing Bowl
• Paring Knife (or Apple Peeler)
• Glass Pie Pans or Pie Baking Dish (Prime Big Deal Days Early Deal!)
• Pastry Brush
• Aluminum Foil
• A Cutting Pie Knife/Server

List of Baking Essentials and Baking Tools – This will help you have the kitchen tools you need for baking season…

Step-by-Step Instructions for Classic Apple Pie

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375F° Degrees

Pull out the pie crusts to defrost or make the pie crust ahead of time.

1. Get out all the ingredients. Peel and slice the apples (see recipe notes for how to keep the slices from browning). Add 6 cups of apples to a large mixing bowl.
2. Add in the measured, sugar, ground cinnamon, and flour. Stir together well.
3. Next, place the bottom pie crust layer in the pie pan. Add the apple pie ingredients onto the bottom pie crust. Place the top pie crust layer onto the apple pie filling. Secure the two crusts by crimping the pie with your fingers. Make slits on the top of the crust with a knife.
4. Brush with butter or milk, and place the apple pie in the oven to bake. Take aluminum foil and wrap the edges of the pie crust around the pie. Place the pie onto a baking sheet covered with aluminum foil (optional) and put it into the oven to bake for 40 minutes. Then carefully remove the foil around the pie crust's edge and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes.
5. The pie is done when the apple filling has gotten bubbling hot and the crust is browned.

If you need to bake it longer and the top is browned make a foil tent and cover the top of the pie to protect the crust from over baking.

Let the pie cool. Slice and serve topped with vanilla ice cream. The hardest part is waiting. Enjoy!

Tips for baking apple pie

• To keep sliced apples from browning I put them in water with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice (lemon juice is optional) and some ice to keep them chilled. Then I drain them thoroughly before using them in the recipe.
• Baking the pie on a sheet pan will protect the bottom of the oven from any sugary pie filling overflowing in the oven (and making a huge mess).
• Place the pie in the middle of the oven to bake.
• The longer the pie cools, the thicker the syrup will become in the apple filling.
• Substitute ground cinnamon for apple pie spice if you prefer or don't have cinnamon.
• Use 1 tablespoon of butter (or less) or milk to brush over the top of the pastry/crust to help the crust get a golden color. Then sprinkle the crust with sugar. Do this before baking. The sugar is optional but, very tasty!
• Best Apples For Apple PIes

To Freeze Apple PIes – Cool Completely add the apple pie to a large freezer bag. Then, freeze for up to 4 months. For more tips, scroll down!

My Favorite Recipe For Pie Crust

I originally found this recipe in the NYT Magazine. I have tried it with American butter that is not Europen-style and it was good!! This is the best homemade pie crust I have ever made.

I can only imagine that using the recommended butter will make this pastry crust over the top delicious. The difference is that European butter is churned longer and has 82% more butterfat.

I make my pie crusts using a pastry cutter and mix it by hand. Note for the homemade pie crust: Refrigerate the pie dough for at least 4 hours before rolling out and baking.

Pie Crust Recipe

• 1-1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 10 tablespoons unsalted European-style butter, such as Plusgras, chilled, and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 2 to 5 tablespoons ice water

1. In a large bowl combine the flour and salt. Add the cold butter and use a pastry cutter to mix until combined into pea-sized pieces.
   Or use a food processor, briefly pulse together the flour and salt. Add the butter and pulse until the mixture forms pea-size pieces (3 to 5 1-second pulses).
2. Add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time. Do this until the mixture is just moist enough to hold together.
3. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it with plastic, and flatten slightly, into a disc shape. Refrigerate the pie dough for at least 4 hours before rolling out and baking.

(Resource Reference)

Tips for a Flaky Pie Crust

Even when using a store-bought crust, these tips can help your pie turn out perfectly flaky:

1. Keep everything cold – Chill your butter, flour, and even your mixing bowl for best results.
2. Don’t overwork the dough – Handle it gently to avoid a tough crust.
3. Use a light touch when rolling – Roll from the center outward, and rotate frequently.
4. Chill before baking – Refrigerate the pie for 15–30 minutes before baking to prevent shrinking.
5. Optional: Brush with egg wash – Gives a golden, shiny finish.

For a fully homemade pie crust, check out my favorite recipe linked above.

Image Credits ©2024 Theresa Huse DearCreatives.com

Variations on Easy Apple Pie

Make this classic apple pie your own with a few simple twists:

1. Caramel Apple Pie – Drizzle caramel sauce over the filling before baking for a sweet, gooey treat.
2. Crumb-Topped Apple Pie – Add a buttery streusel topping for extra texture and flavor.
3. Spiced Apple Pie – Mix in nutmeg, cloves, or allspice for a warmer, more aromatic pie.
4. Mini Apple Pies – Use muffin tins or tart pans to make individual servings for parties.
5. Apple-Cranberry Pie – Add fresh or dried cranberries for a tart, festive variation.

Serving Ideas & Storage Tips

Serving Ideas:

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a classic pairing.
• Add a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
• Cut into smaller slices for a dessert buffet or party platter.

Storage Tips:

• Room temperature: Cover loosely and store up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or foil; lasts 4–5 days.
• Freezer: Wrap in plastic and foil; store up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Tip: Reheat slices in the oven at 325°F for 10–15 minutes to refresh the crust and warm the filling.

Happy Apple Pie Making!

• New here? Be sure to Subscribe. Grab our bonus printable recipe binder and cooking resources. Plus, never miss a post with our newsletter!
• Don't forget to Pin it for Later
• Follow us on Pinterest
• Shop our favorites on Amazon

Print The Recipe For Easy Apple Pie

Speaking of apples! Check out This Week's Deals For the Picking!

Pin it for later

Pie Recipes

• Mini Pumpkin Pies
• Lemon Pie Recipe
• Inn Keepers Pie Recipe
• Peach Pie Recipe
• Lemon Ice Box Pie
• Icebox Cake Recipes and Icebox Pie Recipes
• Pie Baking Tools, Tips, and Resources
• Baking Recipes
• Treat Recipes
• Recipe Index

See all our dessert recipes in our dessert category

• New here? Be sure to Subscribe. Grab our bonus printable recipe binder and cooking resources. Plus, never miss a post with our newsletter!
• Don't forget to Pin it for Later
• Follow us on Pinterest
• Shop our favorites on Amazon