Apple Pie Recipe

The Cozy Homemade Apple Pie Recipe Everyone Adores

Sweet aromas of cinnamon and freshly baked apple pie waft through kitchens, promising comfort and nostalgia.

Memories of grandma’s classic dessert dance in our minds, tempting us with each delightful slice.

Seasonal apples become the star of this timeless treat, carefully selected for their perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.

Baking this dessert connects us to generations of home cooks who understood the magic of simple ingredients.

Crisp pastry and warm fruit create a harmonious blend that makes hearts smile.

Flaky crusts and tender apple filling guarantee pure satisfaction with every heavenly bite.

You won’t be able to resist the inviting warmth and delectable charm of this ultimate comfort food.

Nigella Apple Pie Recipe FAQ

  • How do I choose the best apples for this pie?

Select firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape and provide a nice balance of sweetness and acidity when baked.

  • Can I make the pie crust from scratch?

Yes, homemade pie crust is easy to make with flour, cold butter, salt, and ice water. It provides a flakier texture compared to store-bought crusts.

  • Why do I need to add flour to the apple mixture?

Flour helps thicken the pie filling by absorbing excess apple juices, preventing a soggy bottom crust and creating a more stable, sliceable pie.

Why People Love Nigella Apple Pie Recipe

Why People Love Nigella Apple Pie Recipe
  • Craft a Classic Dessert: Transform simple ingredients into a beloved pie that brings comfort and joy to any gathering, perfect for baking enthusiasts and novice cooks alike.
  • Master Quick Preparation: Combine ingredients swiftly with minimal kitchen skills, creating a delightful treat that looks impressive and tastes homemade without complex techniques.
  • Customize with Creativity: Experiment with spice levels, add nuts or different fruit variations, making this recipe a versatile canvas for personal culinary expression and family traditions.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Delight guests and family members with a universally loved dessert that sparks nostalgia and creates warm memories around the dinner table.

Nigella Apple Pie Recipe Ingredient List

Pie Crust:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The base foundation for creating a tender and flaky pie crust.
  • Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a light, crisp texture in the pastry.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the pie crust.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Apples: Fresh, crisp apples that will create the classic sweet and tangy pie filling.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a caramelized texture to the apple mixture.
  • Lemon Juice: Prevents apple browning and adds a bright, fresh flavor to the filling.
Spices and Binding:
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that provide depth and traditional apple pie flavor.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the apple filling and create a smooth consistency.
  • Egg: Used for brushing the crust to create a golden, shiny exterior.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a glossy finish on the apple filling.

Directions To Make Nigella Apple Pie Recipe

Directions To Make Nigella Apple Pie Recipe

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375 degrees Fahrenheit, getting it ready for your delicious pie adventure.

Step 2: Prepare Fruity Filling

Slice apples into delicate, thin pieces. In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  • Sliced apples
  • Granulated sugar
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Nutmeg
  • All-purpose flour

Gently toss ingredients until apples are evenly coated with the sweet and spicy mixture.

Step 3: Create Pie Base

Carefully place the first pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, allowing it to settle smoothly along the bottom and sides. Spread the apple mixture evenly across the crust. Dot the top of the filling with small chunks of butter for extra richness.

Step 4: Crown with Top Crust

Drape the second pie crust over the filled pie. Pinch and crimp the edges to seal in all the delicious flavors. Use a sharp knife to create several decorative slits across the top, allowing steam to escape during baking.

Step 5: Golden Finish

Brush the top crust with beaten egg, creating a beautiful golden sheen that will make your pie look professionally baked.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, until the crust turns a gorgeous golden brown and the filling becomes bubbly and fragrant.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Remove pie from the oven and let it rest for at least one hour. This cooling period allows the filling to set and makes slicing much easier. Serve warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Tips For Perfect Nigella Apple Pie Recipe

  • Choose Crisp Apples: Select firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and balanced sweetness.
  • Prevent Soggy Crust: Sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs or ground nuts on the bottom crust to absorb excess moisture.
  • Create Perfect Lattice: Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to make clean, even strips for a professional-looking top crust.
  • Boost Flavor Depth: Add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cardamom to enhance the apple pie's warm, complex taste.
  • Protect Pie Edges: Cover crust edges with aluminum foil during baking to prevent over-browning and ensure even cooking.

