For generations, apple pie has been a symbol of warmth, tradition, and family gatherings. Every family has their own version, but nothing quite compares to Grandma’s Old Fashioned Apple Pie. With its flaky, buttery crust and perfectly spiced apple filling, this recipe is a timeless treasure passed down through the years.
Making apple pie from scratch may seem intimidating, but with a few simple steps and the right ingredients, you can recreate the magic of Grandma’s kitchen. This recipe uses fresh apples, warm spices, and a homemade pie crust to create a pie that’s bursting with flavor. The golden, flaky crust encases a tender, sweet-tart apple filling that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Let’s take a look at how to make Grandma’s Old Fashioned Apple Pie that’s sure to become a family favorite.
1. Grandma’s Old Fashioned Apple Pie Recipe
Ingredients
For the Crust (Double Crust Pie)
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 6-8 tablespoons ice water
For the Apple Filling
- 6-7 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (to thicken the filling)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
For the Topping
- 1 egg, beaten (for the egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
Cut in the butter: Add the chilled butter cubes to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You should still see some pea-sized bits of butter, which will create a flaky crust.
Add ice water: Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, while gently mixing the dough with a fork. Add just enough water for the dough to come together when pressed but not so much that it becomes sticky.
Chill the dough: Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disk, and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days).
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
Peel and slice the apples: While the dough chills, peel, core, and slice the apples into ¼-inch thick slices. Try to keep the slices uniform in size so they cook evenly.
Toss the apples with sugar and spices: Place the apple slices in a large bowl and toss them with the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. The sugar and lemon juice will draw out the juices from the apples, while the spices will add warmth and depth to the filling.
Add the thickener: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the apple mixture and stir gently to combine. The flour will help thicken the apple juices as the pie bakes, preventing the filling from becoming too runny.
Optional: Add vanilla: For an extra layer of flavor, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This step is optional but adds a subtle sweetness to the filling.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Roll out the bottom crust: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the dough disks into a 12-inch circle. Gently transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it into the bottom and sides of the dish. Leave about an inch of dough hanging over the edge of the dish.
Fill the pie: Spoon the apple filling into the prepared pie crust, mounding it slightly in the center. Dot the top of the filling with small pieces of butter. This adds richness to the filling as it bakes.
Roll out the top crust: Roll out the second dough disk into another 12-inch circle. Carefully place the top crust over the apple filling.
Seal the edges: Trim any excess dough, leaving about ½ inch overhang. Fold the top crust under the bottom crust edge and press them together to seal. Crimp the edges with your fingers or a fork for a decorative finish.
Cut vents: Use a sharp knife to cut a few slits in the top crust. This allows steam to escape as the pie bakes, preventing the filling from becoming too watery.
Step 4: Bake the Pie
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Egg wash and sugar: Brush the top crust with the beaten egg to give it a golden, glossy finish. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sugar over the top for added sweetness and a bit of sparkle.
Bake the pie: Place the pie on the center rack of the preheated oven. Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for another 40-50 minutes. The pie is done when the crust is golden brown, and the filling is bubbling through the vents.
Cool the pie: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the filling to set and makes it easier to slice.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve warm or at room temperature: Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Apple Pie can be served warm or at room temperature, depending on your preference.
2. Tips for Perfect Apple Pie
Use a mix of apples: For the best flavor and texture, use a combination of apples. Tart apples like Granny Smith hold their shape well, while sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Golden Delicious add sweetness and complexity.
Don’t skip the lemon juice: Adding lemon juice to the apple filling balances the sweetness and prevents the apples from browning too much as you prepare the pie.
Chill the dough: Keeping the pie dough cold is essential for a flaky crust. If the dough becomes too warm while rolling it out, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes to firm up.
Watch the pie while baking: If the edges of the crust brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil or a pie crust shield to prevent burning.
Let the pie cool completely: Allowing the pie to cool for at least 2 hours ensures that the filling sets properly. This makes slicing easier and prevents the filling from oozing out.
3. Variations of Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Apple Pie
Dutch Apple Pie: For a variation with a crumb topping, replace the top crust with a crumbly mixture of flour, butter, and brown sugar. The crumb topping gives the pie a crunchy texture and a sweeter finish.
Caramel Apple Pie: Drizzle caramel sauce over the apple filling before adding the top crust for a rich, indulgent twist. You can also serve the pie with extra caramel sauce on the side.
Apple-Cranberry Pie: For a festive touch, add dried cranberries or fresh cranberries to the apple filling. The cranberries add a pop of tartness and vibrant color, making this pie perfect for the holiday season.
Cheddar Apple Pie: For a sweet and savory twist, add a layer of sharp cheddar cheese between the apple filling and the top crust. The cheese adds a salty, tangy note that complements the sweetness of the apples.
4. What to Serve with Apple Pie
Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing for apple pie, a scoop of vanilla ice cream contrasts perfectly with the warm, spiced filling.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, creamy texture to balance the richness of the pie.
Cheddar Cheese: Some people enjoy a slice of sharp cheddar cheese with their apple pie—a traditional combination that adds a savory element to the sweet dessert.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the pie for an extra indulgent experience.
5. Storing and Reheating Leftover Apple Pie
Storing: Leftover apple pie can be covered and stored at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual slices for 20-30 seconds, although the crust may lose some of its flakiness.
Grandma’s Old Fashioned Apple Pie is more than just a dessert—it’s a slice of nostalgia that brings back memories of family gatherings, holidays, and cherished moments. With its flaky crust and perfectly spiced apple filling, this pie is a timeless classic that’s sure to impress.