Ways To Change Nigella Apple Pie Recipe

  • Low-Sugar Delight: Replace sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a diabetic-friendly version that cuts calories while maintaining classic apple pie flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional flour with almond or coconut flour in filling, and use gluten-free pie crust mix to create a celiac-safe dessert.
  • Vegan Alternative: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use plant-based egg wash, and create crust with vegetable shortening instead of traditional ingredients for a completely dairy-free pie.
  • Spiced Harvest Remix: Add ginger and cardamom to the original spice blend, incorporate chopped walnuts into apple mixture for extra depth and crunch.

What To Serve With Nigella Apple Pie Recipe

  • Pair with Vanilla Ice Cream: Scoop a generous dollop of creamy vanilla ice cream alongside a warm slice of apple pie, creating a delightful temperature and flavor contrast that melts together perfectly.
  • Complement with Caramel Whiskey: Enjoy a smooth caramel whiskey that enhances the pie's warm spices, bringing out the rich cinnamon and nutmeg notes while adding a sophisticated adult twist.
  • Match with Chai Tea: Brew a hot, spicy chai tea that mirrors the pie's warm spices, offering a comforting and aromatic companion that elevates the apple pie's traditional flavors.
  • Serve with Whipped Cream: Top the pie with light, airy whipped cream to add a silky texture and subtle sweetness that balances the pie's robust apple and spice profile.

How To Store Nigella Apple Pie Recipe

  • Store leftover apple pie covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
  • Wrap the whole pie or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Place a date label on the package for tracking.
  • Warm refrigerated pie at 175C (350F) for 10-15 minutes. Cover loosely with foil to prevent burning. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the crust.
  • Let frozen pie thaw at room temperature for 2-3 hours before serving. Avoid microwaving to maintain the crust's crispy texture.
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Apple Pie Recipe

Apple Pie Recipe


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4.5 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Grandma’s classic Apple Pie brings nostalgia and warmth to kitchen counters across America, promising comfort in each delectable slice. Sweet cinnamon-kissed apples nestled in buttery, flaky crust invite you to savor a cherished slice of homemade tradition.


Ingredients

Scale

Fruits and Filling:

  • 23 pounds (10.4 kilograms) Granny Smith apples, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar

Thickening and Binding Agents:

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed

Crust and Topping:

  • 2 pie crusts (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 egg, beaten

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 190°C (375°F), creating an ideal baking environment for a golden, flaky pie.
  2. Combine thinly sliced apples with a harmonious blend of sugar, zesty lemon juice, warm cinnamon, fragrant nutmeg, and flour, ensuring each apple slice is thoroughly coated with the sweet and spicy mixture.
  3. Carefully drape the first pastry crust into a 9-inch pie dish, creating a smooth foundation for the apple filling.
  4. Distribute the seasoned apple mixture evenly across the bottom crust, strategically placing small butter dots throughout to enhance richness and flavor.
  5. Gently layer the second pastry crust over the apple filling, meticulously crimping and sealing the edges to prevent leakage, then artfully cut several steam vents to allow moisture to escape during baking.
  6. Delicately brush the top crust with beaten egg, which will create a lustrous, golden-brown finish when baked.
  7. Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, watching for a beautifully caramelized top and bubbling fruit filling.
  8. Remove from oven and allow the pie to rest and set for at least one hour, enabling the filling to stabilize and achieve the perfect slicing consistency.

Notes

  • Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture balance.
  • Slice apples uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent pie layers.
  • Toss apple slices quickly with lemon juice to prevent browning and add a bright, zesty undertone.
  • Sprinkle a light dusting of coarse sugar on the top crust for a gorgeous golden, crispy finish that adds delightful crunch.
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 45-50 mins
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 277
  • Sugar: 27 g
  • Sodium: 131 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 43 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Jackson Reid

Jackson Reid

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Single-serving recipe development
  • Global flavor fusion
  • Minimalist cooking techniques
  • Food photography and styling

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and hands-on kitchen training


Jackson’s love for cooking began one dish at a time. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Holyoke Community College’s HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he focused on what mattered most: creating recipes that are simple to follow and full of flavor.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Jackson brings together global influences and a less-is-more approach. His recipes reflect his belief that good food doesn’t need to be complicated; it just needs to make sense, taste great, and feel right.
When he’s not testing ingredients or adjusting seasonings, you’ll find him hiking near Asheville, exploring local markets, or chasing the best light for food photos.

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